In aviation maintenance, hands-on experience and mentorship are invaluable. Sebastiaan Dirix, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer B1 Intern at Magnetic Line’s Frankfurt station, shared his insights how his internship is helping him develop practical skills, learn from experienced engineers, and take the first steps toward a career in aircraft maintenance.
Q: Can you give more details about your internship – what are your key responsibilities?
Sebastiaan: I started my internship at Magnetic Line on September 1st as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer B1 Intern, and I’ll be at the Frankfurt station until February 8th. My responsibilities include performing daily, transit, and ETOPS checks to make sure each aircraft is safe and airworthy before flight. I also help maintain aircraft systems, service engines and components, change wheels and other parts, and support ground operations when needed.
What did you know about Magnetic Line before your internship? How has your perception changed?
Sebastiaan: Before joining, I knew Magnetic Line specialized in aircraft line maintenance, but I had no idea how fast-paced and dynamic the work environment would be. I expected some of the line maintenance tasks, but once I started, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the teamwork, technical expertise, and attention to detailrequired to keep flights safe and on schedule.
Q: What do you value most about this internship? Any memorable moments?
Sebastiaan: The thing I value most is the chance to learn directly from highly experienced engineers. Their guidance has helped me grow quickly and gain confidence in real maintenance operations.
One of my most memorable moments was doing pushbacks and working late shifts with the Airbus A380. These experiences really made me feel like a part of the team and showed me how much responsibility and trust the role involves.
Q: Why would you recommend this internship to aspiring aviation professionals?
Sebastiaan: This internship is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in a real aviation environment. You learn how a team keeps aircraft safe, how to manage responsibilities under pressure, and how much technical expertise goes into every operation. For anyone looking to start a career in aircraft maintenance, it’s an invaluable introduction to the industry.