Get to know Riyaz! An Engineer at our Line Station in Frankfurt…
This week coincides with National Engineers Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the vital role engineers play in shaping the world around us. To mark the occasion, we spoke with Riyaz Ali, a dedicated member of the Bostonair Line Maintenance team in Frankfurt. Originally from India, Riyaz has been an aircraft engineer since 2018 and has worked in the aviation industry since 2008, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. He shared insights into his journey as an EASA66 B1 aircraft engineer, discussing his career path, the challenges he faces, and the essential skills required to ensure aircraft operate safely and efficiently.
What does a typical day in your life as an aircraft engineer look like?
One of my favourite aspects of the job is troubleshooting. It challenges me to think outside the box and constantly presents opportunities to learn and try new approaches. What I enjoy most about my workplace, however, is my colleagues. We have an exceptional team, with each member bringing unique aviation expertise to the table—our teamwork is truly a success story!
What inspired you to pursue a career in aircraft engineering?
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by aircraft, likely due to growing up near an airport. Watching planes take off and land captured my imagination, and I became intrigued by the complexity of aircraft and the precision required to ensure their safety. This curiosity ignited my passion for both engineering and aviation.
I chose to follow the path of aircraft engineering because it combines two things I love: solving complex technical problems and being part of an industry that continually pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation. Aircraft engineering offers endless opportunities for learning—every task teaches me something new. The satisfaction of diagnosing a challenging issue and finding a solution is incredibly rewarding.
What captivates me most about this field is the sheer scale of collaboration—it takes the collective expertise of thousands of brilliant minds to bring such a remarkable feat of engineering to life.
How do you stay on top of challenging aviation regulations and industry standards?
At Bostonair, we stay up to date through a range of resources, including updated OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) manuals, recurrent training, and customer-specific training. New and improved regulations are introduced primarily to enhance safety and efficiency, and their impact is always positive.
We also have access to online training platforms that provide updates on new regulations, safety features, recurrent training, Civil Aviation Authority bulletins and directives, as well as customer-focused training.
What innovations or advancements in aviation engineering are you most excited about?
Recently, there have been numerous technological advancements in aircraft maintenance that are significantly improving our daily tasks. One development I find particularly exciting is drone-assisted structural inspection techniques, which enable faster and more efficient inspections. These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce downtime and turnaround times, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
What excites me most about the future of aviation maintenance engineering is the progress in predictive maintenance, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of aircraft systems and can predict when a component is likely to fail, allowing us to carry out maintenance proactively. This not only minimises downtime but also enhances safety and operational efficiency by preventing unexpected failures.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the aviation industry today, and how do aircraft engineers contribute to solving them?
Rapid technological advancements are transforming the aviation industry, offering the potential to greatly enhance efficiency. However, these innovations require substantial investment and continuous adaptation. Additionally, some technologies face regulatory hurdles and safety challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure successful implementation and widespread adoption.
Aircraft engineers are highly trained to work with the sophisticated avionics and software systems found in modern aircraft. They utilise advanced diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot and repair complex systems. Continuous training ensures they stay up to date with the rapidly evolving technology in the industry.
Aircraft engineers also play a crucial role in cost efficiency by carrying out preventive maintenance, which helps minimise the need for costly repairs or component replacements. By ensuring that aircraft operate at peak performance, they help airlines avoid unplanned downtime and optimise fuel consumption.
What is your favourite memory of your career in aircraft engineering?
My favourite memory will always be the day when i issued my first Certificate of Release to Service (CRS) as a B1 certifier!
What’s the most fulfilling part of being an aircraft engineer?
The most fulfilling part of being an aircraft engineer is knowing that my work directly impacts the safety and reliability of aircraft. Every time an aircraft takes off following a thorough inspection or repair, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility, knowing I have played a role in ensuring its airworthiness.
Throughout my career, there have been several instances where I have successfully troubleshot and resolved complex technical issues that initially seemed unsolvable. In some cases, the aircraft was grounded, and the pressure was on to find a solution quickly. After hours of investigation and support from my colleagues, I was able to resolve the issue. Those moments make me especially proud to be an aircraft engineer, as they reinforce my ability to handle high-pressure situations while contributing to a successful outcome.
What advice would you give to young engineers just starting out, and which skills are crucial for succeeding in the field?
For young aircraft engineers just starting out, my advice is to stay curious, be patient, and never stop learning. Aviation is a constantly evolving field, and staying up to date with new technologies and regulations is essential for staying ahead. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from more experienced colleagues—they are an invaluable resource. Take every opportunity to learn from each task, as every experience contributes to your expertise.
One piece of advice I wish I had received when I started is to embrace the challenging moments. It’s easy to feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but problem-solving is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. The more challenges you overcome, the more confident and skilled you’ll become.
Hard work, patience, a willingness to learn every day, belief in yourself and your team, and seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth are all key to success.