We recently spoke to Yi Juang, EASA Licensed B2 Avionics Engineer, about the early stages of her career so far in engineering, plus her future career goals and first-hand advice for aspiring engineers.
What made you decide to pursue a career in aviation?
I was drawn to a career in aviation due to my fascination with aircraft and the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. Additionally, the satisfaction of being able to troubleshoot and repair aircraft components gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
Could you describe the path that you’ve taken in your career to get to your current role?
I completed a diploma in aircraft maintenance with an EASA-approved Part 147 program. After that, I began working in a heavy base maintenance environment where I gained hands-on experience and completed various tasks, which I documented in my logbook. This experience allowed me to accumulate enough working hours and tasks to meet the requirements for an EASA license, which I subsequently obtained.
What are the main day-to-day responsibilities of your current role?
While I am currently pursuing my degree and not currently working, in my previous role, my main day-to-day responsibilities included performing technical work on avionics systems for various aircraft models, identifying and troubleshooting faulty aircraft electrical systems, and resolving any issues. Additionally, I was involved in modifying aircraft wiring to new configurations.
How was the experience of working towards your EASA B2 Licence, and how did it feel to achieve this?
Working towards my EASA B2 License was a challenging and time-consuming process, as I had to diligently collect and document my working experience in my logbook over several years. However, when I finally received my license, it was a truly satisfying and significant accomplishment that marked a crucial step forward in my aviation career. While obtaining my license was a major milestone, I am aware that it is just the beginning of my journey, and that there is still much to learn and accomplish in this industry.
What do you love most about your job?
The most satisfying aspect of my job is the feeling of achievement after completing major tasks, such as sending an aircraft off or towing it out of the hangar following several months of modifications and heavy maintenance work.
Do you have a particular aircraft type that you’ve enjoyed working on the most?
My preference for working on Airbus aircraft, particularly the A320, is also due to my familiarity and experience with these aircraft. I have been part of a modification team that worked specifically on Airbus systems, which has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and expertise in this particular type of aircraft.
What has been your proudest moment, or biggest achievement?
Given that I am relatively new to the industry and have only gained a few years of work experience, my proudest moment to date would have to be obtaining my EASA basic license. Although I understand that there is still a long journey ahead in terms of obtaining type rating, approval, and other qualifications, I am grateful for the help and guidance provided by everyone who has taught and supported me along the way.
Do you have any specific goals that you’re working towards in your career?
Certainly, I am actively pursuing specific career goals, with the aim of eventually moving away from field-based work and transitioning to a management or consulting position. While I acknowledge that achieving this goal will require me to obtain additional qualifications and skill sets, I believe that hands-on experience is a crucial component of skill-building and career growth. I am fully dedicated to enhancing my educational and technical qualifications, as well as expanding my knowledge in order to make this transition possible.
What is the biggest piece of advice that you would pass onto any aspiring aircraft engineers, particularly those looking to specialise in avionics?
If I were to offer advice to aspiring aircraft engineers, especially those interested in specializing in avionics, I would stress the importance of consistency and proactivity. In this field, it is crucial to remain dedicated to your work and to take on every opportunity that comes your way.
Be sure to always seek out new knowledge and skills, whether through self-study or by asking questions of your more experienced colleagues. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with new technologies and consult relevant technical manuals. Ultimately, success in aviation jobs comes down to a strong work ethic and a willingness to take initiative and continuously learn and grow.
