Skip to Main Content
Browse Careers
Air Force

Air Operations Support Technician

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

Apply Now

Skip to Section:

Overview Training Entry plans Part time options
  • Related Careers

    • Overview

    As a member of the military, Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide air maintenance support primarily in the areas of aircraft servicing and handling, general maintenance tasks, maintenance programs and projects, employment and training, supply and tool procurement/management, quality management, technical publication management, and maintenance records management. In supporting aircraft maintenance, AOS Techs perform pre and post flight inspections, aircraft handling tasks such as parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refueling, and cleaning of aircraft. AOS Techs in the Reg Force may also perform airfield and base security duties, including site and aircraft security, guard and access control duties.  

    Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide support in the areas of: 

    • Aircraft servicing and handling, 
    • Aircraft Maintenance Control & Records, 
    • Technical Publications Library, 
    • Quality Management, 
    • Employment and Training, 
    • Tool Crib, 
    • Consumable Stores, 
    • Project Management; and 
    • Airfield and base security 

    Work environment

    Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, shop environments and on the flight line. In geographic terms, employment can vary from CAF bases and wings within Canada, including the Arctic, to overseas locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments. They will also be called upon to perform some duties in airborne aircraft. AOS Techs are subject to the same environmental conditions as all others at sea while performing duties on board ship and specific environmental clothing and equipment is required; and AOS Techs are subject to the same environmental conditions as all others in the field. In deployed field conditions, shops are set up on tent lines where specific environmental clothing and equipment are required. 

    Career Overview

    Transcript

    I feel good, like, we're saving people.

    Hi, my name is Cpl Ashley Cameron. I am an Air Operations Support Technician at 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Trenton, Ontario. I come from a village in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick.

    What led me to become an Air Operations Support Technician was, I was originally in Anchor Lake before this. I had applied for Supply Tech and that was how I found out about this position.

    Being the first AOS Tech in Trenton has been a challenge, paving the route for more people to come into the trade. I guess it was just essentially difficult because they don't create a brand new trade very often.

    My job allows me to contribute to the RCAF through part-time service by supporting Maintenance Technicians in their primary roles of maintaining an aircraft and participating in servicing an elementary tasks.

    Some of the work that I do at 9 Hangar would be parking an aircraft, which is marshalling an aircraft into its parking spot, starting an aircraft, standing in front of the plane, talking to the pilot, making sure their engines are running properly.

    AOS Techs have a variety of different roles within the trade. Along with supporting maintenance crews, some AOS Techs can become a qualified spotter to search while on training or real Search and Rescue missions.

    This trade will consist of three different strands: Search and Rescue support, maintenance support and Wing Auxiliary Security Force.

    SAR support is going to consist of helping out the Search and Rescue Technicians, picking them up wherever they may land, helping them pack parachutes. Any type of support they really require, we'll be there to help them out.

    Working alongside maintainers is very rewarding. It allows me to learn many different aspects of maintaining an aircraft. For me, the best of the time of the day is when the plane lands and I work with my crew to get it ready for the next mission.

    We are also involved with airfield security, which could include guarding aircraft, conducting ground patrols or ensuring positive identification of personnel entering the airfield.

    One of the amazing aspects of being a part-time reservist is you can have a civilian career as well. For example, I'm a barber and I have my own barber shop near the base. So, I think I have the best of both worlds.

    I definitely look forward to it. I'm excited to see where it goes from here. Being there from the beginning, I'm excited to see it evolve and all it all turns out in the end.

    They like the help because there's a lot going on.

    Related Civilian Occupations

    • Airport Services

    Training

    The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

    Learn more about Basic Training here.

    Entry plans

    No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

    The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.

    Foreign education may be accepted.

    Part time options

    As a member of the Reserve Force, Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide air maintenance support primarily in the areas of assistance to Search and Rescue (SAR), airfield and base security, transport, and general duties. When working at Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadrons, Reserve Force AOS Techs maintain serviceability of a variety of SAR and medical equipment, set up and tear down parachute drop zones, transport equipment and personnel by vehicle or boat, and assist with diving exercises. AOS Techs also perform airfield and base security duties, including site and aircraft security, guard, and access control duties.  

    Reserve Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) will provide support in the areas of: 

     • Aircraft servicing and handling, 

    • Assistance to Search and Rescue (SAR), 

    • Airfield and base security, and 

    • Transport and general labour 

    If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.  

    Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required, arrangements will be made by the home unit.

    Typically, Reserve Force members work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 92.8 % of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.