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Air Force Technical and Trade

State/Territory Specific Information

Air Force technicians and tradespersons undertake a variety of technical and trades-based jobs in the Air Force, including assisting with the construction and maintenance of Air Force equipment and buildings.

Air Force technicians or tradespersons perform a range of specialised tasks which may include:

  • inspecting, testing, repairing, rebuilding, refurbishing and modifying Air Force aircraft, engines, airframes, engine systems, electronic equipment and weapon systems
  • designing, constructing, maintaining and repairing non-aircraft buildings, fitting and equipment
  • checking safety equipment
  • performing minor medical procedures working closely with doctors at RAAF hospitals
  • performing at concerts, ceremonies, parades and dances and plays.

Specialisations:

An Air Force technician or tradesperson may specialise as an:

  • Aircraft Life Support Fitter who makes sure all aircraft safety equipment, such as parachutes, life rafts, anti-gravity suits, flying helmets and breathing apparatus, is fully operational.
  • Aircraft Structural Fitter who fixes structural components like wings, fuselage and engine structures on all military aircraft.
  • Aircraft Surface Finisher who is responsible for applying and maintaining aircraft protective paint coatings.
  • Aircraft Technician who provides ongoing maintenance to military aircraft, engines, airframe and engine systems.
  • Avionics Technician who is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and service of electronic equipment specifically designed for flying, servicing and refuelling aircraft. They diagnose faults and test, adjust, replace and solder miniature electronic components.
  • Carpenter who designs, constructs, maintains and repairs all non-aircraft buildings and equipment, doing everything from site planning and excavation to tiling and glazing.
  • Communications Electronic Technician who maintains, operates and repairs all ground telecommunication equipment and electronic ground support equipment.
  • Electrician who installs, maintains and repairs power and lighting systems, for both industrial and domestic installations, and manages the operation of base emergency power supply.
  • Environmental Health Surveyor who inspects working and living conditions, monitors pollution levels, provides occupational health and safety recommendations, and makes sure all hygiene and sanitation standards are met.
  • Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter who manufactures and modifies tools, jigs and dies. They also test and service ground support equipment and workshop plant machinery, and repair mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
  • Ground Support Equipment Fitter who maintains motor transport vehicles, ground support equipment, aircraft arrester systems, marine craft, refuelling equipment and installations.
  • Laboratory Technician who tests human biological material to aid medical practitioners in the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of disease.
  • Medical Assistant who performs minor medical procedures, working closely with doctors at RAAF hospitals on emergency aeromedical evacuations and on operational deployments.
  • Musician who performs at concerts, ceremonies, parades and dances, and plays a range of musical styles as part of an Air Force band including classical pieces, rock, jazz and swing.
  • Plumber who installs, maintains and repairs Air Force water systems, including sanitary and sewerage systems, roofing, guttering, hot water systems and gas appliances.

Personal Requirements:

  • at least 17 years of age
  • able to pass applicable medical and aptitude tests
  • willing to accept responsibility
  • enjoy leading and motivating others
  • willing to serve anywhere in Australia or overseas
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

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