Shaun Connors’ interest in aviation began when he realized just how complex aircraft can be. He was intrigued by all the different systems that had to work harmoniously together to keep the aircraft in the air. To this day, he is still fascinated by the complexity of aircraft flight, which drives him to learn more about the industry.
After Connors finished his studies at Aviation Australia in Brisbane, he moved to Portland, Victoria to work for Sharp Airlines. There, he completed his apprenticeship and worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
He then moved to Cathay Pacific Airways where he worked as a line aircraft maintenance engineer. Three years ago, he relocated to Hong Kong to work in Cathay Pacific Airways’ headquarters. Currently, he works there as a line maintenance engineer. “I work in a small team and our primary focus is to support and manage the day to day operations of the engineering operation. I also carry out additional duties to support the operation by performing AOG recovery, flying spanner/riding engineer duties and relief duties as required,” Connors said.
Connors currently holds an Australian Engineering License (CASA B1.1 & B1.2), an American FAA A&P certification, and a Hong Kong Engineering License (HKCAD B1.1). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in aviation management from UNSW, an airworthiness regulatory course from Cranfield Univeristy, an accident and serious incident investigation training course from Cranfield University, a lean six sigma yellow belt and lean six sigma green belt.
Connors explained he has had many mentors who have helped him to his current position. “My first mentor was my first chief engineer, Jeff Wyckelsma,” Connors said, who helped lay the platform for his career. “Next, was my previous engineering manager Benjamin Connell for his ongoing wisdom and support." Finally, Connors thanks his managers David Smith and Bo Shen for their constant guidance and support in his career.
In 2007, Connors won Apprentice of the Year from Sharp Airlines, Engineer of the Year from Sharp Airlines in 2009 and he achieved the Engineering Certificate of Excellence from Cathay Pacific in 2010.
Connors often speaks at local high schools about working as an aircraft engineer/technician to encourage others to pursue aviation.
He also volunteered to perform multiple riding engineer flights in March and April during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to rescue Hong Kong citizens trapped in Wuhan. “As I had the skills and engineering certification, I volunteered to go to Wuhan traveling on board the aircraft to support the turnaround and provide any defect rectification,” Connors stated.
In the future, Connors hopes to continue doing what he loves, which is working as an engineer in the aviation industry.
