Not just for boys

Maria Saevarsdottir.

Big responsibility

Maria Saevarsdottir is the only woman who works as an aircraft mechanic at Air Iceland Connect. She has been involved in all aspects of the job and loves travelling the country, either by car with her trailer in tow or by plane to any of the airline’s exciting destinations. She is always keen to get to know new countries.

TEXT: Svava Jonsdottir PHOTO: Arni Saeberg For people travelling to Reykjavik, what would you recommend they experience in the capital and its vicinity?

“In Reykjavik, I would advise them to go to the top of Hallgrimskirkja church or Perlan to enjoy the view of the city. Reykjadalur valley, which is only a short drive from the capital, is great for a walk outside in nature, and afterwards you can bathe in the hot stream that runs through it. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is well known, and likewise the Secret Lagoon by Fludir. The Golden Circle is a classic and Laugarvatn Fontana spa is well worth a dip.

Why did you decide to study aircraft mechanics?

Even if you don’t have a lot of time, you can easily make a day trip to other parts of the country by flying to the destinations of Air Iceland Connect, for example to Egilsstadir, Akureyri and Isafjordur. Greenland is also within easy reach by plane. I haven’t been there myself but it’s on my bucket list. I’ve heard amazing stories about the nature there and it’s always fun to get to know foreign cultures. I love visiting new places.”

Which places have you visited?

“I have travelled abroad a lot and go wherever I feel like. I’ve been to Malta and Hawaii and more recently to Rome and Madrid. However, I visit Scandinavia most often because I have family and friends there. I also travel in Iceland. I love camping with friends and also travel to our domestic destinations regularly, both because of work and on my own. When we renewed our fleet and stopped using Fokker 50s for scheduled flights, my son and I flew to Akureyri in North Iceland on a Fokker 50, had dinner and ice cream and then flew back to Reykjavik later that evening with one of the new Bombardier Q400s. It was a different kind of dinner – and one well worth the trip.”

“I studied auto mechanics before I became an aircraft mechanic. My dad, his brother, brother-in-law and my granddad were all drivers and I imagine that had an impact on what I decided to study. I also thought it would be good to learn something practical.

I found aircraft mechanics intriguing so I applied for a university in Denver, was admitted and set off on an adventure. I graduated in 2001 but upon my return to Iceland I found that there were no available jobs for me in the aviation industry. I ended up selling spare parts for trucks and construction machinery. I was hired to Air Iceland Connect in 2010. I started out as a trainee and after 30 months I passed the apprenticeship exam.”

What does your job entail?

“When I started at Air Iceland Connect I worked during the day doing general maintenance, screwdrivers and other tools in hand. Over the summer I worked shifts, inspecting airplanes when they arrived at night and repairing them if necessary. Sometimes tires or light bulbs had to be replaced. In winter, more thorough inspection must be carried out, depending on the time each aircraft had been in use. During these sessions, every part of the aircraft is closely reviewed – it is paramount that they are in top condition.

Since the beginning of this year, I have worked at the office and organised the maintenance work, making sure that every task is performed at the right time and that the aircraft are ready for take-off. There are two of us who take care of this job. My partner is more involved with the daily operations while I think ahead in time and organise the larger projects, for example, when larger or smaller parts need to be replaced and when each airplane is due for inspection. The planes are grounded if they haven’t been inspected at the appropriate time. If they aren’t in top condition, they don’t leave the hangar. There is a lot of paperwork which must be kept in order. Air mechanics is a big responsibility.”

What is the most exciting part of your job?

“The diversity. There is so much to keep in mind in aircraft maintenance and the tasks are varied. Not long ago we started using a new type of aircraft, Bombardier Q400, and it has been very exciting to learn all about it. It’s a long process to obtain the rights for each type of airplane and one must pass written and practical exams. The job is demanding and every day is exciting. I also have the most wonderful co-workers.”