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1. Education and Training To become a
licenced aircraft engineer at an MRO, one typically begins with a strong
engineering foundation (education) in aviation or a related field. Many
engineers hold bachelor's degrees or diplomas in aircraft maintenance
engineering or aeronautical engineering. Qualification training includes
completing essential trade examination papers and an extensive on-the-job
training schedule to gain practical experience. 2. Regulatory Compliance: Licenced
aircraft engineers follow a set of strict regulatory guidelines from the
government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Continuous
training and education are essential to stay updated on evolving regulations
and safety standards. These are outlined in our government’s Air Navigation
Order (ANO) and CAAS Singapore Airworthiness Requirements (SAR) documents – a
must-read for the LAE. 3. Maintenance and Inspections: What does it
take to keep an aircraft in prime condition as it soars through the sky?
Well, aircraft engineers are responsible for conducting routine maintenance,
inspections, and repairs on aircraft. This includes pre-flight checks,
scheduled maintenance, and troubleshooting issues that may arise during
flights. Engineers use various tools and diagnostic equipment to ensure the
aircraft's airworthiness. If you find this interesting or exciting, wait till
you hear from the seniors and experts on the non-routine processes! 4. Safety and Quality Assurance: Safety is
paramount in aviation, and licenced engineers are responsible for ensuring
the highest level of safety for passengers and crew. Engineers follow
rigorous quality assurance protocols to confirm that maintenance and repairs
are carried out to the highest standards. The aircraft engineer’s
observational, analytical, and decision-making skills are not much different
from a medical doctor. 5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Aircraft
engineers thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with a
diverse team of professionals – mechanics, technicians, and fellow engineers.
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial to ensuring that
maintenance tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. In this field,
teamwork is a norm as no one engineer can autonomously perform a complete
aircraft maintenance package. 6. Shift Work and Flexibility: The aviation
industry operates 24/7, and aircraft engineers often work in shifts, including
evenings, weekends, and holidays. This schedule is essential to provide
continuous maintenance and support for the airline's fleet, which may be
flying around the clock. This commitment may deter many prospective engineers
looking for a ‘9 to 5’ job. It mirrors the dedication seen in other
professions like police officers, firefighters, and hospital nurses – all
part of a unified team carrying out important roles, a respectable job. 7. Emergency Response: Aircraft
engineers are trained to respond quickly to emergency situations or technical
issues that may arise during flights. They work closely with flight crews to
assess and resolve any in-flight problems, ensuring passenger safety. LAEs
should be quick thinkers to decide what and how to respond when ‘things’
happen. Besides training, good instincts make a good LAE. 8. Technology and Innovation: The aviation
industry is continually evolving with advancements in aircraft technology and
materials. Aircraft engineers must stay up-to-date
with the latest innovations and incorporate new technologies into their
maintenance and repair processes. This is why LAEs are always learning,
always discovering. For example, an LAE with an MRO could have completed up
to ten (or more) courses in various subjects every year, consistently
encountering new maintenance techniques, aircraft parts, removal/installation
methods etc., every month. 9. Professional Development: Continuous
learning and professional development are essential for licenced aircraft
engineers. They often pursue additional certifications, attend specialised
training programs, and participate in ongoing education to enhance their
skills and knowledge. 10. Career Advancement: Licenced
aircraft engineers have opportunities for career advancement, which may
include becoming a lead engineer, specialising in a particular aircraft type,
or transitioning into management roles within the maintenance department. 11. Job Satisfaction: Amidst the
hurdles they encounter, licenced aircraft engineers find immense satisfaction
in their work. Besides playing a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and
reliability of aircraft, completing LAE tasks becomes a source of pride and
self-fulfilment. At the end of the day, all the hard work pays off knowing
that the aircraft is maintained to a condition good enough for a pilot to
take over and continue with the flight. |
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