 |
Usually it is an aircraft maintenance engineer who springs to mind when something goes haywire with an aircraft. A helicopter crashes or a small plane has to make an emergency landing and all of a sudden the question is raised, 'Was there something wrong with the plane?'
Well, it's the job of an aircraft maintenance engineer to make sure planes, helicopters and all manner of aircraft are safe to fly.
''With our training, we don't look at a plane as a whole,'' says Gordon Hamilton, a veteran of the industry. ''We always look at it as what's wrong with it!''
Different Areas Of Maintenance
Depending on their area of specialisation, an aircraft maintenance engineer will inspect, maintain and/or repair the airframe and engine systems, the electrical and instrument systems, or the body of the aircraft. Alternatively, they may choose to work on sections of the aircraft only (rather than on the aircraft as a whole) overhauling, repairing and modifying components in a workshop. These tradespeople are often referred to as 'aircraft mechanics' who, traditionally, have not been subject to licensing and are often less well paid.
The Tasks At Hand
On the aircraft, an aircraft maintenance engineer may maintain, inspect and undertake fault diagnosis of landing gear, brakes, hydraulic systems, instrument and radio systems, autopilot, integrated flight or radar systems, environmental control systems or fire detection and prevention systems. Or they may carry out a variety of metal forming or joining processes using hand or power tools to produce or repair aircraft sheetmetal.
Meanwhile, back in the workshop, others will be overhauling, testing and modifying airframe and engine components, gas turbines or piston engines, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, power distribution systems, or radio communications and navigation system components.
''I find the 'bottom end' of the business more interesting,'' says Gordon who, after completing his apprenticehsip with McRobertson Miller Airlines (later to become Ansett), went on to service smaller aircraft overseas and at Jandakot.
'There's more variety in general aviation. You get to work on big and small, as well as new and old aircraft and there's more happening in terms of new developments - small turbine engines are getting smaller and better, and in avionics (radio) things are really changing.'
Common Conditions
Whether working for a major airline or a small charter company, you can expect the work to be smelly and noisy. Most aircraft maintenance engineers work indoors in hangars or outdoors on airfields and, when required, may work long hours or weekends to get work finished on time. They may also be on-call and may be required to work in all kinds of weather conditions.
''Imagine doing ramp checks in Toronto at minus 8 degrees!'' shivers Gordon, remembering time spent in Canada.
Despite a worldwide shortage of skilled aircraft maintenance engineers, there was until recently a reluctance to employ apprentices, according to Rod Warnock, course coordinator at Midland TAFE. Fortunately, this has turned around and aviation companies are currently in recruitment overdrive.
Rod says that Western Australia and its Eastern State counterparts can boast sound employment opportunities for skilled aircraft maintenance engineers. He is quietly confident that the buoyant outlook will continue over the next five years until 2009, hopefully longer.
The Right Stuff
Being a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer carries with it a lot of responsibility. As Gordon says,
''After all, you could kill people. 'There's also a lot of stress. Accountability, too, is a serious issue - a breach of the Act could land you in jail.''
Whatever you're working on, you'll need to have the right licence or be working under proper supervision. You'll also need to feel comfortable working at heights (on platforms around aircraft) and in confined spaces. Good hand-eye coordination along with neat, accurate work, good observation skills and an ability to concentrate are also essential.
Choose Your Own Adventure
By acquiring a variety of engine and/or system licences, and initially choosing carefully their area of specialisation, an aircraft maintenance engineer may vary and improve their prospects of employment. Regular travel may not be part of the deal, but some aircraft maintenance engineers do lead an exciting life.
''It's the opportunities you take that get you into a particular job,'' explains Gordon, who after 18 years as an airworthiness officer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) moved on to become a consultant.
''I've been to Germany just to issue a piece of paper!''
Gordon's work has also taken him to Fiji, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Not bad for a young man who ''didn't like aeroplanes at all'' and, on his first flight, was sick at every stop!
For The Love Of It
The salary for an aircraft maintenance engineer varies but is usually between $35,000 and $45,000 per year, while an 'aircraft mechanic' can generally expect to earn less. An experienced licensed aircraft maintenance engineer in a supervisory position may earn as much as $80,000, and some very highly experienced airline engineers can sometimes earn as much as $100,000 or $110,000 per annum. For more up-to-date salary information you could contact the Civil Aviation Safety Authority or the Australian Defence Force.
|
