Aerospace Industry Trades Career Description
People with a trade in the aerospace industry are responsible for the control, maintenance and repair of specialised modem weaponry, aircraft instrumentation and related parts of the aircraft.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The following trades are now available in the aerospace industry:
Aircraft Avionician
Aircraft avionicians combine the trades of aircraft electrician, aircraft instrument mechanic and aircraft radiotrician. They are responsible for the line maintenance of aircraft. They must be able to diagnose and rectify faults in the electrical, instrument and radio systems, to ensure safe flight of the aircraft.
Aircraft Electrician
The satisfactory performance of any modem aircraft depends to a large extent on the continuing reliability of all electrical systems. Aircraft electricians must be able to diagnose faults on the electrical systems, carry out periodic inspections, maintain, repair and overhaul all electrical components. Aircraft electricians are furthermore responsible for the repair and installation of all electrical components, as well as the wiring of the aircraft, to ensure a power supply to all systems. The use of electronic test equipment plays an important role in this mustering.
Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
Aircraft instrument mechanics are actually electronic instrument mechanics. People with steady hands are required for repairs as they work with delicate and sensitive equipment. Measuring and testing equipment are used for the tracing of circuits and the measuring of circuit values. Aircraft instrument mechanics are trained to repair, test and install navigational and flying instruments, such as the automatic pilot and electronic compasses.
The formal training course includes principles of electricity, magnetic and electromagnetic principles, the theory of aircraft instruments and electronics. Aircraft instrument mechanics are responsible for repairing damage to the airframe of an aircraft, the manufacture and installation of new airframe panels, inspection, testing, repair and manufacture of rubber, plastic and fibre glass components, which are used both on aircraft and ground equipment.
Aircraft Mechanic
In this trade apprentices are taught the skills and procedures necessary to carry out diagnosis, rectification and maintenance of aircraft structures and their related components and the embodiment of approved modifications. This includes airframes, flying controls, retractable undercarriages, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, pressurisation and propellers. They learn to set up flying and engine controls, and to test for their correct functioning.
The correct functioning of aircraft engines is of great importance which makes this an even more exacting trade, requiring a thorough knowledge of the ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the manufacture of various jet engine types, the stripping, inspection, balancing and assembly of engine components and accessories. Apprentices are taught to dismantle, inspect and reassemble engines within manufacturers' specifications. They are required to overhaul the entire engine operating accessories such as fuel pumps, injection systems, turbo-chargers, etc. On completion of the overhaul the engines are either refitted to the airframe, or put in test rigs, and test run. They are instructed in all aspects of this work and, furthermore, are trained in the overhauling of constant-speed
propellers, including the constant-speed unit. Training is also given in basic fitting and workshop practice.
Aircraft Radiotrician
A thorough knowledge is required for the maintenance of all communication equipment that is used in the aircraft industry. To check, repair and test all radio equipment, aircraft radiotricians use overhaul manuals as guide to construct all basic aircraft systems applicable to the trade. After repair and the necessary tests they are responsible for the installation of radio equipment into the aircraft.
Aircraft Structures Worker
Aircraft structures workers are trained to mark off, develop, manufacture and maintain airframes and engine components and parts. The formal training course includes basic fitting and workshop practice; sheet metal work, including the development, flex and repair of stressed skin, design and manufacture on components and modifications as laid down from time to time. An interest in technical drawing as well as metallurgy plays an important role.
Aircraft Welder
Although apprentices are initially trained under the auspices of the Aerospace Industry Training Board, the final touches to their training is provided by Denel Aviation in order that they may receive approval as aircraft welders from the Department of Transport (Chief Directorate: Civil Aviation). After they qualify they still need to pass a practical welding test annually to retain their approval.
Electrician
This is not a specific aerospace trade. A thorough knowledge is required in the general electrical field. Electricians do installation, maintenance and repair of single- and threephase equipment and appliances. Outlets and lighting are also installed and maintained by them. The voltages that they work with include high-tension and low-tension, above and below 600 volt respectively.
Electronics Mechanician
Electronics mechanicians are required to repair and maintain electronic as well as mechanical aspects of various equipment. This is not a specific aerospace trade. Electronic mechanicians are also found in other industries.
Fitter and Turner
Fitters and Turners are trained to manufacture parts and aircraft components. Their training consists of fitting and machine work such as grinding, milling, turning and shaping. Another important part of their training is the "V" type and square threads. To be able to manufacture parts and components to very small tolerances a high standard must be obtained.
Radartrician
Radar systems are used in aircraft as well as on the ground and radartricians are responsible for this equipment in the aircraft. Repair manuals serve as guidelines for the construction of all basic systems on and in the aircraft, and further responsibilities are the routine maintenance, fault diagnoses and repair of radar equipment. The formal training course includes principles of electricity, electronics, digital techniques, radar transmitters, receivers microwave techniques and aerials.
Tool and Jigmaker
The responsibilities of toolmakers are to develop, maintain and repair different jigs and fIxtures, such as form-cutting, drilling and bending jigs that are used to manufacture aircraft parts. The machines used to make up jigs and fIxtures are grinders, lathes, milling, shaping and drilling machines. Hand tools and bench work is also involved in making jigs. The quality of the work requires accuracy, as parts are manufactured to very small tolerances.
Turner and Machinist
Turners and machinists are responsible for the machining of a wide range of aircraft components to a high degree of accuracy by making use of all types of machines, including lathes, milling machines, grinders and drilling machines. Turners and machinists can also specialise in various fIelds for example horizontal boring, gear cutting, etc.
The South African Air Force offers the following additional apprenticeship mustering:
Aircraft Machinist
They are responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of metal parts for aircraft and support equipment and all electroplating work, which includes the chemical treatment and preparation of parts.
Electromechanician
They are responsible for the installation of air reconnaissance equipment in allocated aircraft and the development of photographs. Other functions include the manning of laboratories, the service and repair of air reconnaissance equipment and the taking of different types of photographs.
Aircraft Weapons Electromechanician
This trade consists of the maintenance, repair and installation of air weaponry, inspection, testing and adjustment of machine-guns, aircraft cannons, bombs, rockets and ejection seats.
Aircraft Spray-Painter
Spray-painting of aircraft according to the prescribed specifIcations is done by aircraft spray-painters and includes, for example, the refurbishment of painted surfaces and the painting of new panels and instructions on the aircraft.
Aircraft Survival Equipment Fitter
They are responsible for the maintenance, repair and testing of both aircraft and personal safety and survival equipment. This includes parachutes, survival clothing and equipment.
Constructor (Civil)
They are responsible for the building and maintenance, as well as the repair of war damaged runways at all Air Force airfIelds. Tasks include the analysis of soil samples, transportation of explosives and the control of construction machinery.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Prospective candidates should have a mechanical and technical interest and ability. They must be patient, have good eye-hand coordination and be cautious in testing aircraft components and in performing very delicate and accurate adjustments. They must also have a very good sense of responsibility and must not be colour-blind or have a fear of heights. Good health is of utmost importance.
Where can I work?
People can be employed at the Air Force, the Airways and private aircraft companies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Self-employment is not possible in this field.
|
