Teamwork & precision: the art of engine inspection

From aircraft spotter to aircraft inspector

From an early age, Tim was fascinated by technology and aircraft, a combination that eventually led him to aircraft engine inspection. ‘My grandfather was a welder, and I often stood by the runway here at Schiphol Airport with my father,’ he says enthusiastically. ‘I always found it interesting, but I never realised just how much engineering goes on here.’

Like Tim, his colleague Amir also recently began working as an Aircraft Engine Inspector. Amir joined the team in July last year, but his entire career has been in aviation engineering. ‘Before this, I worked as a mechanic for many years,’ he explains. ‘Aerospace engineering requires incredible precision. The responsibility is immense, as you’re assessing the final product before it takes to the skies.’

Down to the last millimetre

The day always begins with planning: which engines and parts are on the schedule? From there, the inspections commence; work that demands absolute accuracy and sharp insight. “You learn so many new things here,” Tim explains. “My background is in repair, where it’s much more about results. Here, you examine each part with a completely different mindset, much calmer and more focused.” Amir nods in agreement: “The responsibility is far greater here, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Measuring is truly a craft in this department. “There’s a lot of measuring involved,” the two say. “Take a part, for example, you measure it with the utmost precision.” It’s equally important to carefully read, understand, and follow the manuals. “When you know what you’re doing, it’s genuinely satisfying work,” says Tim. Amir adds, “Our colleague John put it perfectly: you have to divide a millimetre into a hundred lines.” “So yes,” he smiles, “it’s really precise work.”

The size and complexity of the engine parts are impressive: one engine can contain up to 40,000 components. Amir laughs, “Some colleagues have been here 20 years and still get a part for the first time. We inspect almost everything on the engine except the blades and shaft.”

Responsibility with pride

For Amir and Tim, it’s simple: they take great pride in their work—and it shows immediately. “It’s just a fantastic job,” says Amir enthusiastically. “You’re given real responsibility. People are often amazed when I tell them what I do.”

And yes, reinforcements are always welcome. “We’re looking for people with a technical background who can work seriously and precisely,” Tim explains. “Someone with aviation experience would be ideal.”

If they had to sum up their work in three words, it would be: teamwork, responsibility, and precision. And rightly so, you couldn’t describe their role in the world of aircraft engines any better.