Bruno Silva works as an EASA Cat A Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Ryanair Engineering Germany GmbH. He shares his career path into aviation, and how he navigated through the Covid pandemic whilst in the early years of his engineering career.
What made you decide to pursue a career in aviation?
I have always been fascinated by machines and their impact on the world. This interest was likely influenced by my older brother, who is a licensed aircraft engineer. Following in his footsteps, I pursued a career in the same field.
Could you describe the path that you’ve taken to get to your current role?
My path to my current role has been a journey of perseverance and dedication. I started out as an aircraft mechanic in the Portuguese Air Force, where I gained valuable experience working with military aircraft.
However, I soon realised that I wanted to explore the world of civil aviation, and decided to study for my EASA licence in order to work in this field. After three years in the Air Force, I left to join TAP, one of Portugal's major airlines.
Unfortunately, my time at TAP was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and I found myself struggling to find work in the aviation industry. I took on a few different jobs to make ends meet, but it only made me realise how much I missed working on aircraft.
Finally, I got the opportunity to join Ryanair Engineering Germany, and I didn't hesitate to accept the position, even though it meant leaving everything behind. It's been a challenging journey, but I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned along the way.
What are the main responsibilities of your daily role at Ryanair Engineering Germany?
As a member of the REGG, my primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, and to prepare them for the next day's flights. I understand the importance of providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable travel experience, and I take pride in contributing to this by ensuring that the aircraft are maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability.
What do you love most about your job?
What I find most rewarding about my job is the fact that every day brings a new set of challenges and experiences, and I never fall into a dull routine. One of the most thrilling aspects of my job is the sense of urgency that comes with ensuring that an aircraft is fixed and ready to fly within a short timeframe, without compromising on safety. This requires a high level of skill, dedication, and attention to detail, which keeps me motivated and engaged in my work.
Have there been any challenges that you’ve overcome in your career?
My upbringing in a small town presented some challenges, particularly when people ridiculed my aspirations to become an aircraft engineer. However, I persevered and remained committed to pursuing my passion. My persistence has paid off, as my friends now praise me for never giving up on my dreams.
More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic created significant challenges for me, both personally and professionally. Like many others around the world, my plans were derailed, and the uncertainty of the situation took a toll on my mental well-being. Nevertheless, I refused to give up on my dreams, and instead, I remained focused on finding a way back to the aviation industry.
Through determination and hard work, I was able to secure a position at Ryanair Engineering Germany, which has allowed me to continue pursuing my passion and overcome the obstacles that were thrown my way.
What has been your proudest moment, or biggest achievement?
While I don't have a specific moment that stands out as my proudest achievement, I am incredibly proud of the progress that I have made in my career thus far. Each step of the way has been a personal accomplishment, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to continue growing and learning in the field of aviation.
At the same time, I recognize that there is always more to be accomplished and achieved, and I am excited to continue working towards new goals and milestones. I am motivated by the knowledge that there is still a long way to go in my career, and I am committed to pushing myself to reach new heights and make even greater contributions to the aviation industry.
Do you have any specific goals that you’re working towards as an engineer?
As an aircraft engineer, I have set my sights on achieving a number of specific goals. One of my top priorities is to accumulate the necessary experience to obtain my EASA B1.1 License, which will be a significant milestone in my career.
Beyond that, I am eager to pursue opportunities to acquire additional qualifications and certifications that will allow me to work on a wider range of aircraft types. In particular, I am excited about the prospect of obtaining my first Type Rating on an aircraft, which would represent a major accomplishment and allow me to expand my skillset even further. Overall, my ultimate goal is to continue growing and developing as an engineer, and to make a positive impact on the aviation industry through my work.
Were there any role models who inspired or guided you in your career?
My older brother has been an incredible source of inspiration and guidance throughout my career in aviation. From a young age, I looked up to him as a role model and was fascinated by his work as a licensed aircraft engineer.
As I began to explore my own interests in the field, he was always there to offer advice, support, and encouragement, and I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship. His expertise and passion for aviation have inspired me to pursue my own dreams and have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges and obstacles along the way.
Looking back, I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today without his guidance and support, and I feel incredibly lucky to have him as both a brother and a mentor.
What is the biggest piece of advice that you would pass onto any aspiring aircraft engineers?
My advice for aspiring aircraft engineers would be to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams. While the road to success may not be easy, the rewards of working in aviation can be truly incredible, and with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. So, stay committed to your goals and never lose sight of what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place.
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