Qatar Airways Aircraft Maintenance Technician Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Qatar Airways interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What protective gear are you accustomed to wearing on the job and why is it important that you take these safety measures on the Qatar Airways team?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is looking to get a feel for the type of protective gear you are familiar with wearing on the job. This question can be answered briefly and to the point. You can complete the answer by asking the hiring manager what type of PPE they ask their employees to wear.
Answer Example
"I am accustomed to wearing full PPE gear including steel-toed work boots, safety glasses, helmet, and fireproof gear. Is there any other type of protective gear that the maintenance team at Qatar Airways is required to wear on the job?"
2. What does safety mean to you in your work as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?
How to Answer
While being a very broad and open question for you to answer, your interviewer will ideally be looking for you talk both about the safety of you and your crew while you work as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and the safety of the passengers and crew who fly with Qatar Airways. As you answer, discuss the importance of working safely with all of the dangerous equipment that you will operate, and make it clear to your interviewer that you prioritize the safety of everyone in all that you do on the job. Then, talk about the importance of paying attention to the fine details and how that ensures everyone remains safe.
Answer Example
"Safety starts in my work as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician by knowing and abiding by all safety measures in my work. We work in very dangerous areas at times, and we have to be cognizant of the potentials of carbon monoxide, toxic materials, hearing loss, and other exposures. When on the job, I always wear proper PPE and use ergonomic measures to avoid long-term injuries. On top of the safety of me and my colleagues, we must also always be focused on the safety of all who board the aircraft we are working in. This requires attention to detail in all that we do, even down to ensuring that every last rivet is secured into place on the aircraft."
3. Working on the Aircraft Maintenance team at Qatar Airways may involve some travel from time to time. Are you able to travel, when required for the job?
How to Answer
Working for Qatar Airways as a Aircraft Maintenance Technician will require some travel on the job and with this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear about your availability to travel. As you prepare for the interview, try to do as much research as you can on the position at Qatar Airways to get a feel for the travel requirement ahead of time. It is important for you to know that Qatar Airways flies to places all over the globe, so it is good for you to have the availability to travel. If you do have family or personal conflicts, it is best to be open and honest about those commitments, and it is also fair to ask your interviewer what the notification requirements are for required travel for mechanics.
Answer Example
"If hired for this role, I want you to know that I am always willing and able to travel, when required for the job. My wife and I do have two high school aged kids at home who have their activities, but fortunately my wife teleworks from home and has great flexibility in her work. If travel is required, are there any time requirements as to when staff are notified?"
4. Have you used x-ray or ultrasonic inspection equipment at any point during your career?
How to Answer
As technology in the aviation industry has advanced, so has the need for todays Aircraft Mechanics to become familiar with new technologies and this is no different at Qatar Airways. One technology is the use of ultrasonic and x-ray inspection to detect flaws in the materials on large commercial airplanes. For this question, talk about any experience you have using these types of inspection equipment, and discuss that experience with your interviewer. If you don't have direct experience, make sure to do your research ahead of your interview to be able to talk a bit about the technology and your ability to learn this aspect of the job quickly and efficiently.
Answer Example
"Over the last five years of my career, I've become very familiar with these technologies and have used them in a very hands on way. When I initially trained on the ultrasonic test instrumentation, I gained a quick understanding that it utilizes electric pulses that are converted by a transducer to high frequency energy. When used on an aircraft, the sound waves detect flawed surfaces that the human eye just can't. There have been a number of occasions where I've seen the technology catch significant issues that were able to be repaired in a timely manner. If hired to be part of the mechanic team at Qatar Airways, you can feel comfortable with the knowledge I would bring in this area."
5. Which facet of the work of an Aircraft Mechanic do you excel at compared to your peers?
How to Answer
This question gives you the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from your potential competition for the job at Qatar Airways. To do this, be sure to research the fine details of the position ahead of the interview, and point out one skill that you excel in that Qatar Airways can really utilize on their team of mechanics. Where you take your answer to this question is totally up to you. You can describe on-the-job skills, personality traits, or interpersonal skills. Whichever way you take it, make sure that it sets you apart from your competition for the job and relates to the duties of the job.
Answer Example
"With the wealth of well-rounded experience that I would bring to Qatar Airways, I am confident that my overall inspection skills are top notch and would contribute greatly to your team. I have many years of experience inspecting completed work on engines, wings, brakes, and all other aircraft components and am always diligent about keeping accurate records of these inspections."
