Being an aircraft engineer is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle of excitement, frustration, fascination, and, occasionally, a small dose of existential dread. Let’s take a nosedive into the highs and lows of this unique profession.
Highs of being an aircraft engineer
It’s never boring
Forget the humdrum of a 9-to-5 office gig. As an aircraft engineer, no two days are the same. One day, you’re diagnosing a complex hydraulic issue, and the next, you’re contorted into a human pretzel trying to replace a component in a space so tight even Houdini would struggle.
Challenging in the best way
Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got this job? Aircraft engineering keeps you in peak physical shape while giving your brain a serious workout.
Great pay and perks
With great responsibility comes excellent pay? Well, the money is good for what you do, and you can cash in on some fantastic flight perks (that is, if you work for an airline). Whether it’s jetting off to a tropical island or snagging discounted tickets to visit family, you’ve got options.
And did we mention job security? Aircraft engineers are highly sought after unless a Covid 2.0 scenario arises, and since Covid 1.0, even more so.
Interesting people
You’ll meet everyone, from seasoned pilots to quirky cabin crew and even the occasional eccentric passenger. The industry’s varied entry routes mean you’ll also work alongside engineers from all walks of life, including those with fascinating backgrounds like ex-military personnel.
The stories and experiences they bring only add to the colourful tapestry of your day-to-day interactions.
Transferable skills and career progression
Aircraft engineering is far from a dead-end career. The opportunities are endless once you’ve honed your skills and gained experience.
Fancy leading a team or stepping into project management? The path is wide open.
Want to pivot to another engineering sector? Your expertise is like a golden ticket.
Engineering isn’t just a job; it’s a mindset—a way of solving problems and creating solutions that can be applied in more ways than you might imagine.
Travel
Love seeing the world? This job can take you places. Of course, whether you’re thrilled about the travel or groaning about another layover depends on your perspective (and your ability to sleep on planes).
Constant training
Aviation regulations evolve rapidly, and getting into a position to work on aircraft requires a lot of training upfront. But the learning doesn’t stop there.
You’ll be constantly undertaking new training—whether it’s a new type rating, human factors refreshers, or expanding your licence to include a new category with added responsibilities. While this might seem like a hassle, it’s a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of education; on the other, when your employer invests in your training, it’s a clear sign of commitment—and job security. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate the peace of mind of knowing your skills are continuously being honed and valued? That’s definitely a big win in this industry.
Lows of being an aircraft engineer
Challenging in the worst way
Sure, challenges are great, but some days, they’ll have you questioning all your life choices.
Crawling into awkward spaces? Exhausting.
Identifying a fault no one else can solve? Maddening.
Some days, you’ll need both a toolbox and a therapist.
The eternal fatigue of shift work
Shift work is a cruel mistress. Days, nights, weekends—your schedule doesn’t care about your social life or circadian rhythm. Get ready to gulp coffee like fuel, and don’t be surprised if, on your first day off shift, you ask a relative, “What day is it?”
The blur of shift work can leave you disoriented, but hey, at least you’ll have caffeine to keep you going.
Airports are home now
Most of the time, you’ll find yourself working at airports, so you’ll likely need to live nearby. Of course, some in the industry choose to live farther away, but this often means temporarily staying near the airport during shifts and commuting back home afterwards.
Ultimately, it’s all about your priorities—whether you value living close to work or prefer a bit of distance to enjoy life away from the constant hum of jet engines.
Family sacrifices
Balancing a family life with a demanding aviation schedule can feel like a high-stakes juggling act. Missed birthdays and holidays are part of the package. On the plus side, you’ll have some excellent stories to share when you do make it home.
Constant training
For some, the constant training required can definitely feel like a downside. We get it—it can be exhausting to keep returning to the books and taking exams well into your 30s or 40s. It’s not for everyone, and that ongoing commitment to learning can seem like a drag if you’re more interested in putting your feet up than cracking open yet another manual.
But for those who embrace it, it’s just part of the ever-evolving nature of the industry. Still, we understand that this can be a real negative for some, and it’s worth considering before diving in.
Chemicals: Nature’s little assassins
Many of the chemicals used in aircraft maintenance seem to have been explicitly designed to test human resilience. Wear your PPE (personal protective equipment) religiously because these substances don’t play nice. It’s best to liken chemicals in aviation to animals in Australia.
Travel
Yes, travel is a double-edged sword. While it’s great for adventure, it can be tough if you’d rather be at home. Jetting off for work loses its charm when it means missing family dinners.
Is aircraft engineering for you?
Being an aircraft engineer is like being the unsung hero of the aviation world. Passengers enjoy safe flights thanks to your hard work, but they rarely know your name. It’s a career of highs that will have you soaring (sometimes literally) and lows that will test your mettle.
If you’re up for a challenge, can handle the sacrifice, and like the idea of a job that’s anything but mundane, aircraft engineering might just be your calling. Remember to keep your sense of humour handy—it’s almost as crucial as your socket set.
And honestly? Don’t overthink it. It’s about the coolest damn job you can have.
