Aircraft Structures Worker Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Inspects, dismantles and reassembles aircraft structures, and repairs and replaces components of aircraft frames. Works with both metal and carbon fibre composite materials.
What does a Aircraft Structures Worker do?
Aircraft Structures Workers inspect, dismantle and reassemble aircraft structures and repair or replace parts of aircraft frames. They work with both metal and carbon-fibre composite materials, contributing to the structural condition and restoration of aircraft.
Specialisations
How to become a Aircraft Structures Worker in South Africa
- Learn about aircraft structural work, including the inspection, dismantling, reassembly, repair and replacement of aircraft-frame components.
- Develop a foundation in technical drawing, materials and practical mechanical work through relevant school subjects and hands-on learning.
- Consider a relevant South African pathway such as Aircraft Structures Worker (SAQA ID 20829, NQF Level 5, 120 credits), Certificate: Aircraft Composite Structures Worker (SAQA ID 22025, NQF Level 5, 360 credits), Certificate: Aircraft: Maintenance: Repair:Overhaul Aircraft Structures (SAQA ID 22020, NQF Level 5, 360 credits), or Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Structures Technician (SAQA ID 102498, NQF Level 4, 546 credits).
- Compare the pathways with your intended specialisation, such as aircraft metal work, composite structures or airframe fitting.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, an accredited provider or a relevant employer before enrolling or applying for work.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
This is a trade-oriented career involving aircraft frames and both metal and carbon-fibre composite materials. Preparation should focus on accurate inspection, careful dismantling and reassembly, and the repair or replacement of structural components. The listed occupational pathways provide relevant training options, but current provider and assessment arrangements should be verified before making a decision.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Mechanical Technology
Skills that may help
- Inspecting aircraft structures
- Dismantling and reassembling structural components
- Repairing and replacing aircraft-frame components
- Working with metal materials
- Working with carbon-fibre composite materials
- Careful and accurate practical work