Through its license training program, Pilatus offers its aircraft mechanics, sheet-metal workers and electricians attractive career prospects, exciting assignments abroad and the opportunity to gain valuable linguistic and practical experience.
Training as a sheet-metal mechanic was Lukas Mathis’ first step in progressing towards a key role. Today, as a specialist instructor, he is responsible for certifying training supervisors – and for supporting the next generation on their way to becoming new talents.
As part of the five-person specialist training team with the Assembly and Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO), he contributes both his in-depth expertise and his immense dedication to the cause of training. His greatest motivation derives from providing further education for training supervisors, supporting license holders in their development and passing on his own know-how.
Lukas is responsible for the Train-the-Trainer program and for coordinating all training counseling. During preliminary discussions, he ensures prospective license holders are well informed about their training contract, the associated obligations and individual training and rotation schedules.
He also acts as the central point of contact with Quality Assurance and the Swiss Aircraft Maintenance Association (SAMA), the body which provides the theoretical learning content. Lukas additionally contributes to the optimization of training processes – using the new Teams channel, for example, which is designed to facilitate networking between license candidates and specialist units by ensuring access to all relevant information irrespective of location.
From Theory to Practice
License training teaches the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in accordance with Part 66, Part 145 and Part 147, providing the technical and regulatory foundations for license categories B1 (mechanical) and B2 (electrical). Specialized procedures – the so-called S-License categories, such as for sheet-metal work or landing gear maintenance, are subject to national regulations established by the Swiss Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). A valid license entitles the holder to perform, supervise and sign off on maintenance work in accordance with the latest statutory and technical requirements.
Training takes around four years and starts with an intensive theory phase in a ‘blended learning’ format combining web-based self-study with traditional classroom teaching. The module blocks are designed so that both forms of learning mesh together perfectly – for flexible and efficient learning. Self-study takes place outside regular working hours and requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline. Practical training starts after theoretical training, with the candidate gradually adding to his or her logbook, this being a central element of the B1 and B2 licenses.
A separate license entry is also required for each aircraft type. For the first type entry, the candidate completes a type-specific syllabus in parallel with the logbook. This attests to the required on-thejob training and ensures that the practical skills are acquired directly on the relevant aircraft type and documented in full.
This is the basis on which candidates develop their practical skills under expert guidance. They inspect components, perform maintenance work, move aircraft safely on the ground and prepare them for the next steps in the process.
The various rotations provide insights into every area of the assembly and MRO line. Candidates go through all the process steps involved in aircraft production and deepen their technical expertise. The training ends with the federal professional examination, which leads to an official license.
Around six candidates embark on training each year. After successful course completion, they can look forward to a wide variety of career opportunities – from specialized maintenance assignments to international FSE secondments at the customer’s site to working as certifying staff. Demand for qualified, licensed aircraft mechanics, sheet-metal workers and electricians is growing steadily – and with it the demand for appropriate training.
From License Holder to Manager
Roman Truttmann is a particularly impressive example of how license training not only opens the door to a specialist technical career, but can also pave the way to a managerial function. His progression to become Head of the Aircraft Final Assembly Department started with B1 license training.
How Important Was License Training for Your Career Development?
For me, license training was a starting point – without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It gave me the technical foundation on which to build my career in aviation.
Which Aspects of Training Still Stay With You in Your Routine Work, Even Today?
Besides the technical skills, there’s a surprising amount of content which I still draw on today. The ‘Human Factors’ module, for example, helps me to identify and categorize risks, stresses and team dynamics at an early stage. Topics covered in aviation legislation such as legal guidelines and exemptions, still support my decision-making, as do numerous discussions which I remember.
What Was the Most Important Training Benefit for You?
For me, the network which I was able to build up and the practical experience gained during my rotation really stood out. I had an opportunity to familiarize myself with numerous departments really well. Thanks to these experiences, I now know exactly how the processes function and how everything fits together. I can also recognize the complexity of what goes on behind the scenes, and I know the right people to contact in case of questions.
What Makes the Training Special for You?
The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical work! It provides exciting insights during training, for example through challenging tasks such as engine replacement, and also creates lasting added value. It provides a solid basis for all aviation examinations and opens the door to specialist, project and management roles.
Who Would You Recommend This Training To?
To anyone looking to advance their career and wanting to achieve something on a long-term basis. License training is much more than just the next step in your career – it’s an investment in the future.
On-the-job training under expert guidance
