Celebrating STARS unsung heroes on Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Day

On this Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Day, STARS celebrates the unsung heroes who work to keep STARS helicopters operable and safe.

Every time a STARS helicopter lifts off, there is a team of dedicated engineers whose skill, precision, and unwavering commitment make that flight possible.

On April 20, 1920, Canada issued its first air engineer license (predecessor to the aircraft maintenance engineer License) to Robert McCombie of Regina, SK. With that achievement, the seeds for an industry were planted.

AMEs at STARS are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft to meet strict safety and regulatory standards. Their duties involve diagnosing mechanical issues, performing routine inspections, replacing components, and signing off on aircraft readiness. Every task requires precision, technical knowledge, and a strong sense of responsibility.

A distinctive quality of the engineering team at STARS is that it operates entirely in-house. This means that STARS AMEs have the skills and training to inspect and replace nearly every component on the helicopter, allowing most work to be completed without sending the helicopter to another company, except in cases of specialized maintenance.

“The results speak for themselves. While flying patient missions, our aircraft maintain a serviceability rate of over 99 per cent — a remarkable achievement that reflects the exceptional standard our AMEs hold themselves to every single day,” said Jason Arthur, vice-president of aviation.

An example of their rigorous work is the routine inspection completed on STARS aircraft every 800 hours of operation. The inspection takes about eight weeks and a full team of engineers to complete. It involves function checking all major systems and inspecting structure for cracks, deterioration and condition.

The day also serves to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. STARS created an AME apprentice program designed for recent graduates to develop the experience required to obtain their AME license while helping to strengthen STARS’ AME pipeline for the future.

Apprentices are hired by STARS after completing an approved 18-month course at an aviation college with a minimum grade of 70 per cent for each area of study. Afterwards, graduates spend 30 months working under the direct supervision of a licensed AME where they develop the skills required to take on the challenges of supporting a helicopter emergency medical service. After completing the program, they will be issued their Canadian AME license by Transport Canada.

On AME Day, STARS recognizes the essential role its AMEs play in keeping helicopters mission-ready.