Meet Greg Luksys, a dedicated Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) at Ornge with an impressive journey spanning over two decades. Greg is an essential part of our maintenance team, contributing to the safety and reliability of our fleet. We sat down with Greg to explore his career journey, what keeps him motivated in his role at Ornge, and any advice he has for future AME’s.

When did you start working at Ornge?

I started with Ornge at the London base in March of 2012, but I started with Canadian Helicopters working in the Air Ambulance program in January 2007.

What made you decide to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

I grew up on a tobacco farm in Southern Ontario, working on trucks and tractors at a young age. Knowing that I enjoyed maintaining things, I was likely going to enter the automotive field until I thought aviation might be more interesting and rewarding. Aircraft maintenance is where I set my sights, and since that day, I have not turned back.

Can you describe your path to your current position?

I took the Aircraft Maintenance Technician course offered at Canadore College in North Bay from 1996-1998. After I left college, I began working for a small company called Marsh Brothers Aviation in Hamilton (CYHM), working on Beech 1900s. 

I then transitioned onto Boeing 727s and 757s. While working on the same aircraft, I switched to a company called All Canada Express, where I became a licensed AME (M2). 

In 2003, I switched directions and began working for another company, TG Aviation, while maintaining several corporate fixed-wing aircraft, including small jets, turboprops, and general aviation aircraft. This is where I obtained my AME (M1) license. 

I then transitioned into rotor wing maintenance with Canadian Helicopters in 2007. My career path has given me the opportunity to have several airframe type ratings, including Boeing 727, Piper PA-28, Cessna Citation family, Sikorsky S76, Leonardo AW139, and Pilatus PC12, along with several engine courses over the years.

Why did you choose to work for an organization like Ornge?

At the time I joined Ornge, I was looking for stable employment because anyone who has been in aviation for some time realizes early on that companies can come and go. I had a young family at the time, and not belonging to a stable company had its downfalls. 

Shortly after joining Ornge, I realized that not only is this a stable company, but it is also a great company to work for with many long-time employees.

Can you share a bit about the team that you work with? 

For the past 17 years, I have been proud to be part of the maintenance team in London (CYXU). Our team is a group of like-minded AME's with a true focus on safety and integrity. Our group has grown slightly over the years, but I have been working with the same crew since I started. This creates a significant bond, similar to a family. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, which aids in overcoming any challenges.

How much of your job has become routine? Is there anything that still surprises you on the job? 

As one can imagine, doing the same job for nearly two decades, certain aspects of it can become quite routine. I recently accepted a short-term secondment position as an Aircraft Maintenance Planner, so my daily work routine has changed quite drastically from reporting to the hangar, to working from a computer in my home office. I am enjoying the change in routine and trying to make an impact by finding ways to make our system better.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them? 

In my current role as Maintenance Planner, the biggest challenge is our ever-changing flight schedules due to call volume and weather. Aircraft maintenance and the associated planning/support of that maintenance is much easier when you can accurately predict exactly how much flying will be done between maintenance events. Since our flights do not occur that way here at Ornge, due to the nature of our business, the maintenance department has to be much more flexible in its approach.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work? 

I approach my job, whether it's working hands-on in the hangar or at my computer station, with the same mindset. I strive to make the system better. If it's on the aircraft, I'm continually thinking of how we can be safer, more efficient, and collaborative between departments. In my current role as a Planner, I focus on how I can help the front line AME's do their jobs and what assistance I can provide to them. These are the ways that I stay motivated to do the best job I can. 

The AME's and the support staff are behind the scenes, but I continuously remind myself of the importance of our jobs. It brings me satisfaction to know that when Ornge helps a patient in need, even though I was not there assisting firsthand, I had played even a small part in the positive outcome of their story.

What do you think is the most important thing you have learned while working at Ornge? 

The most important thing I have learned during my time at Ornge is that I play a small but important role in a much bigger picture. Our organization is different in the fact that we have so many departments, which all must work in unison to get the mission completed. From AME's, Pilots, Medics, OCC, and support staff, we all have to be working together.

Do you have any advice for future Aircraft Maintenance Engineers? 

My advice for anyone future AMEs is that you really have to enjoy what you do and be flexible in where you do it. If you do not enjoy fixing things and find satisfaction in it, do not pursue it as a career. This industry can be very rewarding and allow you to travel and see many parts of the world. Aviation technology is continuously evolving, and you must be prepared to change with it.
 



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