People behind your flight

Aircraft maintenance engineer

Meet Kenji Watanabe, an illustrative character. Inspects the aircraft, reviews the technical log, fixes defects and certifies that it is fit to fly.

Before the flight

Reads the aircraft's history of defects and checks the parts and tools needed.

During the flight

Does a walkaround, checks tyres, brakes, oil and fluid levels and any issues reported by the crew.

After the flight

Signs the release to service or defers an item under the Minimum Equipment List with conditions.

Works closely with

Works with the captain, maintenance control and parts logistics.

Good to know

• Engineers hold licences with legal responsibility for their sign-off.
• Tiny jobs, like replacing a bulb, still require paperwork.

Meet Kenji in Gate 41

Related questions

• Why do the wings flex?
• What are those thumps and whirrs under the floor?
• Why does the wing seem to come apart?
• Why is there fog coming out of the vents?
• What is the little fan that pops out of the aircraft?
• What is the tiny hole in my window?
• The pre-flight walkaround

An illustrative composite character. Roles, titles and procedures differ between airlines, airports and countries.