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 Ennio Swenne of ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium who shares how he first discovered aviation maintenance, the teamwork and problem-solving behind his role, and why no two days on the job are ever the same.

How did you get into aviation maintenance, and what inspired your career path?

When turning 16 you have to choose a path in school. That is where I saw ‘airplane technology’ available on the list of options at the school I was about to go to for a different path, and it sparked my interest. I gathered more information about this stream, post which my choice was clear what I wanted to do – learning more about aircraft and how they work.

Can you walk us through a typical day or shift in your role?

Normally we start the day together with the team to go over the planning and see which aircraft came back from a flight the night before. We will discuss the work scope among the team members, for example who will do a pre-/post-flight check or daily check, to prepare them for the next flight. And if any problems are reported by the crew, we resolve them, of course.

After that we will continue on the longer-term projects that are in the hanger for bigger/heavier checks.

What’s one particularly memorable challenge you’ve faced on the job – and how did you resolve it?

Going on an AOG to Greece for an aircraft that had to perform an aborted takeoff due to no speed indication. During inspection, we found out that bees had blocked all the pitot tubes and we had to remove several lines and deblock them with minimal available supplies or maintenance support.

We found a local technician with some water and pressurised air. We got the system back and running and the aircraft was ready to depart, and, we flew with the aircraft to the next destination where the client was waiting. We got a personal thank you from the client. Once in the hotel we enjoyed a nice cold beer at the swimming pool.

This interview continues after the below picture…

How do you and your team approach safety and reliability in your work?

Safety is one of the top priorities in aviation. It is important to have an understanding of the dangers working with an aircraft, and reminding yourself and colleagues what those are.

For reliability, we work as one team; asking our colleagues for feedback or to check if all the procedures are followed as per recommendation.

What changes or innovations do you see shaping the future of aircraft maintenance?

The use of 3D/virtual reality (VR) programmes in maintenance documentation that will give a clearer and easier overview to locate components and systems that are connected.

What do you enjoy most about the job – and what keeps you motivated day to day?

No day is exactly the same. You never know what the day will bring and which problems you will face that day. And the challenge of getting the aircraft repaired and flying again gives satisfaction.

READ MORE ‘MEET THE MECAHNICS’ INTERVIEWS…

• Eva Schnierle, Engine Mechanic, Lufthansa Technik – read now
• Yi Liqun, Maintenance Supervisor, ExecuJet Haite – read now