An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is a professional who plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. These highly skilled individuals are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft to ensure their optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards. In this blog post, we will delve into the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, highlighting the key competencies required to excel in this field.

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Main Responsibilities of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer:

Adhere to

• Adhere to Execaire safety policy.

• Adhere to the Safety Management System Policy.

Analyze

Analyze maintenance data to identify areas of improvement.

Assist with

• Assist in all other related duties, as assigned by management.

• Assist in providing time estimates.

• Assist when providing time estimates.

• Assist with sheet metal / avionics repairs as needed.

• Assist with the general maintenance and servicing of hangar equipment and facilities.

Attend

• Attend training courses as directed by company.

• Attend training courses as directed by company management.

Build

Build business-to-business relationships within the Canadian Aviation market.

Carry out

• Carry out duties in accordance with the STARS' Maintenance Control and Policy Manuals.

• Carry out maintenance duties on North Star Air aircraft.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to complete complex tasks.

• Collaborate with Procurement to establish contracts and request or proposals.

Communicate

Communicate with Dispatch / Operations for flight information and changes.

Complete

• Complete all maintenance related paperwork fully and accurately.

• Complete all required documentation.

• Complete all work order entries in a timely fashion.

Conduct

• Conduct functional tests on aircraft systems for proper operation.

• Conduct hangar clean up and maintenance.

• Conduct maintenance on aircraft or aircraft components.

• Conduct non-destructive testing to detect hidden defects.

• Conduct pre-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety.

Contribute to

• Contribute as a positive and effective member of the STARS team.

• Contribute to continuous improvement to the Bombardier Service Centre Operations.

• Contribute to the delivery of future contract mobilization plans.

Develop

Develop succession plans to ensure business continuity within the AMO.

Disassemble

Disassemble, inspect, record discrepancies, recommend and record methods of repair.

Document

Document maintenance activities accurately and thoroughly.

Ensure

• Ensure aircraft are maintained in accordance with our company and Transport Canada regulations.

• Ensure aircraft documentation is complete and accurate.

• Ensure airworthiness as defined by Transport Canada.

• Ensure all maintenance installations meet the standards of airworthiness.

• Ensure all paperwork for assigned tasks is complete and accurate before submission.

• Ensure all task-handovers are done at the end of the shift, as well as the shift-handover.

• Ensure both the accuracy and traceability of parts that are removed or installed on the aircraft.

• Ensure Cat C tasks are delegated to other Cat C or senior B1 / B2 when not available.

• Ensure cleanliness of hangar as requested.

• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards.

• Ensure crew maintains good housekeeping practices.

• Ensure performed tasks are in accordance with Bombardiers Maintenance Organization Procedures.

• Ensure tasks as performed are in accordance with Bombardiers Maintenance Organization Procedures.

• Ensure that all applicable airworthiness requirements are met.

• Ensure that all components installed on aircraft are properly certified.

• Ensure that all components installed on aircraft's are properly certified.

• Ensure that all components installed on aircrafts are properly certified.

• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of all required paperwork.

Evaluate

Evaluate Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives, Service Letters and SIL's.

Generate

Generate maintenance task cards in preparation for maintenance activities.

Implement

Implement safety procedures during maintenance procedures.

Inspect

• Inspect and troubleshoot avionics systems for proper functioning.

• Inspect, service and maintain spare parts inventory.

Interpret

• Interpret blueprints / specifications / standards and written technical instructions.

• Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, manuals, instructions, etc..

Maintain

• Maintain a clean work area, and alert the Supervisor of any safety concerns.

• Maintain aircraft records using computerized maintenance tracking system.

• Maintain and ensure a clean and safe work environment at all times.

• Maintain an M1 or M2 AME License.

• Maintain an organized, clean and safe work environment.

• Maintain a safe work environment and report any unsafe conditions.

• Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports.

• Maintain spares package through communication with stores department.

Manage

Manage complex technical challenges from identification to complete resolution.

Monitor

Monitor service bulletins and airworthiness directives for compliance.

Order

Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.

Overhaul

Overhaul and inspect aircraft engines for reliability and longevity.

Oversee

Oversee procurement strategies with approved vendors.

Participate

• Participate in fundraising and public relations activities as required.

• Participate with scheduled heavy maintenance when required.

Perform

• Perform all applicable maintenance activities related to STARS' aircraft.

• Perform all maintenance activities in accordance with the applicable standards of airworthiness.

