From the RAF to Bostonair: Paul Gash Shares His Path to a Career in Aircraft Engineering
There’s no one-size-fits-all route into a career as an aircraft engineer. Many start through direct apprenticeships with major MROs or airlines, while others pivot into aviation after working in entirely different fields. For example, Bostonair Aircraft Technician Stella began her maintenance career after years in teaching (read more about Stella’s journey [here]).
Another common pathway is transitioning into the industry following a career in the military. That’s exactly the route taken by Paul Gash, our Head of Training at Bostonair. Paul began his journey in the Royal Air Force (RAF) back in 1996 and has since built a long and successful career in aircraft maintenance and aviation training.
In our latest spotlight article, Paul reflects on his own experience—from university student to RAF mechanic to industry leader—and offers practical insights for anyone considering a similar path.
Hi Paul! What first sparked your interest in becoming an aircraft engineer?
It actually started by chance. I was studying Product and Industrial Design at university, and one rainy day after a lecture, I ducked into the local Armed Forces recruitment office for shelter. The RAF recruiter struck up a conversation and asked if I’d ever considered joining. I hadn’t, but the more we spoke, the more I realised it might be a great fit.
I mentioned I was interested in mechanics, and they suggested an aircraft trade. After completing the aptitude tests, I was offered the choice between airframe or propulsion. I chose propulsion initially but later cross-trained as an airframe mechanic too—so I ended up dual-trade.
Training is the foundation of a career in aviation. What did your training involve?
My training began at the RAF School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford, where I spent two years learning the trade. This was combined with on-the-job experience at bases like RAF Leeming, working on Tornado F3 fighter jets, and RAF St Mawgan, where I worked on Westland Sea King helicopters.
What routes would you recommend to others interested in becoming aircraft engineers?
The military remains one of the best pathways in my opinion—every branch operates aircraft, but of course, I’d recommend the RAF. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience and high-quality training while being part of a team environment. Plus, contrary to popular belief, it’s not all shouting and running drills! Basic training is short, and once you’re through that, the focus is on developing valuable, transferable skills.
That said, there are several civilian options too:
Training schools like Newcastle College University Centre offer courses that follow the Part 66 B1.1 Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence syllabus.
Apprenticeships with companies like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Boeing provide direct industry experience alongside formal education.
What should people know before starting a career as an aircraft engineer?
You need to be prepared for varied working hours—shifts can range from 8 to 12 hours a day depending on the operation. There are two main environments: hangar maintenance, which is more in-depth and structured, and line maintenance, which is fast-paced and focused on getting aircraft back in the air quickly.
It’s a demanding field, but also highly rewarding and well-compensated. I’ve been doing this since 1996, and if I had the chance to start all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.
What training does Bostonair offer for aviation professionals?
At Bostonair, we offer a comprehensive range of training services under our Part 147 approval, designed to support engineers at every stage of their careers:
Online training courses covering essential areas such as EWIS, Fuel Tank Safety, and Human Factors, as well as specialised topics like Dangerous Goods, ETOPS, and SMS.
Type training courses tailored to B1 and B2 engineers, which can be delivered globally and adapted to meet client-specific needs. Our approved aircraft types include:
Airbus A300, A320 (CEO & NEO), A330
Boeing B737 (NG & MAX), B757, B777
We also offer discounts for bulk course bookings, which is ideal for engineers renewing multiple certifications or organisations managing group compliance.
Thinking of becoming an aircraft engineer?
Whether you’re starting out or transitioning from another industry—military or otherwise—we hope this article has helped you explore the options available.
Already an engineer looking to upskill? Explore our full range of training services on our training page.