Starting Out in Aviation | Elisabeth Toomik
If we ask you to think about a career in maintenance, what comes to mind? Well, when it comes to aviation, that question becomes a little more intricate. You can work on the line, in the hangar, and even in the cabin – but today we focus on one vitally crucial area of aircraft maintenance: Engines.
We decided to find out more by sitting down with Elisabeth Toomik, Engine Technician Apprentice at Magnetic Engines.
Could you please briefly tell us about your current role and responsibilities?
Elisabeth: I’m currently working in the Engine Workshop as an Engine Technician Apprentice. My main responsibilities revolve around the service and maintenance of the CFM56 family of engines – this involves carrying out inspections, as well as disassembling and reassembling engine modules, and, of course, making repairs where needed. I work closely with the rest of the team, as good communication and cooperation are a must in this field.
How did your career within aviation, and eventually with Magnetic Engines, begin?
Elisabeth: I started out by studying at the Estonian Aviation Academy, and as part of my studies, I had the opportunity to complete a six-month internship at Magnetic MRO. I was able to spend time working in different departments, including spending a month in the engine workshop. That’s where I discovered my passion for working with engines! The hands-on experience I gained during that time gave me valuable insights into how aviation maintenance happens in the real world. This inspired me to pursue a career as an Engine Technician, and I happily began working at Magnetic Engines officially on January 1st, 2025.
So, what does your daily routine look like these days?
Elisabeth: Ask me tomorrow and it will be a different answer than today! No two days are exactly the same in this job – yes, there is repetition like in every job, but my daily tasks vary a lot. Some days, I focus on taking engine modules apart for inspection or repair – other days I work on putting engines back together and getting them ready for testing. What is the same every day is documentation. Aviation is a rigorous safety-first environment, and no steps can or should be skipped. This means that all work must be recorded and signed off to meet strict standards. We put our heads together if something is a bit more difficult, which helps me learn new things all the time.
Can you tell us your proudest moment in your career so far?
Elisabeth: It’s not quite a specific moment, but I am most proud of how much I’ve grown – both professionally and personally, during my time at Magnetic Group. The opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained at the Aviation Academy to real-life situations in the workshop has been invaluable, and this practical experience has deepened my understanding of aircraft engines and aviation maintenance as a whole. I’m proud to say I now work with confidence in my skills in a field I’m passionate about.
Thank you for your answers! Lastly, what advice would you give to someone thinking about working in your field?
Elisabeth: Be curious, proactive, and resilient. It’s a field that you need to ask questions in, and seeking help or being challenged is just part of the growth you’ll need to accomplish to succeed. Every day is a learning day – so my advice is to be bold and don’t give up, even when the studies or tasks start feeling impossible. The sense of achievement you will feel when you master a complex procedure or solve a difficult problem is incredibly rewarding. I truly believe that working in aviation is worth every late night spent studying because so far, I have come to work with a smile on my face every morning.
Ready For Takeoff?
Our many thanks once again to Elisabeth for speaking to us – we hope her story has inspired you to check out the Magnetic Group open positions.
Because who knows, our next Engine Technician Apprentice could be you?