A family legacy continued at the hangar

My parents met at Qantas in 1967. Dad was an apprentice, and Mum was working in production planning in Hangar 96. So, I’ve been around aircraft my whole life. Dad flew light planes and got his hot air balloon licence when I was a kid. He and I were inseparable, so it was natural I’d follow him into aviation. We’re a real Qantas family; my sister is married to an engineer and his dad was an engineer, too. 

I did two weeks work experience in 1992, then applied each year but didn’t get in, which makes sense – I wasn’t even 18! I started working here in 1995 and, 29 years on, I still love it. Every day is different. I could be over at the international terminal checking arriving aircraft. We get onboard, fix anything that needs it, like a seat or a reading light. We might be changing a tyre. Some days could be doing maintenance on aircraft that are on the ground, which could be anything up to changing over an engine. Another day I might be moving aircraft in and out of hangars and to the gates. 

Engineers are amazing – I don’t think we’re like anyone else. Everyone I work with is so passionate and particular and they have incredible attention to detail. It’s such an exciting time with all of the new aircraft we have coming. I’d say to anyone thinking of a career in aviation to just go for it. It’s an incredible industry and an engineering background can take you just about anywhere in aviation. The people are clever, you’ll learn heaps and you’ll become part of a family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Mel Korotki
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer