Aircraft Maintenance

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

An aircraft maintenance technician works in the commercial, military, and public service sectors, performing a range of processes on aeronautical products. They have a critical responsibility to work professionally to ensure the safety of customers and operational personnel while maintaining the reputation of the team or organization.

The aircraft maintenance technician normally works in an aircraft hangar. However, there are times when working outdoors is required. They may work for large and small organizations and occasionally directly for individual customers. They will undertake a number of processes including inspection, servicing, modifying, troubleshooting, removal, installation, rigging, testing, and repairing. An aircraft maintenance technician may specialize by working on particular aeronautical products such as helicopters, airliners, UAVs (Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicles), or tilt wing aircraft. Key attributes required by all aircraft maintenance technicians wherever they work are efficient work organization, self-management, communication, interpersonal skills and problem-solving. They must have the ability to work safely and rigorously adhere to industry regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. These universal traits are the benchmark of an outstanding aircraft maintenance technician.

In a mobile labour market, the aircraft maintenance technician may work in teams, or alone, or in both from time to time. Whatever the structure of the work, the trained and experienced aircraft maintenance technician takes on a high level of personal responsibility and autonomy. From safeguarding the safety of the customer through scrupulous attention to safe working, to undertaking complex repairs, every process matters and mistakes can be life threatening. The aircraft maintenance technician is one of the last lines of defence to ensure the safety of the aircraft before flight.

As a part of a global industry, the aircraft maintenance technician faces rapidly expanding opportunities and challenges such as maintaining drones or space vehicles. For the talented aircraft maintenance technician there are many commercial and international opportunities; however, these carry with them the need to understand and work with different regulations, cultures, and technological advancements. The diversity of skills associated with aircraft maintenance is therefore likely to expand.

