Meet The Mechanics: An interview with Gary Tamagno, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East
In the next instalment of our ‘Meet the Mechanics’ interview series – created to shine a light on the hands-on professionals who keep aircraft in top condition – we feature Gary Tamagno of ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East who shares his journey from type-ratings to troubleshooting complex faults, reflects on the persistence and teamwork needed to solve tough challenges, and explains why variety, safety and problem-solving continue to drive his passion for aviation maintenance.
How did you get into aviation maintenance, and what inspired your career path?
I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, and aviation has a certain magic to it – the perfect blend of engineering precision and human ingenuity.
I started my career with a strong interest in mechanical systems, and after completing my training, I had the opportunity to work on business jets.
Over time, I became type-rated on the BD-700/2A12 and CL600 series. The challenge, responsibility, and attention to detail required in aviation maintenance really appealed to me, and it’s been my passion ever since.
Can you walk us through a typical day or shift in your role?
No two days are ever exactly the same, but a typical shift starts with reviewing the aircraft maintenance schedule, work orders, and any technical log entries.
I carry out inspections, troubleshoot faults, and perform scheduled or unscheduled maintenance tasks. This might involve detailed systems checks, component replacements, or collaborating with other departments to resolve complex issues.
A big part of the role is also documentation – ensuring every task is recorded accurately and in compliance with regulations.
What’s one particularly memorable challenge you’ve faced on the job – and how did you resolve it?
One memorable case was troubleshooting a recurring electrical fault on a BD-700. It was intermittent and only appeared under certain operational conditions, which made it tricky to pinpoint. I methodically went through wiring diagrams, tested components, and worked closely with our avionics specialists.
Eventually, we traced the problem to a chafed wire deep in the harness – a small issue causing big headaches. Fixing it was satisfying, not only because the aircraft was back in service, but because it showed the value of persistence and teamwork.
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How do you and your team approach safety and reliability in your work?
Safety is at the core of everything we do. We follow strict procedures, double-check critical work, and encourage open communication so that any concern, no matter how small, is addressed immediately.
Reliability comes from doing the job right the first time – using approved tools and parts, adhering to manuals, and never cutting corners. We also make it a point to share lessons learned, so the entire team benefits from individual experiences.
What changes or innovations do you see shaping the future of aircraft maintenance?
I think we’ll see more predictive maintenance using real-time aircraft health monitoring systems. These technologies allow us to identify potential issues before they become problems, which saves time and increases reliability. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainable aviation, which may change the types of systems we maintain in the future – from more electric aircraft to alternative fuel systems.
What do you enjoy most about the job – and what keeps you motivated day to day?
The variety is what I enjoy most – every aircraft and every task present something different. I also take a lot of pride in knowing that the work we do directly impacts flight safety. Seeing an aircraft take off after a major inspection or repair gives a real sense of accomplishment.
What keeps me motivated is the teamwork, the continuous learning, and the satisfaction of solving complex technical problems.
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