This vast area of work, which concerns itself with the design, production and operation of aircraft, provides many job opportunities both on the ground and in the air, and ranges from airport admin worker to commercial airline pilot. Owing to the diversity of the field, there are specific career routes for each chosen speciality.
Many of the jobs in the area of aviation are concerned with the installation, removal and repair of aircraft components, for which aircraft mechanics are employed. Aircraft mechanics receive a starting salary of C
$33,000, which can double after 20 years of service. Training schools for aircraft mechanics exist in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Pilots must have a high level of physical fitness and be in possession of a commercial pilot’s license, which they can get by first earning their private pilot’s license and accruing a total 35 hours of flight time. Competition is fierce and pilots often have to take a job as a flying instructor or air taxi pilot to increase their flying hours first. Salaries are in the region of C
$41,000 to C
$100,000.