Cato never set out with a career in aviation in mind. But sometimes, the path to where you are meant to be starts with simply being given a chance.
Growing up on a reserve, Cato was familiar with the different ways of travelling to the city. Winter road trips were part of life, but airplanes always captured his attention. Some of his earliest memories include travelling on Metros and Dash 8s, looking out at the world from above the clouds or watching the city lights at night. Years later, he would find himself working on those same aircraft.
“Being completely honest, I didn’t know I was going into this career,” Cato says.
At a difficult point in his life, a good friend reached out and gave him an opportunity to work. What began as a chance to move forward soon became something more. Once Cato found himself working around aircraft, he became invested in the work and curious about everything that went into keeping an aircraft safe and operational.
He also participated in our Life-in-Flight program – an AME Apprenticeship Program in conjunction with RRC Polytechnic which provides aspiring aviators the opportunity to gain the mechanical skills and experience required to be an AME while being employed full-time at an EIC air operator, in Cato’s case, Perimeter Aviation.
His journey as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer has taken him through different areas of aircraft maintenance, including component shops, line maintenance, and heavy maintenance. Along the way, he has taken on schooling and endorsement courses, building his knowledge and skills one step at a time.
“It can be overwhelming, but also a fun challenge,” Cato says. “Trying to learn as much as you can and apply daily. It’s been fun.”
For Cato, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is reaching the point where his knowledge and experience allow him to take on a job independently. Aircraft maintenance involves many different systems and components, and successfully completing a challenging task can be a significant accomplishment.
“When you eventually get a big job that the crew knows you can handle yourself, it’s a good feeling,” he says.
Cato also appreciates the opportunities he has had at Perimeter Aviation to gain experience across different aspects of the aircraft. From completing maintenance tasks and checklists to recording work in logbooks, each experience contributes to his development as he continues working toward his AME licence.
“It’s been a good journey, I have a great crew and amazing leadership,” he says.
While the work comes with responsibility, Cato approaches his career with a willingness to keep learning. For him, becoming a strong aircraft maintenance engineer is not about knowing everything from the beginning. It is about listening, asking questions, studying, and learning from the people around you.
Cato’s advice to anyone pursuing a career in aviation is simple: stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning.
“Listen to the advice you receive, take time to read and understand the material, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be willing to accept feedback and learn from your mistakes. Don’t run from them. Use them as an opportunity to do better next time.”
From a child fascinated by the aircraft carrying him between his community and the city to an aspiring AME helping maintain those aircraft today, Cato’s journey is a reminder that careers do not always begin with a perfectly mapped-out plan. Sometimes, they begin with an unexpected opportunity and the willingness to see where it leads.
His story shows that with curiosity, hard work, humility, and a commitment to keep learning, one opportunity can open the door to an entirely new future.
If you’re interested in following a similar path, visit our careers page to explore current opportunities.
