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ame in NEWZEaland >> NMIT opportunities

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Chief Executive of the Aviation Industry Association, Irene King says it's been a case of the industry seriously underperforming in attracting the numbers over the past three years.

"Growth combined with an aging workforce and turnover each year the industry requires hundreds of new avionics technicians and maintenance engineers entering the workforce, yet we know that less than 100 engineers are graduating each year. The work doesn't go away so inevitably we are heading for a real crunch."

Highlight of NMIT program

At the end of the two years study, the students will be awarded L5 certificate.

Then they will be eligible to work on airline industries for two years. NMIT will take care of the students' placement in the airline industry. At the end of two years of experience they have to clear theory papers to get AME License.

After the completion of four years, the students have option to continue to work in Newzealand or they can move to their mother land.

From a student perspective, the industry shortage is all great news. Not only do they get a guaranteed interview with the key aviation employers in this country if they train at NMIT, they can also be assured of a highly paid and rewarding career that has opportunities to work on different aircraft and different countries as well as here in New Zealand.

Nature of the Work

To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics' engineers perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs and complete inspections required by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (NZCAA).

Many aircraft engineers (also called airframe engineers, power plant engineers and avionics engineers) specialize in preventive maintenance. They inspect aircraft engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories-brakes, valves, pumps and air-conditioning systems, for example-together with other parts of the aircraft and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts. They also maintain records related to the maintenance performed on the aircraft.

After taking an engine apart, engineers use precision instruments to measure parts for wear and use x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment to check for invisible cracks. They repair or replace worn or defective parts. Engineers also may repair sheet metal or composite surfaces; measure the tension of control cables; and check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the fuselage, wings and tail. After completing all repairs, they must test the equipment to ensure that it works properly.

Engineers specializing in repair work rely on the pilot's description of a problem to find and fix faulty equipment. For example, during a pre-flight check, a pilot may discover that the aircraft's fuel gauge does not work. To solve the problem, engineers may troubleshoot the electrical system, using electrical test equipment to make sure that no wires are broken or shorted out and replace any defective electrical or electronic components. Engineers work as fast as safety permits so that the aircraft can be put back into service quickly.

Avionics systems are now an integral part of aircraft design and have vastly increased aircraft capability. Avionics engineers repair and maintain components used for aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine and other primary functions. These duties may require additional licenses, such as Avionics 2, Electrical, Instrument and Radio/Radar licenses issued by the NZCAA. Because of the increasing use of technology, more time is spent repairing electronic systems, such as computerized controls. Avionics technicians also may be required to analyze and develop solutions to complex electronic problems.

Working Conditions

Engineers usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas. When hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly, they can work outdoors, sometimes in unpleasant weather. Engineers often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, engineers have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards and this can cause the job to be stressful.

Frequently, engineers must lift or pull objects weighing more than 70 pounds. They often stand, lie or kneel in awkward positions and occasionally must work in precarious positions, such as on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibration are common when engines are being tested, so ear protection is necessary. Aircraft engineers usually work 40 hours a week on 8-hour shifts, sometimes around the clock. Overtime work is frequent.

Training, Other Qualifications & Advancement

Most engineers who work on civilian aircraft are licensed by the NZCAA as an "airframe engineer" or "power plant engineer" or "avionics engineer". Engineers who also have an inspector's authorization (IA) can certify work completed by other engineers and perform required annual inspections and conformity inspections. Unlicensed producer tradesmen are supervised by those engineers with licenses.

The NZCAA requires at least 48 months of work experience for airframe, avionics or power plant licenses. Completion of a programme at a NZCAA recognized training school can substitute for up to two years of the work experience requirement. Applicants for all licenses also must pass written and oral tests with the NZCAA and demonstrate that they can do the work authorized by the license. To obtain an inspector's authorization, a LAME must have held a category license for at least 5 years, with 24 months type rating of hands-on experience. Aircraft training schools require that their students have at least NCEA Level Two or Sixth Form Certificate.