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work Organization and Management	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The Company Maintenance Policy Manual (MPM) ATA chapters or equivalent Health and safety legislation, obligations, and documentation Approved manuals, data from manufacturers and government Situations when personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used, to include safety footwear, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and respirators Situations when electro-static dissipative equipment must be utilized to prevent system damage The purposes, uses, care, maintenance and storage of hand, power, and machine tools/equipment together with their safety implications The purposes, uses, care and safe storage of materials Principles of workflow and time management The importance of researching, planning, accuracy, checking, and attention to detail in all working practices The significance of certifying the completion of tasks to an international airworthy standard.
	The individual shall be able to Consistently and diligently follow health and safety standards, rules and regulations Identify and use the appropriate personal protective equipment including safety footwear, ear, and eye protection Select, use, clean, maintain, and store all tools and equipment safely Select, use, and store all materials safely Plan the work area to maximize efficiency Maintain the discipline of keeping the work area clean and tidy Measure accurately and check regularly Consistently and diligently follow regulated processes and procedures to an international airworthy standard using the latest revision of approved manuals and data Recognize the boundaries of own authority Establish and consistently maintain high quality standards and working processes under pressure Plan the workflow within a team environment to give the best chance for a safe, successful competition of the task within a given time Organize and carry out a set of tasks within a team environment
2	Communication and Interpersonal skills	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The importance of accurate written communication The significance of establishing and maintaining customer confidence The roles and requirements of related colleagues The value of building and maintaining productive working relationships The importance of having/developing an industry accepted attitude, aptitude, and ability – “Triple A” success The importance of swiftly resolving misunderstandings and conflicting demands The principles of teamwork: The broader importance of working as teams Individual roles and responsibilities within team settings Interpersonal techniques of effective teamwork The importance of working within teams to accomplish tasks in a timely and economical manner Team values, imperatives, and contributions
	The individual shall be able to: Complete technical documentation accurately and legibly Undertake investigative discussions e.g. to resolve technical problems Reflect positively and respond constructively to feedback on own performance Recognize and respond to the needs of support organizations e.g. logistical suppliers, engineering authorities, and manufacturers’ technical support Work within teams to accomplish tasks within a timely and economical manner Contribute positively to teams e.g. in order to maintain safety and airworthiness.
3	Problem solving, innovation, and creativity	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The common types of problem which can occur within the work process Work methods and conduct to ensure an international airworthy standard is achieved Diagnostic approaches to problem solving The importance of following the latest revisions of manufacturers’ maintenance manual and documentation during the problem-solving processes Trends and developments in the industry including new materials, methods, and technology
	The individual shall be able to: Check work regularly to minimize problems at a later stage Challenge incorrect information to prevent problems Follow self-managed processes for identifying and resolving problems, using the latest revisions of manufacturers’ maintenance manuals and documentation Persist in resolving complex problems Recognize and respond to opportunities to contribute ideas to improve the product and overall level of customer satisfaction Take ideas forward to management Try new methods and embrace change within approved practices Exploit the potential of new technologies within approved practices Interpret and apply information from maintenance publications Encourage the checking and verification of one’s own work, as well as co-workers working in a team environment, to an international airworthy standard
4	Sustainable Practice	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Sustainability measures with respect to the use of environmentally friendly materials, minimization of waste, disposal of waste and recycling of materials. Reducing paper consumption as a way to be environmentally friendly. Trends and developments in the industry including the development of hydrogen propulsion, battery technologies, high-bypass-ration (HBPR) engines and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The importance of diversity and non-discrimination of workforce at the workplace
	The individual shall be able to: Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant environmental standards Use electronic documentation and task cards, thereby reducing carbon emission and accelerating the provision and transmission of information Recognize the potential of digital technology to reduce fuel cost and carbon footprint within approved practices Plan their work and to reduce material wastage Embrace a workplace that encourages diversity and inclusivity Operate Ground Support Equipment to reduce the usage of aircraft auxiliary power unit on the ground
5	Aircraft and System Inspection Line Maintenance	16
	The individual needs to know and understand: Visual inspection techniques The purpose, structure, and contents of aeronautical maintenance publications i.e. ATA chapters, maintenance manuals, parts manuals, minimum equipment lists, company publications, inspection schedules, etc. The purpose and use of documents to initiate aircraft maintenance, record defects/actions, and certify aircraft maintenance. i.e. Journey log, technical log, work order, task card etc. Certifying staff responsibilities for documenting and certifying scheduled and unscheduled inspections
	The individual shall be able to: Apply visual inspection techniques Interpret and carry out scheduled and unscheduled inspections Identify and report any defects found Record and certify own work in accordance with relevant legislative, manufacturer and/or company requirements Perform line maintenance servicing as per task cards Identify problematic LRU and replace with serviceable unit
6	Airframe Powerplant Component Inspection Rectification	16
	The individual needs to know and understand: The purpose, structure, and contents of aeronautical maintenance publications, i.e. ATA chapters, maintenance manuals, parts manuals, minimum equipment lists, company publications, inspection schedules etc. The purpose and use of documents to initiate aircraft maintenance, record defects/actions and certify aircraft maintenance. i.e. Journey log, technical log, work order, task card, etc. Certifying staff responsibilities for documenting and certifying defect rectification Troubleshooting techniques System and component construction and operation System and component publications Recording and certification processes for troubleshooting
	The individual shall be able to: Interpret and apply information from system and component publications Apply troubleshooting techniques Rectify defects by carrying out actions such as: Replacing and servicing components Adjusting systems or components Interpret defect and rectification reports including task cards or journey log entries by following maintenance manual procedures using the latest amendments Record and certify own work in accordance with relevant legislative, manufacturer and/or company requirements
7	Aircraft Avionic System Inspection Rectification	16
	The individual needs to know and understand: The purpose, structure, and contents of aeronautical maintenance publications i.e. ATA chapters, maintenance manuals, parts manuals, minimum equipment lists, company publications, inspection schedules, manual and CASA AC21-99. The purpose and use of documents to initiate aircraft maintenance, record defects/actions and certify aircraft maintenance. i.e. Journey log, technical log, work order, task card etc. Aircraft electrical and avionics systems The certifying staff responsibilities for documenting and certifying defect rectification Troubleshooting techniques System and component construction and operation System and component publications Recording and certification processes for troubleshooting
	The individual shall be able to: Interpret and apply information from electrical wiring diagrams and related publications Perform wire installation, routing and lacing and tying wire bundles Apply troubleshooting techniques Rectify defects by carrying out actions such as: Repair and/or Replace components Adjusting systems or components Lubrificating components Repairing components Interpret defect and rectification reports, including task cards or journey log entries, by following maintenance manual procedures using the latest amendments Record and certify own work in accordance with relevant legislative, manufacturers’ and/or companies’ requirement Carry out instructions provided by an avionics technician
8	Aircraft Metal Structure Fabrication and or Repair	16
	The individual needs to know and understand: The purpose, structure, and contents of aeronautical maintenance publications, i.e. ATA chapters, maintenance manuals, parts manuals, minimum equipment lists, company publications, inspection schedules, structural repair manuals, AC43-13-1B, etc. The purpose and use of documents to initiate aircraft maintenance, record defects/actions and certify aircraft maintenance. i.e. Journey log, technical log, work order, task card etc. The certifying staff responsibilities for documenting and certifying defect rectification Aircraft construction principles Aircraft metal structure repair principles Aircraft metal structure repair/fabrication techniques Recording and certification processes
	The individual shall be able to: Apply aircraft metal structure repair principles and techniques Interpret and apply information from aeronautical maintenance publications such as AC 43-13-1B and aircraft Structural Repair Manual Interpret defect and rectification reports, including task cards or journey log entries, by following maintenance manual procedures using the latest amendments Record and certify own work in accordance with relevant legislative, manufacturers’ and/or companies’ requirements
9	Aircraft Composite Inspection Repair	16
	The individual needs to know and understand: The purpose, structure, and contents of aeronautical maintenance publications, i.e. ATA chapters, maintenance manuals, parts manuals, minimum equipment lists, company publications, inspection schedules, structural repair manual, AC43-13-1B and FAA-H-8083-31A-AMT-Airframe-Vol-1, chapter 7. The purpose and use of documents to initiate aircraft maintenance, record defects/actions, and certify aircraft maintenance. i.e. Journey log, technical log, work order, task card etc. The certifying staff responsibilities for documenting and certifying defect rectification Aircraft construction principles Aircraft composite structure repair principles Aircraft composite powertrain repair techniques Aircraft composite structure repair/fabrication techniques Recording and certification processes
	The individual shall be able to: Apply aircraft composite structure repair principles and techniques Interpret and apply information from structural repair publications such as AC 43-13-1B and aircraft Structural Repair Manual Interpret defect and rectification reports including task cards or journey log entries by following maintenance manual procedures using the latest amendments Record and certify own work in accordance with relevant legislative, manufacturer and/or company requirements
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

This occupation most closely relates to Aircraft maintenance technician:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/91373a70-79b6-47a2-aa50-07dfe20dd258.

and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3011.00 .

These links can be used to explore adjacent occupations.

ILO 7232

The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in place for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Organization	Contact name
SAAB	Jonathan Björnermark, Maintenance production manager
STARS Air Rescue Service	Ryan Gillis, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Line