Meet Colin Moloney, Avionics Design Engineer

Colin began his career at Atlantic Aviation Group in 2009, joining the team as an Apprentice Aircraft Mechanic. Colin has diversified his role in the business and spent time in various roles, before progressing to his current role as Avionics Design Engineer in our Part 21 Design department. Colin’s role is key in providing innovative solutions to our customers during installation of our modifications. We caught up with Colin to learn more about his experience in Atlantic Aviation Group.

Can you tell me about yourself and your career so far? When did you join the team at Atlantic Aviation Group and how has your experience been?

I started with AAG in Sept 2009 as an apprentice aircraft mechanic and I completed my apprenticeship in Sept 2013. In June 2015 I was granted a B2 certifying stamp in AAG. After receiving my B2 stamp I worked in production as a B2 certifying inspector until February 2017. In February 2017 I was successful in a job application for the role of engineering officer in AAG. I worked as an engineering officer until July of 2018 until again I was successful in a job application for the position of Avionic Design Engineer in AAG’s part 21 design organisation where I am still currently employed.

What inspired you to work in aviation (Part 21 Design)?

When I finished secondary school, I tried third level education for about six months and hated it. I then decided that, an apprenticeship was the best career choice for me. At the time, beginning of 2009, I applied for several apprenticeships, given the economic downturn I was hedging my bets applying for every possible position. I never had a specific interest in aviation, I applied as it was a practical hand’s on apprenticeship, and I thought it looked interesting at the time. I honestly thought I wouldn’t even be considered but I was pleasantly surprised when I was called back for an interview and aptitude test. When I was accepted into the apprenticeship, I saw all the possible opportunities and worked to progress towards them. I gained an insight into the engineering department after working with the team during some modification programs and found it very interesting. When a position became available in the engineering department I applied and was accepted. A similar situation occurred when in engineering as I also worked with some Part 21 projects and again gained a nice insight. Luckily again, I applied for an open position in Part 21 which was successful.

Can you describe to me what it is like to work in your department/team?

The part 21 department is generally a relaxed conformable place to work in but does get busier when deadlines need to be met. We currently have a small team in design that works well together.

What is a typical day at work for you? What are some of your favourite tasks to do/projects to work on?

My day usually starts at approximately 8.00am and the first thing I do is review any new emails from the day before. My day can involve some of the following:

Researching Aircraft systems and configuration.
Creating paperwork and work instructions for the modifications we are working on.
Creating detailed drawings and wiring diagrams.
Assisting other team members with their projects.
Working with customers and MRO’s during installation of our modifications to correct any errors on paperwork and assist where possible on clarifying work instructions.

What are the benefits to working in AAG?

Some of the benefits to working in AAG are the flexi time and the variety of work. While I am relatively new to the engineering department, I have found that frequently there is something new and interesting to work on.

What’s your favourite thing about working in AAG?

The opportunities that are available in AAG. During my time in AAG I was lucky enough to be successful in several job applications. And been fortunate enough to be put forward for several training courses which have benefited me greatly.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

I think some sort of teleportation would be pretty cool. No need to commute to work or travel for holidays then, you could be everywhere in an instant!

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