NOC 72404Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 72404 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 724 › 7240

Definition

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.

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.

Example job 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

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are classified under NOC code 72404. This occupation belongs to TEER Category 2, which qualifies professionals for key Canadian immigration pathways, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class managed via the Express Entry system. These professionals are primarily employed by commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities across Canada.

Key responsibilities under this classification include troubleshooting, repairing, overhauling, and testing aircraft structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Inspectors are responsible for auditing these systems to ensure strict compliance with Ministry of Transport standards and safety regulations. To work in this field, candidates typically require completion of a college program in aircraft maintenance or aviation technology, along with on-the-job training. Obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license from Transport Canada is highly beneficial and often mandatory for signing off on airworthiness releases.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

22313Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 72404 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 72404 usually require?

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Which NOC codes are commonly confused with 72404?

Applicants most often mix up 72404 with 22313 (Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors). If your real day-to-day duties fit one of those codes better, that mismatch is exactly what an officer flags — double-check before you submit.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.