CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Meet a Aircraft Mechanic

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aircraft Mechanic?

Aircraft Mechanics are in demand!

The job of an Aircraft Mechanic is to keep planes operating safely and efficiently. People’s lives are at stake which makes this job extremely important. You have to be very responsible.

Aircraft Mechanics regularly service aircraft, overhaul engines and parts and test the every-day smooth running of the aeroplanes.

Some Aircraft Mechanics specialise in:

• hydraulics
• propeller-driven planes
• engines etc

Aircraft Mechanics are employed in airports, aircraft hangers, and aircraft constructing companies.

What does an Aircraft Mechanic do?

• makes safety inspections
• services of the aircraft regularly
  
• troubleshoots and solves problems
  
• overhauls engines and parts
• repairs parts / installs new ones
• tests various parts and engines
  
• orders parts
• keeps strict records
  

Are you … ?

• interested in aircraft?
• mechanically minded?
• methodical?
• a problem solver?
• patient?
• trustworthy?
• technical?
• organised?
• diligent?
• literate?  Can you read technical manuals?

How do I become an Aircraft Mechanic?

• Most Aircraft Mechanics do a BSc in Mechanical Engineering specialising in aeronautical engineering.

• Some do a BTech in Mechanical Engineering at a university of technology.

• Check with your local institution to see what they offer.

The following are some private placesyou can train at:

• DENEL CENTRE FOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT (DCLD):  (Kemptonpark)

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic … or …  Automotive Mechanic … or … Aerodynamist

Is becoming an Aircraft Mechanic the right career choice for me? 

OFO No: 315401

Other names for Air Traffic Controller:

What is an Air Traffic Controller?

According to research, a career in Air Traffic Control (ATC) is one of the most stressful jobs in the world.

Do you have the ability to work and stay calm under extreme stress? Do you have a love for flying or would love to be involved in the trafficking Air transport? Then consider working as an Air Traffic Controller.

Air Traffic Controllers maintain the safe orderly, expeditious and efficient flow of air traffic. They monitor the movement of aircraft along major air routes and around airports by giving pilots instructions and advice as to height, speed and course. 

The majority of controllers work at control centres as area controllers responsible for keeping aircraft flying the airways.

Others work as approach controllers dealing with aircraft movement into and out of the airport, or aerodrome controllers guiding aircraft through landing and to the terminal.

What does an Air Traffic Controller do?

• keep radio and/or radar contact with aircraft
• direct the movement of aircraft en route or at an airport
• instruct aircraft to climb or descend and allocate final cruising level
• provide information to aircraft about weather conditions
• make sure that minimum distances are maintained between planes
• handle unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic
• control take-offs and landings
• monitor approacing and departing and en-route control information

• Approach Controllers

are based at a control centre or an airport tower. They guide and sequence aircraft into the most efficient order for landing. This includes dealing with instrument landing systems that allow some planes to make automatic landings and making sure that planes are placed in holding patterns when airports are busy. 

• Aerodrome Controllers

take over to guide the aircraft through landing and to its parking stand at the terminal. Their roles may be further sub-divided into air control and ground control at very busy airports. Their activities include: controlling movements onto and off runways; handling the ground movement of planes around the terminals.

Are you . . . ?

• responsible?
• reliable?
• a person who can concentrate for long periods?
• observant?
• a good communicator?
• able to deal with pressure and emergencies?
• logical?
• a good planner?
• a problem solver?

How do I become an Air Traffic Controller?

• AIR TRAFFIC AND NAVIGATION SERVICES (ATNS):

To become a civilian ATC in South Africa, training is provided by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) through the Aviation Training Academy.  The course takes 4-6 years before you are fully qualified.  

‘ATNS is proud to provide bursaries for motivated and interested candidates to train to become Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCO’s)’ – ATNS  

http://www.atns.co.za

Minimum requirements:

18 year +
Grade 12 with Mathematics and English
South African Citizen
Medically fit

Once qualified you will begin your career as an ATC Assistant.  From here you will progress to Aerodrome Control and finally to Procedural and/or Radar Control.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Agriculture Pilot or Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming an Air Traffic Controller the right career choice for me?

