Introducing Marcio
We recently caught up with Márcio Filipe Gonçalves Martins, a B1/C Licensed Engineer who kindly shared what he does on an average day, what he did to get to his role and his tips for aspiring B1 engineers.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in the aviation industry?
Well, from an early age i was fascinated by general mechanics, and i was studying and working on motorcycles engines on my free time.
My father was already a Licensed Aircraft Engineer, so the leap to aviation industry was the obvious step and more than 20 years have passed since then and my enthusiasm stays the same.
Can you detail what path you have taken to become a B1 engineer?
In my case, after 3 years attending an industrial technology course, I’ve applied for an airline that was in search for candidates offering Initial Licensed Aircraft Engineer course.
The course had a theoretical and practical part with several disciplines and exams, 2 years of work after the course were needed to obtain a blank license.
The specific type training courses were added trough the years thus engine run courses, mandatory courses, instructor course (theoretical and practical) and all the training associated with the profession
What is your schedule like as an engineer?
Throughout the years I’ve worked in several different areas, so I divide my working time between base maintenance (C`checks and A`Checks) and Line aircraft maintenance engineering jobs during the summer time.
I`m also an instructor in the airbus family and inspector during Checks performed abroad and new aircraft delivery at Toulouse delivery center, so my work routine is usually very diversified.
Can you share what it costs financially to reach your position?
It depends a lot on the path you choose and the country you live in; however, if you attend a full Initial course by yourself (and not self proposed) with 1200 Hrs theoretical and 1200 Hrs Practical in a part 147 school, you can spend between 12000€ to 15000€ (approx.) for the basic training.
The complementary training depends on which aircraft you will work on, but each aircraft full course can cost from 3000€ to 6000€ (approx.), and all the others courses (different courses, engines courses, engine run, borescope, mandatory such as FTS, EWIS and HF, etc) have different values.
How do you manage your work/life balance as a B1 engineer?
Aviation industry is a fast pace working environment, and when full operating can demand a great workload and various hours studying.
Obtaining a perfect balance between our social life and work is not always easy, but i use my free time to spend time with my family, travel, learn other skills and dedicate myself to my hobbies,
It`s the perfect way to keep focused and able to perform at your best on both cases.
What 3 tips would you give to an aspiring aviation engineer?
- The first one is understanding if this is really what you want. You should always try to do what you love in life. If this is the case, I can say for sure that you are choosing one of the best jobs that I can remember, and I don`t see myself doing any other thing.
- The second one is committing yourself, if this is the path you choose work hard and study a lot, organize your days so you can learn the most and gain experience in all areas of the A/C, the first years are very important for your professional growth and knowledge, stay eager.
- The third one is connecting, talk with licensed aircraft engineers, get to know schools, follow MRO`s and Airlines, keep up with industry innovations and news to prepare and visualize your future.
