Wānaka’s Tim Duncan is officially one of the best young aircraft engineers in the country after being awarded third place at the WorldSkills New Zealand Aircraft Maintenance Competition last week.

The 21-year-old aircraft engineer, who works for HeliSupport NZ, said the competition was an opportunity to learn and test himself against the best.

“I saw the Aircraft Maintenance Competition as a challenge, and an opportunity to become better as an engineer,” Tim said.

“It can get very intense”.

Ten young aircraft maintenance engineers, and engineers in training, showcased their skills under the eagle eyes of eleven industry expert judges at the tightly fought, two-day competition at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram. 

Each competitor completed time trials and documentation for a daily pre-flight check, structure fabrication, and engine repair and borescope inspection.

“Healthy competition drives excellence,” WorldSkills New Zealand general manager Carl Rankin said.

“It benefits individuals, employers and the wider industry, as well as New Zealand Inc through increases in productivity and higher standards.”

Tim’s selection in the top three makes him eligible for selection to represent New Zealand at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in France in September 2024.

The top three placegetters will undergo further assessments to see who will be chosen as the country’s representative.

While Tim waits for the details of that process he said his focus is on gaining more certifications and experience.

PHOTO: Supplied.