• Perform and document inspection of engines, structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.

• Perform and document routine maintenance.

• Perform and documents all work performed per appropriate manuals and regulations as required.

• Perform any other work assigned.

• Perform complete engine runs as required.

• Perform complex repairs on aircraft systems.

• Perform documentations of all work performed, as required per appropriate manuals and regulations.

• Perform duties in accordance with our established policies and procedures.

• Perform engine run-ups and ground tests to assess performance.

• Perform maintenance at off-site locations.

• Perform scheduled maintenance checks and calibration.

• Perform troubleshooting's, repairs, inspections and maintenance our customer aircrafts.

• Perform various duties including engine runs and aircraft towing, as trained and authorized to do so.

Prepare

Prepare and upkeep equipment and tooling on daily basis.

Prioritize

Prioritize work, and coordinate / assign daily work plan to the crew.

Procure

Procure parts and materials including negotiating costs, terms and conditions.

Provide

• Provide AOG support when required.

• Provide technical guidance and support to maintenance personnel.

• Provide technical support, including troubleshoot reported discrepancies.

• Provide training, coaching and support to other employees.

Release

Release line maintenance tasks.

Repair

• Repair aircraft structures to maintain airworthiness.

• Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems.

• Repair and replace aircraft components as necessary.

• Repair, fabricate parts and components.

Report

• Report on issues affecting the serviceability of aircraft.

• Report quality control and safety issues through the company reporting systems.

Respond to

Respond promptly to aircraft emergencies and malfunctions.

Review

Review and validate MSP / Smart Parts / Warranty programs.

Stay up to date on

Stay up to date on change in standards and regulations, and industry trends.

Support

• Support of professional development and reimbursement of membership dues.

• Support the maintenance manager with administrative activities.

Test

Test repaired aircraft systems and other routine maintenance work.

Track

• Track and plan maintenance activities and coordinate with Dispatch as required.

• Track expenditures and maintenance activities on the aircraft.

Train

Train & mentor Apprentice AME's, when required.

Travel

• Travel with aircraft as required.

• Travel with an aircraft when assigned away from base for an extended period of time, as required.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and avionics issues.

• Troubleshoot faulty systems to determine a course of rectification.

• Troubleshoot, repair, inspect and perform maintenance on customer aircraft.

• Troubleshoot structural, mechanical, hydraulic and engines to identify and repair defects.

Upgrade

Upgrade and modify aircraft systems as required.

Verify

Verify aircraft weight and balance for operational limits.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems.

2. Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints.

3. Skilled in using diagnostic tools and equipment.

4. Competence in conducting repairs and replacements.

5. Proficient in conducting inspections and maintenance checks.

6. Strong understanding of aviation regulations and standards.

7. Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance teams.

8. Expertise in upgrading and modifying aircraft systems.

9. Quick and efficient problem-solving abilities.

10. Proficiency in data analysis for maintenance optimization.

11. Thorough knowledge of engine overhauls and inspections.

12. Proficiency in structural repair techniques.

13. Strong understanding of avionics systems and troubleshooting.

14. Expertise in non-destructive testing methods.

15. Adherence to strict safety protocols and procedures.

16. Proficiency in conducting weight and balance checks.

17. Familiarity with service bulletins and airworthiness directives.

18. Ability to conduct thorough functional tests.

19. Skilled in engine run-ups and ground tests.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer:

1. Attention to detail: Paying meticulous attention to every aspect of aircraft maintenance to ensure safety and reliability.

2. Problem-solving: Applying analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve complex issues.

3. Time management: Efficiently managing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.

4. Communication: Effectively communicating with team members, pilots, and stakeholders to convey technical information.

5. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve maintenance objectives.

6. Adaptability: Quickly adapting to changing situations, priorities, and technologies in the aviation industry.

7. Critical thinking: Evaluating information and making informed decisions to ensure optimal aircraft performance.

8. Continuous learning: Staying updated with the latest advancements in aircraft technology and maintenance practices.

9. Stress management: Maintaining composure and effectively managing stress during high-pressure situations.

10. Professional integrity: Upholding ethical standards and demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility in aircraft maintenance.

Conclusion

By possessing these hard and soft skills, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of ensuring the safety, performance, and airworthiness of aircraft. With their expertise and dedication, they play a vital role in the aviation industry, contributing to safe and efficient air travel.