Job Details

Other Ranks (Technical)

Aircraft Structures Trade is responsible for repair and modification of aircraft at either flightline or workshop level. Aircraft Structural Technicians are employed on duties which include inspection, maintenance, servicing, repair and fault diagnosis, manufacture, assembly, removal and installation of primary and secondary structure of aircraft and associated equipment. Types of material involved include carbon fibre, aluminium alloy, high strength steel and titanium. Composite, bonded, welded and conventional repair and modification may be carried out on aircraft structures such as wings, flight control surfaces, fuselage and engine structure.

Other tasks that may be undertaken by Aircraft Structural Technicians include aircraft flight line handling and replenishment, removal and installation of aircraft components under normal supervision at all levels of maintenance, disassembly and reassembly of aircraft components, manufacture and repair of aircraft plumbing and ducting, heat treatment and welding of aircraft aluminium and ferrous alloys, routine maintenance of tools and machinery used on aircraft, preparation and use of aircraft support equipment, identification and demand of aircraft technical equipment and spares, preparation and packaging of technical equipment for transportation and amendment and maintenance of technical publications.

Working Conditions. The working environment varies because of the nature of the work encountered. Members are often exposed to outdoor conditions and inclement weather, cramped or awkward working positions, confined working spaces, poor light conditions, and aircraft, machinery and equipment noise and vibration. Where possible, work is performed in shelters, hangars or workshops that offer protection from inclement weather. Workshops may be of the open structure or climate controlled type, depending on the maintenance performed. Work is often performed outside normal hours. 

Hazards. Inherent hazards exist in tasks associated with aircraft and engine operations, electrical supplies, toxic materials, Ionizing and non-Ionizing radiation. Tasks require constant care and development of safe working habits to avoid injury. Minor cuts and bruises may be sustained, but the possibility exists of sustaining more serious injury from machinery, plant, equipment and operational aircraft systems. Personal protective equipment is provided where necessary, and its use is enforced.  

Physical Effort. Some handling of both light and heavy tools and equipment is involved in daily tasks, with an occasional requirement for considerable strength for lifting and handling equipment, jigs, machinery, tools and components. While the physical effort required is normally low, on occasion, heavy and awkward objects must be manoeuvered in confined spaces. 

Manual Dexterity and Physical Co-Ordination. A high level of physical co-ordination and manual dexterity is required to perform tasks that involve the operation of hand and power tools, and machinery. Close tolerance fits of components, sometimes large and heavy, also requires that dexterity and co-ordination be of a high order. 

Speed and Accuracy of Movement. A high degree of accuracy of movement is required for most tasks; however, rapid response or great speed of movement is not normally required. 

Contact with Others. Aircraft Structures Tradespeople are required to frequently interact with other technical trades, engineering officers, and civilian staff. 

Probability and Consequence of Error. The probabilities of error normal to all engineering trades exist. The consequences of error can be severe in relation to property damage and could result in serious injury or death, and loss of high value assets. Errors in workmanship may also lead to expensive wastage of components and/or materials.

Responsibility for Money and Material. The job does not involve any responsibility for the care of money. However, accounting responsibilities require the custody and correct use of valuable technical equipment, tools, machinery, publications, materials, job items and other military assets. 

Trade Criticality. The duties of an Aircraft Structures Tradesperson are critical to the operational effectiveness of the RAAF. The trade performs a critical role in exercising judgement to ensure continued integrity of the airframe structure, systems and equipment. A high standard of workmanship is necessary to satisfy airworthiness requirements within the RAAF.

Handling of Classified Documents and Equipment. During the course of duties, Aircraft Structures Tradespeople may be required to handle classified documents and equipment.

Weapons Systems. Aircraft Structures Tradespersons are employed (almost exclusively) within one of the following Weapons Systems:

• Fighter (F/A-18 Hornet, Hawk, PC9);
• Maritime (AP3C Orion);
• Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and
• Transport (Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, A330).