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? 

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?

OFO No: 214405

Other names for Marine Engineer:

• Marine Architect
• Marine Designer
• Naval Architect

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip about Marine Engineering

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Marine Engineer?

A Marine Engineer is responsible for research and development of new marine vessels and equipment.

Some Marine Engineers may specialise in:

• Engine design
• Submarines
• Military vessels
• Cruise liners etc

Marine Engineers may work for the military, large marine vessel or parts manufacturers or consult to smaller companies.

What does a Marine Engineer do?

• researches marine vessels and equipment
• designs new vessels and / or parts / components / equipment etc
• draws plans using computer-aided draughting programs (cad)
• builds prototypes and tests them
• makes adjustments
• participates in the construction process
• liaises with other specialists etc electricians / plumbers / engineers / etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in marine vessels (boats, ships, cruise liners, submarines etc)
• good at maths and science?
• interested in engineering?
• analytical?
• intelligent?
• a team player?
• detail orientated?
• a hard worker?
• responsible?

How do I become a Marine Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree

• 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 with ECSA)
• Professional Review by ECSA
• Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.

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. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Mechanical Engineering Technician or Chemical Engineer or Marine Biologist

Is becoming a Marine Engineer the right career choice for me?

Other names Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Meet an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic?

Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics help to maintain aircraft. They assist the Aircraft Mechanic or Aircraft Engineer.

They replace and repair all the mechanical components of all types of aircraft.

They also perform routine inspections, and check all the systems.

Some Aircraft Mechanics specialise in:

• hydraulics
• propeller-driven planes
• engines etc

What does an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic do?

• inspects aircraft frames and parts
• reads manuals
• identifies mechanical problems and finds solutions
• finds hydraulic system problems, adjusts and repairs
• keeps up to date with regular maintenance
• installs new engines and other mechanical parts
• cleans engines
• keeps detail records

Are you … ?

• passionate about aircraft?
• mechanical?
• good with your hands?
• problem solver?
• systematical?
• person who pays attention to detail?
• team player?
• trustworthy?
• literate?  Good reading and writing skills?

How do I become an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test
• National Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance & Overhaul NQF 4

PATH 2

• Learnership – Aeronautical Engineering: Electrical NQF 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test
• National Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance & Overhaul NQF 4

PATH 3

• TVET (FET) Certificate NQF Level 3 or Grade 11
• National Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance & Overhaul N!F 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

National Certificate: Engineering Studies N1, N2 and N3

These can be done a lot of TVET (FET) Colleges. Check your local college.

• Workplace experience
• Trade Test
• National Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance and Overhaul (NQF Level 4)

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

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. 

The following are some private places you can train at:

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

• INTELEK TRAINING AND CONSULTATION:  Maintenance School (Boksburg)

• PHANTOM AERO TECHNICAL:  Maintenance School (Pretoria)

• SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TRAINING:  Maintenance School (Kempton Park)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Mechanic … or …  Aerodynamist … or … Aerospace Operations Technician   

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

OFO No: 311503

What is an Aeronautical Engineering Technician?

An Aeronautical Engineer Technician or Operations Technician usually assist or work alongside an aeronautical engineer. 

They help in the development of new aircraft and space vehicles.

They help design, build, test and maintain parts for air and spacecraft.  

They are also important members of staff on the flight readiness team. They assist with problems and failures by testing defective parts.

What does an Aeronautical Engineering Technician do?

• assists the aeronautical engineer where needed
• helps with inspections and maintenance
• sets up equipment and test to detect problems
• records data
• discusses information with engineering personnel
• repairs or replaces faulty parts
• builds and maintains test facilities   
• operates and calibrates computer systems   
• tests aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions

Are you … ?

• interested in aircraft?
• mechanical?
• a problem solver?
• observant?
• a person who person who pays attention to detail?
• methodical?
• team player?
• person who communicates well?

How do I become an Aeronautical Engineering Technician?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Mangosutho University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 2

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 years work experience (registered as Candidate Engineering Technician with ECSA)
• Professional Review by ECSA
• Designation: Only engineering technicians registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineering Technician.

