This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification applies to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and to employees of civil Aviation Maintenance Organisations (AMOs) who work on the maintenance of aircraft and personal life support equipment and on the fabrication and maintenance of aircraft furnishings.
The qualification typically applies to those who work independently or as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, following set procedures and methods, requiring some discretion and judgement. They are responsible for the quality of their own outputs and require a high level of analysis and risk assessment within familiar and unfamiliar contexts. High level communications skills are required when fitting individuals with items of personal life support equipment and when determining item fabrication requirements.
The qualification applies to workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Regulatory and licensing requirements associated with MEA units of competency required for this qualification must be met.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply quality standards during aviation maintenance activities | Core |
| Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance | Core |
| Complete aviation maintenance industry documentation | Core |
| Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications | Core |
| Marshal aircraft | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Perform aircraft flight servicing | Core |
| Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance | Core |
| Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activities | Core |
| Apply aircraft identification markings, graphics and decals | Elective |
| Apply marine sewing and installation techniques | Elective |
| Apply trimming adhesives | Elective |
| Conduct explosives inspection | Elective |
| Conduct self in the aviation maintenance environment | Elective |
| Cut single layer fabrics | Elective |
| Inspect, repair and modify non-primary structure components in aircraft cabins and cockpits | Elective |
| Machine sew materials | Elective |
| Maintain and fit anti-G suits | Elective |
| Maintain and fit helmets | Elective |
| Maintain and fit immersion suits | Elective |
| Maintain and fit oxygen masks | Elective |
| Maintain and pack escape slides | Elective |
| Maintain and pack parachutes | Elective |
| Maintain and pack survival inflatable life rafts | Elective |
| Maintain seat and pod electrical and electronic systems | Elective |
| Maintain, install and remove restraint systems | Elective |
| Maintain, pack and fit survival inflatable buoyancy vests | Elective |
| Manufacture, repair and alter aircraft-related fabric components | Elective |
| Operate and maintain sewing machines and overlockers | Elective |
| Package explosives | Elective |
| Pre-treat aluminium alloy surfaces | Elective |
| Remove and install aircraft hydro-mechanical and landing gear system components | Elective |
| Remove and install aircraft pneumatic system components | Elective |
| Remove and install miscellaneous aircraft electrical hardware/components | Elective |
| Remove and install non-pressurised aircraft structural and non-structural components | Elective |
| Remove and install pressurised aircraft structural and non-structural components | Elective |
| Remove light corrosion from aircraft | Elective |
| Remove surface coatings from aircraft or aircraft components | Elective |
| Select trim and fabric materials | Elective |
| Trim vehicle components | Elective |
| Unpackage explosives | Elective |
| Use adhesives | Elective |
| Use electrical test equipment to perform basic electrical tests on aircraft and components | Elective |
| Work safely with explosive ordnance | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Aeronautical Life Support Equipment sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
ANZSCO 323111
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Avionics) inspect, test, align, repair and install aircraft electrical and avionic system components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
ANZSCO 323112
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
ANZSCO 323113
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Structures) inspect, dismantle and reassemble aircraft structures, and repair and replace components of aircraft frames.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Aeronautical Life Support Equipment
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Academy of Career Training (RTO code 30657)
Contact this provider
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE (RTO code 0442)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.