You are an aircraft technician at SWISS. Can you tell us more about yourself and your work?
My name is Ines Eckstein, and I work at SWISS Technics in Line Maintenance as an Aircraft Engineer Cat. B1. Line Maintenance means that we are responsible for the daily maintenance of the entire SWISS fleet. Our work includes daily routine checks as well as more specialized tasks, ranging from the coffee machine to the engines. Any technical issue noted by the crew during the flight is integrated into our planning. As soon as the aircraft lands at Zurich Airport, we take care of it.

The B1 category is a certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which authorizes me to perform work on aircraft and subsequently release them for operation. In addition to the EASA certification, one needs an additional authorization for each aircraft type worked on. Currently, I hold certificates for the Airbus A330 and A340, and starting next year, I will also have certificates for the A320 and A320neo.

In Line Maintenance, we have five groups of about 15-20 mechanics and a handful of electricians, scheduled according to the upcoming tasks on the aircraft. We work in two shifts: the early shift and the late shift. Our team doesn't work at night; instead, SWISS has a dedicated night shift team. This has the advantage that we know the schedule for the entire year at the beginning of the year. My private circle now knows the routine, allowing me to balance work and personal life well. I am a passionate western rider, and since last year, I also participate in competitions. If a competition day coincides with a planned assignment, I just had to ask during the annual vacation planning. Consideration is always given, which I appreciate! In general, we are very flexible and always help each other out.

What should one bring to the profession of an aircraft technician?
I think one should definitely bring joy for technical work. The profession is extremely diverse and incredibly interesting. We work on multiple aircraft types and in various areas inside and outside the aircraft. One must be able to quickly switch between these different tasks and systems. Precise work outdoors, amidst noise, in all weather conditions, and always following strict guidelines should be enjoyable. A significant advantage of our profession is the standardized certification, allowing us to work internationally. The system is designed to allow continuous learning. Even career changers can evaluate their work experiences against certain criteria and complete the necessary requalifications to enter the profession. This means that we always collaborate with people who bring diverse professional backgrounds and experiences.

Another important factor is time management. If we don't release the aircraft, hundreds of travelers won't reach their desired destination and vacation. We certainly don't want that. Therefore, we must be capable of carrying out the work carefully and efficiently within the planned timeframe. Anyone working at an airport knows that the operation is meticulously planned, but last-minute changes are always possible. One needs to bring great flexibility and a certain organizational talent. Despite all the unpredictabilities and challenges, when the plan works out, those are the moments of success in our daily work.

How did you get into this profession?
Like every child, every time we went on vacation, that fascination for airplanes was always there. For me, it was interesting to know what goes into such a large aircraft. However, I only became aware of the profession of an aircraft mechanic in school when it came to concrete career choices. Aircraft mechanic happened to be one of my first suggestions in a aptitude test. After a brief internship at the Bundeswehr, I quickly realized that this was the profession I wanted to pursue.

I completed the 3 ½-year training as an aircraft mechanic specializing in manufacturing technology, colloquially known as a sheet metal worker, at the special airport Oberpfaffenhofen (Munich). It was an extremely interesting and educational time. This type of training doesn't exist in Switzerland. Comparable would be the apprenticeship as a polymechanic or automation technician specializing in aircraft maintenance, which can also be done at SWISS. After the training, I spent two more years in Oberpfaffenhofen, where I mainly worked on business jets. My mother runs a guesthouse, and coincidentally, an employee of SWISS spent his vacation there. Through him, I became aware of SWISS, and after the first job interview, I knew, yes, this is where I want to be.

Photographer Markus A. Jegerlehner captured you at work for the Ringier EqualPYXX Photo Challenge 2023. The photo won in the "New Role Models" category. Did you expect that?
Not necessarily expected, but I had considered the picture to have good chances. Anyone who has flown probably knows that we exist. However, in everyday life, when flying, people rarely see us and our work. One can imagine it, but there's no clear picture. When the crew and passengers board, the necessary checks and repairs are usually completed, and we are already onto the next aircraft. I believe the picture has provided many with the first insight into the profession of an aircraft technician. Seeing someone maintain an aircraft is a unique and important look behind the scenes of aviation operations. Additionally, I can imagine that many probably envision a man in the profession of an aircraft technician, and then the image of a woman stands out even more. But it's important to mention that women in this profession are no longer a big exception, as some might think. Just at SWISS, there are several women working in Line Maintenance or undergoing training as aircraft technicians.

Final question, what has been your biggest highlight in your job so far?
Clearly, it was September 28, 2022. On that day, after maintenance, I was able to perform my first independent release of an aircraft. It was with the HB-JMB, an Airbus A340. You never forget that moment. Behind it were hundreds of additional training hours. For this reason, that day will always have a special place in my heart.