5 Top Skills to get into Aircraft Engineering

Aircraft Certifying Engineer looking at plane taking off towards sunset

What is an Aircraft Engineer?

An aircraft engineer is a qualified engineer who carry out the day to day handling and maintenance and troubleshooting of aircraft. Aircraft engineers are found all over the world where they provide critical support to the aviation industries incredibly vast network of aircraft. This role requires an Aircraft Maintenance License or an equivalent qualification to perform, which are difficult to get outside of seemingly few educational avenues.

How can I get certified?

It feels as though becoming certified in the aviation industry has become harder and harder over the past few decades. With new technology emerging in the sector all the time becoming an aviation engineer might seem harder than ever, but I’m here to tell you that isn’t the case. In fact, if you know the right way to go about doing it, becoming Air Engineer Certified has never been easier! You can apply right now to become an Aircraft Certifying Technician Apprentice right now, and it only requires a GCSE level education. As difficult as it may seem to break in to the industry, apprenticeships like this one are appearing more and more, as airline companies are hungrier for passionate young people.

an airport engineer wearing an orange high visability jacket looks up and watches a plane take off into the blue sky with clouds

Tips for New Apprentices in Aircraft Engineering

Accelerate People Interested in taking off on your own Aircraft Engineering Career? Here are the 5 top skills that employers will be looking for. Master these, and its clear skies to your first job in the aviation engineering industry.

1. Interpersonal Skills

A must have skill for any job where you’ll be working with others, but interpersonal skills are especially important for engineers. This is because when working on large scale engines that you’ll find in most aircraft, you will need to be able to understand and give clear instructions and responses. As an engineer you’ll be collaborating with many peers across the aviation industry, from manufacturers to pilots and everyone in between, and you’ll often need to communicate the intricacies of your work to people with a less technical understanding, so being able to do so well is a big plus that employers are going to be looking for. 

2. Decision Making

Engineering projects are all about the decision making, and possessing strong decisive ability and a willingness to make tough decisions will carry you far as an aviation engineer. It’s not uncommon for engineers to work in groups to make educated decisions after extensive periods of research, however a knowledgeable decision making ability ensures a confident follow through on any project you are a part of, which is a skill employers will actively seek out and encourage.

3. Project management

The maintenance of planes is no small project, and attempting to tackle it without a plan of action is sure to leave you grounded. So, something that employers have taken a liking to is passionate people who are taking a thoroughly organised approach to their projects. Planning your work out, such that you and your fellow engineers are put to best use during the maintenance will streamline every process and make life so much easier for both you and your employer, making you a standout candidate.

4. Passion for Physics & Aerodynamics

Accelerate People Hiring managers tend to give back the energy that you give them. If you go into an interview with slumped shoulders and a half written CV with some academic credits, it reflects poorly on you. On the contrary, if you show up with a perky attitude, ready to explain your passion for the world of aviation and aircraft, then you are likely to wow your employer, and for them to mirror your passionate energy. This is the perfect opportunity to show them what you know, and look good doing it, so don’t hold back!

5. Familiarity with Aviation Regulation

Who doesn’t love being prepared? If you want to get a real runway start in the aviation industry that will impress any potential employer, show them you know the rules of the game. Doing a bit of homework as to the rules and regulations that aircraft engineers operate by will show not only an adept understanding of the job role, but also a well prepared and well researched approach.

Aircraft Certifying Engineer inspects plane with clipboard.

Wrap up

So, think you’re ready to launch your career into the troposphere? Now that you are armed with this knowledge, your journey to the clouds and beyond is underway. If you’re ready and eager to get started sign up here! You’ll be up, up and away in no time, with a whole new suite of professional tools and skills at your side.