Some careers take flight from a single moment of inspiration. For Ryan Gamble, Head of Maintenance at FLY4 Airlines, that spark ignited during a chance supermarket competition that would chart the trajectory of his entire professional journey.
“My mum won a trial flight for her and two other people,” Ryan recalls, ” I was still in primary school and took a friend as a plus one. The experience was amazing!” What began as a childhood curiosity quickly transformed into a mission-critical career path that would see him traversing continents and mastering the intricate art of aircraft maintenance.
The flight path of an aircraft engineer
Ryan’s aviation adventure has been single-minded, though somewhat unconventional. From Royal Air Force Air Cadet to apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer, his insatiable passion for learning meant Ryan was granted unique opportunities.
“In the cadets I got to visit Military bases, Air shows, flying schools and studied for an engineering bursary sponsored by the Royal Air Force,” Ryan continues. “During the Bursary I had a two-week work experience at Coventry Airport at an airline’s maintenance facility. After my A levels I joined the airline at Coventry Airport as an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer.”
That airline was Atlantic Airlines, which operated vintage aircraft on commercial charter and ACMI routes. “The aircraft required extensive maintenance and unique skills due to their age. This meant I had to travel all over the world to support the aircraft as an apprentice,” Ryan recalls. But this was just the beginning of his global maintenance odyssey.
Having graduated as a Licenced Aircraft Engineer by 23, Ryan had already achieved what many would consider a career milestone: launching a line station in Bratislava, armed with nothing more than a van full of tools and an unwavering determination.
Since then, Ryan has gone on to gain additional qualifications, including B1, B2, and C certification with EASA and UK CAA Licences as well as a degree in aircraft maintenance engineering.
Leading FLY4’s maintenance team
As Head of Maintenance at FLY4, Ryan now oversees a critical arena where technology, safety, and human expertise converge. His role isn’t just about keeping aircraft in the sky – it’s about anticipating challenges before they emerge.
“The biggest challenge in our industry right now is manpower,” he explains. “We’re witnessing a generational shift that requires us to be more innovative than ever.” With large numbers of experienced engineers approaching retirement, Ryan is leading the charge in developing the next generation of maintenance professionals.
Ryan’s leadership philosophy is refreshingly direct: encourage participation while maintaining ultimate responsibility. In an industry where split-second decisions can mean the difference between safety and risk, this approach is more than a strategy – it’s a lifeline.
“Taking initiative is crucial,” he emphasizes. “In the fast-changing world of aircraft maintenance, solution-oriented team members help to overcome obstacles and provide solutions for future occurrences.”
Beyond the hangar
When he’s not ensuring the impeccable performance of FLY4’s fleet, Ryan is equally passionate about staying active. Regular gym sessions and cycling are complimented by his volunteer work for Sustrans, a national charity that builds and maintains the national cycle network and lobbies for better cycling infrastructure in the UK.
A message to future aviation engineers
To aspiring aircraft maintenance engineers, Ryan offers pragmatic advice: “Join your local air cadets if you’re between 13-18. And if you’re leaving school, consider an apprenticeship over a degree. Remember, a degree can be achieved at any time, but hands-on experience is invaluable.”
The Future of flight
As FLY4 Airlines continues to expand its horizons, professionals like Ryan Gamble are the unsung heroes ensuring every journey is safe, smooth, and uneventful. His story is a testament to the fact that in aviation, curiosity, dedication, and continuous learning are the true engines of success.
In an industry where every rivet, every system, and every decision matters, Ryan Gamble doesn’t just maintain aircraft – he elevates the entire concept of aviation maintenance.