Let’s get to know the remarkable personalities who are the face of Magnetic Line. We’re thrilled to introduce Jurson Petronielia from Magnetic Line Amsterdam station. Jurson has taken many steps in the company – from starting as an intern, growing to an engineer role, and recently starting as the Station Maintenance Manager.
From wanting to become a pilot since his youth in the Caribbean, to falling in love with engineering and determination to join the company – let’s get to know Jurson.
Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation?
I’m from Curaçao, an island in the Caribbean. With each vacation and family visit to the neighboring islands, we had to take a flight. I was fascinated by aircraft – how is it possible for such a big heavy object to fly? So, from early on, I dreamt of becoming a Pilot.
When I was 16, I went to a career fair for students and shared my desire to become a pilot. There, I was introduced to the possibility of getting an education in Aviation engineering school in Amsterdam. The terms of the program were great, so I was sold on the idea immediately. The most difficult part was convincing my parents to let a 16-year-old move to the Netherlands alone. At first, they said no, but I slowly convinced them that this was my dream – they finally approved.
Then, finally attending this aviation engineering school in the Netherlands, I fell in love with Engineering. My aviation dream slowly started to change from being a pilot to becoming a licensed Aircraft Engineer.
How did you start working at Magnetic Line?
Quite a funny story – I first applied for an internship at Magnetic Line (formerly Direct Maintenance) in February 2011. The interview went well, and I was granted the internship. Then I was asked for a copy of my driver’s license – which I did not have – but turned out to be mandatory to do the internship. Thus, I could not continue.
I was truly disappointed, so, guess what I did? I started driving lessons immediately. When I finally got my license, I called Direct Maintenance back. The former manager was so impressed by my determination and granted me the internship even after all the positions were filled.
Thus, my path in Direct Maintenance/Magnetic Line started in 2011. Since the beginning of 2024, I’ve been tackling a new role, being the Station Maintenance Manager in AMS. It’s been great to grow with the company. The biggest impact the journey has had on me is knowing that sometimes things will not go exactly as planned, but the final result will be the same.
What are the main tasks in your line of work?
With my new role in the company, I’m now in the learning & discovering phase. As Station Maintenance Manager I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects of aircraft maintenance at AMS station – ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency while managing a team of Engineers and Mechanics. One of my goals is to implement solutions to improve maintenance processes and enhance operational efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
The biggest challenge in this line of work is of course the turnaround time between the aircraft landing and taking off again. Line maintenance work is carried out on a tight schedule, so you must be very sharp and concise throughout the whole process.
What does the daily work routine in AMS station look like?
Here’s a line maintenance check overview from the Engineer’s perspective. The day starts with an early alarm clock. Once in the office, the status report of the arriving aircraft is checked. By this, one can start preparing for possible troubleshooting. Once the aircraft is on final approach, you grab a headset and head out to the gate to meet it.
At the gate, an FOD inspection is performed, and when the aircraft arrives, you greet the crew and get the status report. Then the Pre-flight or Transit checks with a walk-around inspection are done. Once the external status is checked, you enter the aircraft to meet the crew and proceed with the internal status check of the aircraft.
After completing a thorough inspection, the outgoing flight crew is briefed about the status of the aircraft. After refueling, the Aircraft Technical Log is filled and you wait for the Captain to accept and take over the aircraft. Once accepted, and the Aircraft Technical Log signed, you head downstairs to complete the final checks.
When the aircraft is ready to depart, pushback is performed. One of the most enjoyable moments of the day is the moment after the aircraft pushback – seeing the aircraft slowly start to taxi on time or even ahead of schedule. At rewarding moments like this, the unpleasant early alarm clock is completely forgotten.
Besides your work, what are your hobbies?
I enjoy many kinds of sports. I think I’m quite an athletic person – I play baseball and golf but have played many different sports in my life. When the weather doesn’t allow me to do sport outside, you will find me in the cinema or you can catch me watching the best football club in the world – Real Madrid.
As a final question, what might be something surprising about you that many people do not know?
This is a difficult one. I think most people don’t know that I like to cook and that I like to listen to Latin music, like Salsa Bachata. And when the rhythm hits me, I might get on the dance floor, too. And by now I think most people know I like Carnival too.