Although a few people become engineers through on-the-job training, most learn their job within the formal training school. NMIT offer both Certificate and Diploma training programmes in Aircraft Maintenance that could one day also lead on to a Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

NMIT quality standards, established by the industry advisory group, require that Level 4 Certificate engineers attend a minimum of 1,700 actual class room hours. Coursework in schools normally lasts for 24 months and provides practical training with the tools and equipment used on the job. In the future the NMIT Aviation School will be placing more emphasis on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials-including graphite, fiberglass, and boron-and aviation electronics, which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft. Additionally, employers prefer engineers who are "fit for purpose" and can perform a variety of maintenance tasks on real aircraft.

All aircraft engineers in the RNZAF acquire enough general experience to satisfy the work experience requirements for the NZCAA license. With additional study through NMIT, they may pass the NZCAA licensing examinations. RNZAF engineers do not have to complete the entire training programme.

Employment

Aircraft, power plant and avionics engineers held about 3000 jobs in 2005; about one third of these workers are licensed aircraft maintenance engineers. More than half of aircraft engineers worked for Air New Zealand the major air transportation company. Most of the rest worked for independent maintenance companies or companies that operate their own planes to transport executives and cargo. Few engineers and technicians are self-employed. Most airline engineers work at major airports near cities. Engineers who work for Air New Zealand are typically located in Christchurch or Auckland airports.

Job Outlook

Opportunities for aircraft, power plant and avionics engineers should be excellent for those who have completed a formal Level 4 Advanced Aircraft Maintenance Training programme. Employment is expected to increase at about the same rate as for all occupations through to the year 2011 and large numbers of additional job openings should arise from the need to replace experienced engineers who are expected to retire over the next 6 years. (Refer ATTTO Employment Report 2004)

Reduced passenger traffic-resulting from increased international carriers and the Air New Zealand events of March 2006 (Air New Zealand redundancies) has forced an Air New Zealand restructure to cut back flights and take aging aircraft out of service (767). However, over the next decade passenger traffic is expected to increase as the result of an expanding economy and a growing population and the need for aircraft engineers will grow accordingly. Furthermore, if the number of graduates from other New Zealand training programmes continues to fall short of employer needs, opportunities for graduates of aircraft maintenance programmes should be excellent.

Also contributing to favourable future job opportunities for engineers is the long-term trend toward fewer students entering technical schools to learn skilled aviation maintenance and repair trades. Many of the students who have the ability and aptitude to work on planes are choosing to go to university, work in computer-related fields or go into other repair and maintenance occupations with better working conditions and pay. If the trend continues, the supply of well trained aviation engineers will not easily be able to keep up with the needs of the New Zealand aviation industry.

Also contributing to favourable future job opportunities for engineers is the long-term trend toward fewer students entering technical schools to learn skilled aviation maintenance and repair trades. Many of the students who have the ability and aptitude to work on planes are choosing to go to university, work in computer-related fields or go into other repair and maintenance occupations with better working conditions and pay. If the trend continues, the supply of well trained aviation engineers will not easily be able to keep up with the needs of the New Zealand aviation industry.

Job opportunities in the next few years are likely to be the best at small commuter and regional airlines, independent maintenance organizations and in general aviation (GA).

Earnings

Median hourly earnings of aircraft engineers holding Level 4 Certificate and experience was about $18.00 in May 2005. The NZCAA licensed Engineer earned between $25.00 and $30.00. The opportunity for overtime within the industry is high

Level 3 NZQA Certificate (modern apprentice)	$12.00
Level 4 NMIT, NZQA Certificate (qualified technician)	$19.00
NZCAA Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer	$25.00
LAME with ratings	$35.00
Airport support activities for air transportation	$20.00

 
 Engineers who work on jets for the major airlines generally earn more than those working on other aircraft. Airline engineers and their immediate families receive reduced-fare transportation on their own airlines.

Many aircraft engineers and producer tradesmen are members of unions or covered by union agreements. The principal unions are the Manufacturing and Engineering Unions which still recognise penal rates for overtime worked.