6. Have you ever performed maintenance on an integrated drive generator system on an aircraft?
How to Answer
As you look to interview for an Aircraft Mechanic role with Qatar Airways, you can certainly expect some technical questions like this to come up during the interview. Whether you have the direct experience working with an IDG or not, your interviewer will at least be looking to hear that you are familiar with the fact that they are used on large commercial airplanes that Qatar Airways flies to help supply electrical power. They'll also look to hear that you have knowledge of the IDG's requirements for maintenance on the oil within the system as a regular part of the work that you'll perform. If you do have direct experience, be sure to talk about that as you answer this question.
Answer Example
"Yes, I have performed maintenance on IDGs in commercial airplanes and have received extensive training on them. In my current role, it is a standard procedure to check the oil level during any service. I'm very familiar with the different styles of oil level sight glass that can be found on the different IDG units. I also have performed oil servicing maintenance on IDGs after filters have been replaced and after replacement of other components within the system."
7. When have you worked with a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
When looking at a position with Qatar Airways, you have to understand that you would be joining a very diverse workforce and your interviewer is looking to hear that you will be able to thrive in a diverse work environment, if hired as Qatar Airways' next Aircraft Maintenance Technician. Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle a diverse work environment by by talking about a previous experience in which you had to work with a diverse group.
Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career and love how a diverse atmosphere helps make work more fun and productive. I am most comfortable and happy in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity for me to better myself."
8. What type of work ethic would you bring to Qatar Airways?
How to Answer
When your interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples or keywords they can relate to and prove you will be a vital member of the Qatar Airways team. When you read the company job posting or job description, pay attention to the mission and values of the organization when talking about your own work ethic. Talk about their values and how those align well with your work values.
Answer Example
"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. Through my research on Qatar Airways, I know that you strive for excellence in all that you do and my work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and come ready to work hard for my employer every day. I would strive for excellence every moment at Qatar Airways."
9. When have you had to adapt your workload due to increasing demand from your supervisors?
How to Answer
Workloads will increase and decrease at Qatar Airways as flight schedules change throughout the year. The interviewer would like to know how you adapt to these changes in workload, if you were to join the team at Qatar Airways as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
Answer Example
"I fully understand that the workload at Qatar Airways will increase from time to time, and I easily accept that. Personally, I prefer it when times are busy, so I do not mind an increase in workload."
10. If hired at Qatar Airways, I'm wondering how you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
We all like recognition in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace and your interviewer is looking to hear how you prefer to be recognized on the job. Share with your interviewer how you want to be shown appreciation for your hard work. Let your interviewer know if you appreciate gifts, financial perks, public recognition, or simple kind words.
Answer Example
"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is words of affirmation and recognition among my team. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is seen."
11. Are you comfortable with heights?
How to Answer
With this question, your interviewer is simply looking to know that you are comfortable working with heights. As an Aircraft Maintenance Technician at Qatar Airways, you will be required to work in tight and high spaces quite frequently. Assure your interviewer that you have no problem managing heights.
Answer Example
"I am very accustomed to heights and have no problem working in high spaces on aircraft at Qatar Airways. In my current position, I am working in very high spaces at least 50% of the time."
12. What do you enjoy most about working on aircraft?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know your favorite part of being an aircraft maintenance technician to get a feel for how dedicated you will be working with Qatar Airways. Talk to your interview about what you enjoy the most when it comes to your job working on airplanes, and why that particular aspect is so enjoyable for you.
Answer Example
"What I enjoy most about working on aircraft is that I have the unique experience of working on some very rare and unusual planes. I have had some unique experiences in my time as a maintenance technician with the military. I know that all of my experience will really benefit Qatar Airways, if I'm fortunate enough to be hired for this job."
13. Have you always had a strong mechanical aptitude?
How to Answer
To get a feel for how you will mesh with the team at Qatar Airways, your interviewer would like to know if your mechanical aptitude comes naturally or if it's a result of learning throughout your career. It is always best to portray that you have a natural aptitude while also pursuing further education to hone your craft.
Answer Example
"I have had a strong mechanical aptitude since I was a young boy. My parents really nurtured that in me and my father, being in the trades, was always happy to answer my questions and guide me in the way of mechanics. I feel this has really helped me in my career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. If hired at Qatar Airways, I would always be continuously learning to stay on top of new technologies and trends in the field."
14. If you fail to do your job correctly, what are the consequences? Are you able to work under that kind of pressure?
How to Answer
Your interviewer would like to know if you understand the consequences of shortcuts in the job of an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and if you can handle the pressure associated in this role at Qatar Airways with zero room for error in your work. Tell your interviewer that you understand how imperative it is that you do not take shortcuts in your work. Express to them that you would be a very thorough and devout employee at Qatar Airways.
Answer Example
"I understand that as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, there is zero room for error in my work and I would take great pride in this as part of the Qatar Airways team. Every time I sign my name on any documentation, I am 100% sure that the job was completed fully and correctly. People's lives are in my hands, and I take that responsibility very seriously."
