When the chance to become an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) with the Royal Flying Doctor Service popped up in Broken Hill after finishing year 12, it was an opportunity Hamish Curtis couldn’t let pass.
The then-18-year-old saw the advertisement in the Barrier Truth and decided to apply. That fateful decision in late 2017 proved to be a defining moment, with Hamish completing his four-year apprenticeship in early 2022 and is now a fully qualified engineer, enjoying the challenge of working for one of the world’s largest aeromedical organisations and responsible for keeping its fleet of modern aircraft maintained to the highest standard.
“Growing up I’d always enjoyed tinkering with cars and go-karts. I used to help my uncle after school. He was a mechanic, so I’d go play on the cars he had there. And then when I finished school, I didn’t really want to go to uni. So, I saw this opportunity in the paper and I’m like, ‘I think I might put in for that and we’ll see what happens’,” Hamish said.
“My grandfather, he had a general aviation pilot’s license. So, I’ve always been around planes and enjoyed them.
“I was fortunate enough to get the job, and then I completed my four-year apprenticeship with the RFDS. It’s been two years since finishing that, so it’ll be six years with the RFDS in January.
“During the four years, you go to TAFE for your book skills. But most of the learning is hands-on and spent in the hangar, which is great. You come out with a certificate four of aviation maintenance, and coupled with a Diploma of Aviation you are a Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.”
Hamish said the team of 10 engineers based out of Broken Hill is a tight-knit group that have formed friendships as well as well as a great working relationship.
“They have a diverse range of skills, including those who look after the engine and airframe, known as B1 engineers, and those who manage the avionics, the aircraft’s electronics, instruments, and radio, known as B2 engineers. We also have some who have their airframe licence and are working towards getting their engine ticket,” Hamish said.
And when it comes to a normal day, Hamish said there’s no such thing, with such a variety of work that makes every day a different and engaging challenge.
“You can be doing anything from a tyre change or replenishing oils, right through to what we call a major phase check, where we remove all the interior and all the panels. Some of those major works are projects that can take ten days, two weeks or, in rare cases, a month,” he said.
The RFDS is in the process of recruiting two new apprentice AMEs for 2024 but there are always opportunities available. For more information visit: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/careers/region/nswact/
