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NOC 72404: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
NOC 72404 is a TEER 2 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW, CEC and FST. It is on the 2026 Transport category list. The latest round for that category (#434, August 7, 2026) invited 300 candidates at a CRS cutoff of 470.
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Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- aircraft gas turbine engine technician
- aircraft hydraulics mechanic
- aircraft inspector
- aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
- aircraft mechanic
- aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
- aircraft repair shop inspector
- aircraft structural repair technician
- aircraft systems inspector
- aviation mechanical component shop technician
- certified aircraft technician
- flight test inspector
Not this code
Close occupations that have their own code
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors → 93200
- Aircraft engine assembly fitter → 72405 Machine fitters
- Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors → 22313
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors foreman/woman → 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- Airworthiness inspector → 22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
- Non-destructive test technician → 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Aircraft mechanics
- Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
- Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems
- Install or modify aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
- Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble
- Perform and document routine maintenance
- Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.
- Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.
Aircraft inspectors
- Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
- Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures
- Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records of aircraft.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
This code is in a trade group the Federal Skilled Trades Program accepts.
Category-based rounds that list this code
| Category | Latest round | CRS | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport occupations | #434 · Aug 7, 2026 | 470 | 300 |
To be invited in a category round you need at least 12 months of full-time work in a listed occupation within the last 3 years, on top of qualifying for Express Entry.
Check your eligibility with this code → Find pathways for this occupation
The code is carried into every tool on this site, so you only enter it once.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
- Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
- Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
- Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
- Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.
Good to know
- Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector.
- With experience, aircraft inspectors may progress to shop inspector or supervisor.
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may acquire further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and aircraft systems.
- AME licences are issued in the following categories: M - Small and Large Aircraft, E - Electronic Systems, S - Aircraft Structures.
Codes in the same group
Official sources
- noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply
- canada.caIRCC: Express Entry category-based selection