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aeronautical Engineer or Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming an Aeronautical Engineering Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 214404

Other names for Aeronautrical Engineering Technologist:

OFO No: 214406

What is a Marine Engineering Technologist?

A Marine Engineering Technologist usually works alongside a Marine Engineer. They design and construct various marine vessels, offshore platforms and marine equipment.

They could work for the military, large ship building companies or companies that manufacture marine components and parts, like engines, etc.

What does a Marine Engineering Technologist do?

• designs and builds marine vessels, offshore platforms and/or components and parts
• makes sure equipment etc complies with safety standards
• makes sure ships etc are seaworthy
• makes sure engines and other systems are running efficiently

Are you . . . ?

• interested in boats, ships, submarines etc?
• interested in engineering?
• good at maths and science?
• observant?
• a team player?
• reliable?

How do I become a Marine Engineering Technologist?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (BTech)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Mangosuthu University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 2

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (BTech)

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

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. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Marine Engineer or Telecommuniations Engineering Technologist

Is becoming a Marine Engineering Technologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Aerospace Operations Technician?

Aerospace Engineering is the branch of engineering which studies design, construction and the science of aircraft and spacecraft.

If you have a love of aeroplanes together with a passion for mechanics or design, this would be good career choice for you.

Aerospace Engineering can be divided into two groups:

• aeronautical engineering
• astronautical engineering

Aeronautical Engineers:

• their main tasks include the design, manufacture, testing and maintenance of kinds of aircraft.  Aeronautical Engineers can specialise in any one of these departments.

Astronautical Engineers:

• they are also known as ‘rocket scientists’.  They work on spacecraft and satellites.  There are many areas in astronautical engineering which one can specialise in.

What does an Aerospace Operations Technician do?

• researches and designs new aircraft (aeroplanes, helicopters etc) or space ships, satellites etc
• researches and designs new instruments
• develops new flight technology
• developing new safety measures
• builds new aircraft, spacecraft or parts
• tests aircraft/airships and parts
• constructs and maintains test facilities
• repairs or replaces faulty parts
• records and analyses test data
• inspects, tests and maintains equipment to detect malfunctions

Are you . . . ?

• interested in airplanes?
• interested in engineering?
• good at mathematics?
• observant?
• reliable and trustworthy?
• a team player?
• a problem solver?

How do I become an Aerospace Operations Technician?

Most people who choose this career start off with a 4 year BSc degree in mechanical engineering. 

A 5th year Honours degree specialising in aeronautics can be done.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Mechanical Engineer or Aerospace Operations Technician

Is becoming an Aerospace Operations Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Meet an Aerodynamist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aerodynamist?

Aerodynamics is the study of air motion, particularly when it interacts with a solid object. 

Aerodynamists usually work in the design department of aeroplanes, spacecraft, vehicles including racing cars, ships and sailing vessels. 

They can even assist urban planners.

They study:

Lift

• By using shapes and curves to change air pressure so that ‘lift’ occurs.
  Wings of a plane, blades of a helicopter, sails of boat etc, are designed accordingly.

Drag

• Is the force that tries to slow things down.  The narrower the item the less drag or resistance it gives.

Thrust

• Opposite to ‘drag’.  It is the ‘push’ that moves things forward.  Jet engines, propellers etc. are examples of this.

What does an Aerodynamist do?

• does tests in wind-tunnels and adapts designs accordingly
• researches various fluid flows (motion of air) for specific requirements
• makes calculations and deductions
• balances design manufacture  
• designs wind-tunnel models
• controls specifications and implementations
• advises designers of improved modifications

Are you … ?

• design orientated?
• a problem solver?
• mechanically and technically astute?
• computer literate?
• a person who thinks out-the-box?
• scientific?
• a researcher?  Do you like conducting experiments?
• team player?

How do I become an Aerodynamist?

There is no specific course, diploma or degree in South Africa that specialises in aerodynamics, however, it is suggested or recommended that you start off with a background degree in aeronautical engineering. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aeronautical Engineer or Aeronautical Technician

Is becoming an Aerodynamist the right career choice for me?