Ever played a flight-sim video game? Well, Aircraft Simulator Technicians create and maintain working simulators. Working in aircraft simulator manufacturing and training environments, these technicians are required to operate, repair, modify, test, and troubleshoot aircraft simulators that are used for training and development purposes throughout the private, commercial, and military aviation sector.
Aircraft Simulator Technicians are qualified electrical/electronics technicians/ technologists and/or avionics technicians who possess detailed knowledge of computer controls and of flight controls systems and instrumentation. Aircraft Simulator Technicians must be very versatile, with skills in computer software, real-time visuals, and motion systems, in order to meet the high demands of technological changes affecting the quickly evolving aerospace industry worldwide.
Airline operators such as Air Canada maintain a “fleet” of simulators for the training and upgrading of their pilots. The variety of types of simulators to be maintained by the Aircraft Simulator Technician are directly related to the types of aircraft operated by the airline. The Department of National Defence (DND) also requires the services of Aircraft Simulator Technicians to meet the needs of its unique fleet of aircraft simulators.
Career Pathway:
- Completion of Secondary School (required)
- Completion of an Electrical/Electronics Technician and/or Avionics Technician program at a college or approved training organization (recommended)
- CCAA Certification (an asset)
Other Requirement:
- Skills in computer software, real time visuals, and motion systems
- Additional specialized training for military applications, such as weapons/artillery
Employment Opportunities
- Aerospace Organizations
- Aircraft Operators
- Simulator Manufacturers
- The Canadian Forces
- Training and Simulation Facilities
Job Titles
- Electrical/Electronics/Instrument Component Technician
- Simulator Technologist/Technician