Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Written by Mya Sandrin

My name is Mya Sandrin and I’m from Sarnia, Ontario. I am a recently licensed M2 AME working for Porter Airlines at the YYZ base. I work on the Embraer E195-E2 and DHC-8-400.

 I’m known for my bubbly personality and high energy! I thrived in high school classes like construction and welding. I have an eye for detail, and I like projects that require thinking and problem solving.

 My hobby is my social media account on Instagram called @maintence_with_mya where my goal is to show what it's like to be an aircraft maintenance engineer and encourage women to consider this amazing career!

What is an AME?

 AME stands for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. My job is to fix and maintain aircraft to a certain standard. I am responsible for making sure the aircraft is safe to fly.

My day-to-day tasks include troubleshooting, inspecting, servicing, repairing, and certifying aircraft.

I’m required to learn and understand all the different aircraft systems and components. It’s a very hands-on job and I’m constantly working with different tools. I am required to read maintenance manuals and other approved documents and follow the instructions to fix or maintain the aircraft. Every day brings a new challenge!

What does it take to become an AME?

To become an AME there are a few different ways to get your license. I attended college for the “Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance” course at Mohawk College for 2 years then completed a 2-and-a-half-year apprenticeship.

You had to achieve a 75% average or above in every class to get the diploma and have very good attendance to receive your course completion.

 Once you have your diploma, you can apply for an apprenticeship, and you will receive an AME Logbook. The logbook has a list of tasks that you are expected to perform with someone who is a licensed AME. If that AME trusts you to do that task alone after working under their supervision, they will sign your book. During your apprenticeship, you must complete 75% of the applicable tasks in the logbook

After your apprenticeship is complete, the final step is to write The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) exam. The CARS exam is a 50-question, 3-hour Transport Canada test requiring a 70% pass rate.

Once you pass the test, you will receive your Aircraft Maintenance Engineering license!

What inspired you to follow this career?

I was scrolling on Instagram one day and I saw an advert for a college program, Aircraft Maintenance. The picture on the ad was a young woman working on an aircraft wing. It immediately caught my attention, and I started researching.

Everything felt right, I followed my gut that this was what I was supposed to do.

Now that I am a licensed AME, I want to promote aviation as a whole and specifically promote women in maintenance. I love my job and I want others to be able to experience this wonderful field of opportunity!

 If I had never seen that Instagram ad, I would never have found this career. I want to do my best to expose the next generation to aircraft maintenance engineering.

My younger sister started school this year to become a pilot. I am inspired by her to be successful so I can show her that it's possible! Women make up a very small percentage of workers in aviation, so I'm proud to lead the way for the next generation of women in aviation.

What's your favourite part of your job?

My favorite part about my job is dealing with a difficult task and seeing the “fix” I

performed solve the problem! I feel such a sense of pride and confidence!

What has been the biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I experienced was adjusting to working a 12-hour shift. I had never worked more than 8 hours before so adjusting to working multiple 12-hour shifts in a row was not easy for me. I was feeling tired and I was in a terrible mood by the end of each shift.

 After a few months of working these shifts my body and mind adjusted. Now, I can even go to the gym after work and I feel great!

What advice would you give to girls looking to get started in this field?

Don’t be scared to try it!

School will teach you everything you need to know so you do not need any prior knowledge or hands on skills before you start. You will be told what tools you need and taught how to use them.

I would recommend working at an auto-shop at some point during your time before your apprenticeship. It will help your skills, confidence, and it is something employers look for when hiring apprentices.

Any final thoughts or encouragement for someone considering a career as an AME?

The beginning will be the worst part. Do not get discouraged. Things will get easier.

Give yourself time to learn. Hands on skills and knowledge develop with time and experience.

There is a community of women (including myself) that will be here to encourage and support you. Remind yourself that you are strong! Not every day will be easy, but you can get through it. As a licensed AME, everything will be worth it in the end!