How does the kick-off of aviation career look like? Kevin Althoff, an aerospace engineering student from FH Aachen, who is currently completing his mandatory internship at the Magnetic Line Station in Düsseldorf (DUS), shared his experiences of stepping into the world of aviation maintenance, the challenges and rewards of his internship, and what he has learned along the way.
Can you give more details about your internship? What are your key responsibilities?
Kevin: Before I start, I have to say am so thankful and glad to be here at the station in DUS. The employees – I would like to mention particularly Stefan – and especially the station management are willing to share a huge amount of knowledge, and they are very respectful. I felt that I needed to say this in the first place.
And now onto the internship – I am doing a mandatory 12-week internship at the Düsseldorf station as part of my aerospace engineering studies at FH Aachen. After the internship, I will start my Bachelor’s thesis, and I’m already planning to continue toward a Master’s degree.
I would describe my position as that of a new mechanic with no prior hands-on experience. From my studies, I already have solid theoretical knowledge – especially in engine systems, but in other areas, like cabin maintenance, I started from scratch. Over the weeks, I’ve learned a lot about daily maintenance procedures.
In terms of responsibilities, I assist the engineers whenever needed, whether that’s helping in the cabin with tech items, at the flight deck with recurring technical issues, or guiding refueling operations. My main goal, as I see it, is to acquire as much knowledge as possible, and everything beyond that is a bonus. I’m very pleased with what I’ve been able to do and learn so far.
What did you know about Magnetic Line before your internship? How did your perception change during it?
Kevin: To be honest, I didn’t know about the organization before my internship. I came across Magnetic Line while searching online for internship opportunities, and their services matched my interests perfectly – so I applied.
Now, after five weeks on the job, I can say that my initial positive impression was completely confirmed. My expectations have been fully met, and I’m glad to have joined such a dedicated and knowledgeable team.
What do you value in this internship the most? Do you have any memorable moments to share?
Kevin: The most valuable part of this internship is being constantly in touch with aircraft and their systems. Every day offers something new to learn, and that’s what excites me most. I truly believe this experience will help me a lot in my future career as an aircraft engineer, probably focusing on engine manufacturers.
As for memorable moments, one that really stands out is the first time I worked in the Boeing 777 flight deck. I had never been inside that cockpit before – unlike the A380 flight deck, which I already knew – so it was a special experience I’ll never forget.