Aircraft Technician
As an Aircraft Technician, you’ll certify the maintenance and servicing performed on some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, such as the P-8A Poseidon, C-17A Globemaster III and F-35A Lightning II. You’ll also perform routine maintenance across all aircraft systems. It’s critically important that the Air Force is equipped with high-performing aircraft and you’ll play a key role in supporting that requirement.
You’ll be a highly valued member of the Air Force, working with the world’s leading aircraft as you help protect our country.
What you'll do
In this role, you’ll be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of aircraft, airframe systems, engines and engine systems, landing gear, flight controls and other associated components, either on the tarmac or in the workshop. You’ll also get the opportunity to undertake a range of operations, including the launch and recovery of aircraft.
Your duties may include:
- aircraft flightline handling and replenishment
- inspection, removal and installation of aircraft components at all levels of maintenance
- performing aircraft reconfigurations, upgrades and modifications
- preparation and use of aircraft support equipment
- identification and demanding of aircraft spares
- preparation and packaging of technical equipment for transportation
- amendment and maintenance of technical publications
- inspection, maintenance, servicing, repair and fault diagnosis of a variety of systems and equipment, including:
- aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit systems
- flight control systems
- landing gear and brake systems
- pressurisation and surface ice control systems
- hydraulic and pneumatic power systems
- lubrication systems
- fuel systems.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and help you to lead teams of aviators in future.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for additional training and education options, leading to potential employment within areas such as Non-Destructive Inspection and Testing, or within Project Offices.
During your career you can apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personnel management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard, and You might further consider applying for Promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories.
If you’re good with your hands, naturally curious, enjoy mechanical and electrical work, and work well in a team, you’ll go far in this highly rewarding and specialised career.
You may be posted to most Air Force bases and other Defence establishments within Australia, however, initial postings will generally be to Air Force bases housing flying squadrons. Limited opportunities exist for future postings to overseas locations.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
There’s always something new and exciting to do and there’s always something new to learn.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in Year 10 English, Maths and Science (with a Physics component). This is the minimum standard required to facilitate understanding of the engineering principles taught on the initial training course.
Note: Consumer Maths, General Maths, Mathematics (General Mathematics) and similarly 'modified' Maths subjects are not suitable for this role.
If you haven't completed Year 10, you may be able to undertake an Air Force educational assessment to determine if you have the required education level for this role.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Preferred qualities include:
- well-developed hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- high level of oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- strong attention to detail and appreciation of safety requirements
- ability to work under pressure and in a wide range of environments
- be comfortable working in confined spaces and working at heights
- high level of maturity, accountability and integrity
- ability to work as part of a team.
Course: Air Force Recruit Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
During this training, you'll transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.
The major elements of the course include:
- personal development and teamwork
- parade drill
- weapon handling and firing
- airfield defence
- fire fighting
- physical fitness
- Air Force history, customs and traditions
- military law.
After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.
Course: Aircraft Technician Technical Training
Duration: 49 weeks (subject to change)
Location: RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
The training philosophy adopted by Air Force for Aircraft Technician technical training is based on the requirements of the Manufacturing and Engineering Assessment (MEA) 40718 Aeroskills Training Package and is aligned to the Competency Standards required for a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) (Release 2).
Training includes:
- aeroskills technical trade core training, including hand skills, aircraft safety, flight servicings, aircraft refuelling and marshalling
- aeroskills mechanical maintenance training, including component removal and installation and inspection, testing, and troubleshooting of a variety of engine and airframe systems and subsystems.
Upon completion, you’ll graduate as an Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (AC/W) Aircraft Fitter (AFITT) Grade 1 and be posted to a unit to undergo further skills consolidation and on-the-job training.
Following completion of the Aircraft Technician course and successful attainment of the competency standards, you will be issued with a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical), or its successor to meet Defence capability requirements.
Technician Progression Options
There are a number of career options available to you beyond the role Aircraft Technician. Advancement is in healthy competition with those in other technician disciplines and is according to Air Force requirements, regardless of which career path you choose.
Generally, after completing your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) obligation, you can also apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personnel management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard. You might also consider applying for Promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories.
Alternate career pathway to Non-Destructive Inspection Technician (NDITECH)
You'll also be provided with an opportunity to undergo competitive selection and training leading to NDITECH. Once NDI training is complete, you’ll progress from NDITECH Grade 1 to Grade 2, then progress through the ranks to Warrant Officer in competition with other NDITECH members.