Climbing up the ladder for the umpteenth time tonight, this trip could prove the most important. The airplane needs some complicated mechanical work completed on one of its engines. The aircraft maintenance engineer completes the work without problem but is going back to double-check his work. He has to. Hundreds of peoples' lives depend on him and the others on his crew to complete their work precisely as dictated by manufacturer maintenance manuals.

Climbing in, out, around and all over planers are part of the job of an aircraft maintenance engineer, but not always while they're indoors.

"I try not to think about the people because that's overwhelming," explains Bob Mathieson of Air Canada Jazz. "You want to make sure the aircraft is up to standard, that's your main goal." Obviously, those standards are high as it takes much knowledge and precision to keep a machine as complicated as an aircraft in the sky.

But that's one of the most appealing parts of the work, according to Mathieson. "One of the things I enjoyed most is you're working on some highly technical (parts). It's very fast paced and challenging. You're constantly learning." His only dislike of the work revolves around the shifts required when working for a commercial airline. As the planes fly all day, most aircraft maintenance engineers work night shifts, although there are some day and afternoon shifts.

Not all aircraft maintenance engineers work for airlines, however. Some work for the military, float plane companies on Canada's coasts or at engine overhaul companies. Many certifications are available. Working for an airline, however, has allowed Mathieson to move up the ladder. After working on the floor for about 12 years, he now works as a fleet specialist. In this position he uses his knowledge of the aircraft to help others deal with technical issues, whether they be engineers or the flight crew.

His current position allows him to gain an even greater understanding of the mechanical workings of aircraft, which is what drew him to the industry in the first place. "I always enjoyed working on cars and mechanical things," Mathieson said. "I kind of had my fill of cars at home and thought the airline industry looked challenging and interesting."

He enrolled in the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and completed a two-year aircraft maintenance engineer program and a two-year apprenticeship. Now he knows fully what makes a good aircraft engineer. "You want somebody with strong analytical or trouble-shooting skills. Someone who's a bit of a perfectionist and who likes to double-check his work. Anyone interested in this career should also be able to handle pressure. As airlines operate on strict schedules there is pressure to make sure aircraft are up to snuff by the time they are needed in the morning."

A typical night shift at Air Canada Jazz would see aircraft maintenance engineers start about 8 p.m. and begin by bringing planes back to the terminal while the crew chief organizes paper work detailing which planes need what kind of work. The crew chief will hand out work orders to the engineers who then proceed as required. "At night, you could be doing anything from washing aircraft to replacing an engine to doing sheet metal work," Mathieson said. "You might be sent on a rescue trip to Kelowna to fix a motor. You've got to be ready for anything."

An apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer will earn about $15 per hour and as experienced is gained can earn up to $30 per hour. And there seems to be no shortage of work. Mathieson said the maintenance engineers work a schedule of seven days on and seven days off and anyone who puts his name on the list of people available to work during their week off will get called into the shop.

His advice for those considering this career: "Be prepared for change. You're learning new stuff. Stay up to date and don't go in thinking you know it all because these planes will put you in your place. And you need to be in fairly good physical condition. You're going to be climbing ladders and doing some lifting."