18-02-2015 – Posted on Facebook

Other names for Aeronautical Engineer:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Aeronautical Engineering

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aeronautical Engineer?

Aeronautical Engineering is one of the most challenging and exciting fields of engineering where you work with the latest technology.

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineers are mechanical engineers who work to develop new technology for aviation, space exploration and airborne defence systems.

They usually work as part of a team where each member has a different area of specialisation and their responsibility can range from planning and designing  to manufacture and testing.

They can choose to specialise in many different areas and also in a particular product such as military aircraft, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc

They design and test some of the following:

• Aircraft
• Satellites
• Combustion engines
• Air-conditioning units
• Heat and strength of aeronautical materials
• Hydraulics etc

They could specialise in one or more of the following:

• Aerodynamics:

The study of airflow

• Propulsion:

The study of performance

• Systems:

Responsible for the integration of all fields

• Manufacture & Production:

Responsible for quality & safety control

• Avionics:

Responsible for the flight instrumentation

• Servo-& Power Systems:

Responsible for the stability and control of aircraft

• Certification:

Responsible for proving that the aircraft is airworthy

What does an Aeronautical Engineer do?

Other areas of the aeronautical engineer’s work would include:

• structural design
• construction
• navigational guidance and control systems
• instrumentation and communication
• production methods
• development & testing
• operations and maintenance

Besides being interested in aviation, other important qualities needed to become a successful Aeronautical Engineer are: accuracy and attention to detail and being a perfectionist with a technical mind and exceptional skills in maths and physical science.

Are you … ?

• interested in aircraft and engineering?
• good at mathematics?
  
• mechanically minded?
• a problem solver?
• computer literate?
• dedicated?
• trustworthy?
• hard working?
• a team player?

How do I become an Aeronautical Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

• North West University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand

PATH 2

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

• 3 years workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineer through ECSA)
• Professional Review with ECSA
• Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aeronautical Engineering

• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.

• SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY: (SACAA)

www.caa.co.za

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA: (ECSA)

www.ecsa.co.za

• SA AIR FORCE

www.saairforce.co.za

• TETA: TRANSPORT EDUCATION TRAINING AUTHORITY

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Diesel Mechanic or Millwright

Is becoming an Aeronautical Engineer the right career choice for me?

What is an Aircraft Welder? 

Aircraft Welders are in demand!

Aircraft Welders work on aeroplanes and other kinds of aircraft like helicopters and spacecraft etc. Their job is to weld and repair aircraft components. 

What does an Aircraft Welder do?

• repair aircraft components

Are you … ?

• interested in welding?
• passionate about flight and aircraft?
• safety conscious?
• good with your hands?
• a person with good eyesight?
• responsible?

How do I become an Aircraft Welder? 

You will need a Grade 10 + Mathematics + English  

CLICK HERE for more info and training about Welders.

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker or Tool, Jig & Die-Maker

Is becoming an Aircraft Welder right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is an Aircraft Trimmer? 

Aircraft Trimmers are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Trimmer is to maintain the interior of aircrafts and cabins. They need to maintain a high quality of service and stick to strict safety guidelines.

Examples of areas Aircraft Trimmers would work on:

• Curtains
• Cabin and cockpit seats
• Safety belts
• Carpets
• Side panels
• Blankets for insulation
• Cargo webbing (netting that stops cargo moving on the plane) etc.

They are also responsible for the safety rafts and life vests on the aircraft.

What does an Aircraft Trimmer do?

• manufacture, installs and repair aircraft interiors
• service and repair survival equipment (life vests, rafts etc)
• make routine checks
• make sure everything is safe and secure

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• perfectionist?
• responsible and reliable?
• safety conscious?

How do I become an Aircraft Trimmer?

You will need a trade qualification as an Aircraft Trimmer .

Training will include the following:

• Leatherwork
• Aircraft insulation blanket practices
• Sewing machine skills
• Maintenance of survival equipment etc

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 + Mathematics + English

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Interior Designer or Furniture Polisher

Is becoming an Aircraft Trimmer right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is an Aircraft Painter? 

Aircraft Painters are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Painter is to maintain the coatings on the aircraft.

The Aircraft Painter will have to be trained in safety, colour blending and painting techniques. Their work is physical, so an Aircraft Painter should be relatively fit.

The paints and materials may be hazardous so they have to be very responsible and careful.

CLICK HERE  for a YouTube clip of Aircraft Painters in action!

What does an Aircraft Painter do?

• wear protective gear
• work from a manual which has the design laid out
• use stencils when required
• sand and prime the aircraft
• colours, logos and branding must be done exactly right
• mix colours
• strictly follow safety instructions with regard to materials and paint

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• slightly creative?
• perfectionist?
• responsible and reliable?
• safety conscious?

How do I become an Aircraft Painter?

You will need a trade qualification as an Aircraft Painter.

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 or 12 with Mathematics + English

Places that may offer training/employment:

•  SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Baggage Handler or Airbrush Artist

Is becoming an Aircraft Painter right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:  672101 

What is an Aircraft Radiotrician? 

Aircraft Radiotricians are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Radiotrician is to carry out the maintenance of all communication systems on the aircraft.

What does an Aircraft Radiotrician do?

• test, repair and overhaul all communication equipment including navigational and electronic equipment
• maintenance checks
• removal of old or worn parts and replace with new
• troubleshooting and problem solving
• keep records

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• electronically minded?
• problem solver?
• responsible and reliable?

How do I become an Aircraft Radiotrician?

You will need a trade qualification as an Aircraft Radiotrician.

Minimum requirements:  Grade 10 or 12 with Mathematics + English

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Armature Winder or Architectural Draughter

Is becoming an right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:  672101 

What is an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic? 

Aircraft Instrument Mechanics are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic is to inspect, install, trouble-shoot, repair and maintain all the avionics equipment.

This could include:

• Radar
• Navigation
• Missile control systems etc

What does an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic do?

• inspect all the instrumentation systems on a regular basis
• read and interpret manuals
• repair and install electronic components
• test and trouble-shoot
• co-ordinate work with other team players like engineers
• interpret flight data to diagnose problems
• keep maintenance records

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• electronically minded?
• problem solver?
• responsible and reliable?

How do I become an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic?

You will need a trade qualification as an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic.

Minimum requirements:  Grade 10 or 12 with Mathematics + English

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Cable Jointer or Goldsmith

Is becoming an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is an Aircraft Electrician? 

Aircraft Electricians are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Electrician is to inspect, trouble-fault, repair and maintain all the complex electrical systems on an aircraft.

These could include:

• Landing gear
• Instrumentation
• Ignitions
• Lighting etc

Aircraft Electricians are specially trained people with a very responsible and demanding job. 

What does an Aircraft Electrician do?

• diagnose faults on the electrical systems
• perform regular checks
• maintain, repair and overhaul electrical components
• repair and install electrical components and wiring 
• ensure proper supply to all systems
• test electronic equipment eg generators, temp controls etc
• test air-conditioning, galley, power generators etc etc
• keep maintenance records

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• mechanically minded?
• problem solver?
• responsible and reliable?

How do I become an Aircraft Electrician?

You will need a trade qualification as an Aircraft Electrician.

Minimum requirements:  Grade 10 or 12 with Mathematics + English

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Electrician or Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic

Is becoming an Aircraft Electrician right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is an Aircraft Composite Structures Worker? 

Aircraft Composite Structures Workers are in demand! 

The job of an Aircraft Composite Structures Worker is to make sure aircraft are in good shape structurally. They are responsible for the physical parts, not the mechanical parts.

What does an Aircraft Composite Structures Worker do?

• maintain and repair plastic, fibreglass and honeycomb structures on aircraft
• flight controls
• spoilers
• llaps
• elevators etc
• inspects damage, repairs and replaces parts
• read and use manuals
• complete and keep records

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• responsible and trustworthy?
• accurate?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?

How do I become an Aircraft Composite Structures Worker?

You will require a Trade Qualification in Aircraft Composite Structures or other suitable trade

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 or 12 with English + Mathematics

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Aerosud
• Private Provider
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Fitter & Turner or Automotive Electrician

Is becoming an Aircraft Composite Structures Worker the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.