Aircraft Structures Technician Aircraft Structures Technician is an occupation in the Canadian Forces . Aircraft Structure Technicians ( ACS Techs ) are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft components and structures . Background . The Aircraft Structures ( ACS ) trade was brought about during a time of fiscal constraints for the Canadian Forces . The ACS trade is an amalgamation of three aircraft maintenance trade ( Machinist , Aircraft refinisher , and Metal fabrication ) . The trade was officially integrated into the RCAF in January 1997 . ACS Techs perform multiple aircraft maintenance activities on and off the aircraft , such as sheet metal repair and fabrication , aircraft refinishing , industrial sewing , machining , and composite work . ACS techs can further their skills by applying for Occupational Specialty Qualification courses ( OSQ ) , which can include Quality Assurance Qpecial Metals Welding , advanced composite repair , Non - destructive Testing ( NDT ) , Helicopter Rotor Blade Repair , and special purpose machining . ACS techs may also be employed to conduct Elementary Aircraft Servicing tasks such as aircraft towing , aircraft starts , aircraft jacking , before flight check ( B - Check ) , after flight checks ( A - Check ) , as well as replenishing aircraft systems including fuels , lubricants , hydraulics , and all aircraft technical administration ( paperwork ) . Eligibility and educational objectives . ACS techs must have successfully passed the 13 - week Basic Military Qualification ( BMQ ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint - Jean - sur - Richelieu , Quebec . After graduating from BMQ , potential ACS techs will then conduct a 4 week Developmental Phase 2 ( DP2 ) " Common Core " Course at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering ( CFSATE ) as well as a 4 week " Basic Electrical Training " ( BET ) course . Upon completion of the aforementioned courses , potential Aircraft Structures ( ACS ) Technicians will attend a 38 week long course at CFSATE located at Canadian Forces Base ( CFB ) Borden , Ontario . This course covers everything they will need to perform their job once they are assigned to a Unit . The course is designed to provide the technician with the basic skill set required to perform elementary tasks . Some of the topics covered are ; user maintenance on tools and equipment , aircraft servicing duties , corrosion control , protective coatings and markings , textiles , machining , welding , aircraft structural repairs , and composites and plastics . Maintenance authorizations . Upon completion of the ACS course , ACS techs will be posted to a Royal Canadian Air Force Unit and begin their apprenticeship . The apprenticeship will last between 18 and 24 months , where they will have to complete their Apprenticeship Log Book . The Log Book consists of 22 task areas with numerous sub tasks that must be completed before they achieve Performance of Maintenance ( POM ) . Due to the inexperience of all new apprentices , ACS apprentices must be supervised by a qualified peer or supervisor while they are conducting aircraft maintenance repairs . Performance of Maintenance ( POM ) is the ability to be able to work by yourself and " sign " for your work , however , all POM work projects must be inspected and the paperwork can then be closed by the qualified technician . POM ' s are also the working force of the trade . After 4 years of working on aircraft , showing confidence , and the ability to perform aircraft maintenance properly , POM ' s can be recommended for Level " A " authorization . " A " Level is the authorization that allows a POM to sign for work and apprentices work . Level " A " Signatories typically tend to do more paperwork than hands on work as they are required to inspect all POM paperwork . The Level " A " signature certifies that the POM conducted a safe repair and that the associated paperwork is filled out completely and properly . As the Level " A " personnel are the only ones who can be granted the assessors authorization , they are also the teaching force for ACS Apprentices . Assessors are the only personnel who can sign off apprentice sub tasks as well as task areas , thus assessing their development as a technician . Working environment . ACS techs typically work in shops and on hangar floors , but can also find themselves on ships , in the field , or on deployment to the Arctic or throughout the World . Repairs for some Aircraft Structures can be difficult to access , so aircraft stands , awkward positions , or confined space entry may be required . ACS techs are required to lift and move heavy stock , materials , parts and equipment , and are regularly required to work long hours in a standing position , sometimes wearing full chemical suits with boots , gloves , and respirator , inside a heated paint booth . Hazards . The ACS trade is renowned for its hazardous working conditions . ACS techs are always in contact with various hazardous materials such as Polyurethane paints , Methyl Ethyl Ketone ( MEK ) , Zinc chromate Paint Primers , oils , jet fuel , paint strippers , and paint thinner s . ACS techs will also be exposed to noise , fumes , dust , odors , carcinogenic materials , and UV ( welding ) flashes . Due to the hazardous materials , ACS are issued personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to limit exposure to any hazards . As well as PPE , ACS have a special Hazardous Trade Medical which keeps an eye on any indications of exposure through blood testing , respiratory system testing , auditory system testing and other precautionary testing , to ensure ACS Techs safety . Conclusion . ACS technicians are a vital part of the Royal Canadian Air Force Aircraft Maintenance platform . They are always having to adapt their skills with the advancements in the Aerospace Industries . ACS techs are currently in the process of taking over the Aircraft Life Support Equipment ( ALSE ) from the Aviation Technician Trade in an attempt to be more deployable . By doing this the trade is almost doubling its numbers from 460 to 860 technicians Forces wide .