Experience Direct Maintenance: interview with intern Max Didden

This month, we have interviewed a Direct Maintenance intern from Maastricht station – Max Didden. Max shares his first impressions about the company and memorable experiences from the internship at Direct Maintenance.

How did you end up at Direct Maintenance for your internship?

First, I applied for an internship at Direct Maintenance in Dusseldorf. Unfortunately, at that station, there were no open positions for an internship. However, because of the showed interest in working at Direct Maintenance, I was sent to Cologne station. Still, as the station just recently opened, it was impossible to start there. Luckily, after being forwarded to Maastricht station, I was hired for the internship at Direct Maintenance.  

What do you think of the way you are supervised as an intern at Direct Maintenance?

It is my first internship. Thus, like all beginners in the industry, at first, I spent much more time observing than actually doing something in practice. However, the more days have passed, the more my knowledge and understanding developed. Consequently, now, I get to do more practical tasks. I am very thankful for my colleagues, as they constantly explain aircraft features and systems or how to perform a specific task correctly – they ensure my improvement!

What do you hope to learn from your internship?

My primary intention for this internship was to see how line maintenance differs from base maintenance. At the moment, I think line maintenance bring more challenges due to the broad work scope. Nevertheless, I hope to combine the theory from the university with practice at Direct Maintenance and successfully learn as much as possible about aircraft systems.

What is your impression of DirectMaintenance as an employer?

My first impression was that Direct Maintenance is an exciting company with many stations worldwide and a great place to work. To this day, I can say that it is true. Indeed, you can continue to learn at Direct Maintenance: there are many career opportunities, such as getting your license for a particular aircraft type.  

What was the most memorable thing you experienced during your internship?

In the short four weeks that I have been at Direct Maintenance, there was a lightning strike in one of the engines. I had never seen actual damage from a lightning strike, so I truly gained a new memorable experience. We searched for the impact point of the lightning strike because the output of the lightning was clearly visible.

What tip can you give to other interns at Direct Maintenance?

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ASK THEM. An internship is meant for learning. Thus, if you don’t understand something or want to get an explanation of the aircraft system, just ask. Even if the question is to show/explain the theory you learned at university (as they often lack the needed facilities to demonstrate aircraft systems in real life), I think your colleagues will be glad to help.

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