15. Do you consider yourself an expert in any specialty area of aircraft maintenance?
How to Answer
Your interviewer would like to know what specialty area of expertise you would bring to Qatar Airways if they hire you for this role. Prior to the interview, think about the special skills that you have that would benefit the airline.
Answer Example
"My maintenance specialty is within rigging and turbines, as I have spent the past three years focusing primarily on these areas. With that said, I am strong in many other areas as well, including marking and preparation of equipment for shipping. If hired for this role, you can feel confident that you'd be hiring a well rounded Aircraft Maintenance Technician to work at Qatar Airways."
16. In what situation at Qatar Airways would you would work on an airplane without proper engineers' authorization?
How to Answer
Your interviewer would like to know where you draw the line when it comes to working without proper engineers' authorization to get a feel of how you will interact with the larger team you'd be working with at Qatar Airways. Talk to them about your stipulations when it comes to appropriate approval in the workplace. Be sure to reinforce your desire for safety and respect on the job.
Answer Example
"There is no situation where I would conduct work on an airplane without proper engineers' authorization. I take rules and safety very seriously and would never risk anyone's job or safety just to get a job done. With that said, I would always keep lines of communication open with the engineers at Qatar Airways and wouldn't hesitate to approach anyone with my thoughts."
17. How well do you know your ATA codes?
How to Answer
ATA is a numbering system standard for aircraft documentation. It is in place to help maintenance technicians, engineers, and pilots to communicate through a standard code. Talk to your interviewer about your level of knowledge in ATA codes to prove that you are well educated on this subject if you were to join the Qatar Airways maintenance team. You can display your understanding by comparing your experience against others in the same role.
Answer Example
"I have an above-average knowledge of ATA codes. In my most recent review, my supervisor commented on that strength of mine. I continue to study the ATA codes so that I remain up to date on them."
18. If you were to come to work for Qatar Airways, would you ever consider skipping an aircraft inspection?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you have ever or would ever consider skipping steps on the job to get a feel for how you would handle this situation at Qatar Airways. Assure your interviewer that you are a safety minded individual and that safety is of utmost importance to you. Talk about your experience in inspections and if you would, or would not, ever consider skipping an inspection.
Answer Example
"I would never consider skipping an inspection on an aircraft if working for Qatar Airways. Inspections must be routine and there are no exceptions to ensuring the proper working of an aircraft."
19. Why did you choose a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?
How to Answer
Seeking to gauge your passion and motivation in the industry, your interviewer would like to know what inspired you to be an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. Talk to your interviewer about what has influenced you to pursue this line of work and don't hesitate to give a personal insight into what drives you on the job. Talking from a personal perspective will help sell your interviewer on the fact that you are the best candidate to join the Qatar Airways maintenance team.
Answer Example
"From a young age, I have always had a strong interest in airplanes. My father was a mechanic and saw the aptitude in me at a young age. The moment I realized that I could mix my love of aircraft and maintenance into one career, that became my goal. I love what I do and have never looked back."
20. Tell me about your education and training and how it has prepared you to come work for Qatar Airways.
How to Answer
While your interviewer can likely answer part of this question for you while looking at your application materials, they are ideally looking to hear you talk a bit about your training and how it will help you succeed at Qatar Airways. Describe your educational path up to this point in your career; don't hesitate to discuss any awards, scholarships, and recognition that you have achieved.
Answer Example
"I love to learn, and I did well during my post-secondary education. My primary education in aircraft maintenance comes from the military. I am now FAA certified. If there are any additional courses that you feel I should take, I would be happy to do so if I were fortunate enough to be hired at Qatar Airways."
21. What do you excel at as an aircraft maintenance technician that would benefit the Qatar Airways team?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what you do best on the job, so be sure to highlight your best skill(s) to the hiring manager, and let them know how you plan to take these skills and use them to Qatar Airways.
Answer Example
"As an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, I feel that I excel most when it comes to my organization and documentation skills. I am very strict with myself when it comes to documenting everything that I do on the job. This creates a safer and more productive work environment for all and would be of utmost importance at Qatar Airways."
22. What aircraft inspections do you dislike doing?
How to Answer
Because you would be joining a diverse team of mechanics and technicians with varying skills at Qatar Airways, your interviewer would like to know what you dislike the most as an aircraft maintenance technician. Tell the hiring manager if there are any areas of aircraft maintenance that you do not enjoy doing. Explain why you dislike it and what you are doing to improve/change.
Answer Example
"I would say that I dislike working with navigation systems on large aircraft the most. It isn't my strongest suit, and I much prefer working on the electrical components. I can still perform these tasks but would definitely benefit from additional training in the future."