The Aircraft Structural Fitter is a skilled tradesperson who is responsible for the inspection, testing, repair, manufacture, assembly, refurbishment and modification of Army aircraft structures and aircraft structural components including both metal and composite materials. The tasks include: wings, flight control surfaces, fuselage, engine structures, engine nacelles and engine intakes; removal and installation of airframe fasteners and structural components; plumbing and ducting; manufacture of metal-work jigs, forming blocks and general sheetmetal work items.

Duties

Fitting, inspecting, testing, removing, installing, repairing, assembling, manufacturing and modifying primary and secondary Aircraft structures and associated equipment mounting systems.

Educational Requirement

Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics and Science (with a Physics content) and one other subject.

Note: Consumer Maths, General Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' Maths subjects are not suitable for entry to the Technical and Trade Scheme.

Employment Training

Aircraft Structural Fitter Course (RAAF School of Technical Training): 42 Weeks

On-the-Job Training: 12 months

You will attend the RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) at Wagga Wagga NSW. The training at RAAFSTT provides an integrated approach incorporating nationally accredited theory and practical training on aircraft structures (maintenance) and documentation. Training is based on the National Aerospace Curriculum and is aligned to the Competency Standards required for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Structures Maintenance. This curriculum is industry portable and an accredited package. As the mode of training is accredited, there is now exportability of that trade qualification into the civil community providing a broader scope of employment in the future.

On completion of the course you will be posted to the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey QLD, to undergo initial on-the-job training (OJT).

On completion of the OJT period, you will be awarded a Certificate in Engineering (Aircraft Structures: Maintenance).

Employment Location

Aircraft Structural Fitters are employed in a variety of Aviation units throughout Australia including Oakey, Townsville and Darwin.

Pay

On completion of the training at RAAFSTT, this particular occupation is classified as a Pay Group 3, with progression to Pay Groups 4 and 5 on completion of both the composite repair course and prescribed OJT.

Further Training

As your career advances, you will have the opportunity to attain an Advanced Certificate in Aircraft Sheet Metalwork.

Civil Accreditation

On completion of the OJT period, you will be awarded with a Certificate in Engineering (Aircraft Structures: Maintenance) AQF 4.