Michael Couto

Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with extensive experience across piston, radial, turboprop, and rotorcraft platforms, supported by a full Red Seal apprenticeship completed at Fields Aviation with comprehensive shop and hangar exposure. Brings strong technical expertise combined with commercial, sales, and operational management experience, with a proven ability to lead teams, ensure regulatory compliance, uphold safety standards, and drive operational efficiency across aviation and industrial environments. Maintains a current SACAA license (#0272015397) and fully signed Logbook (TV2/308).

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Clack Air

(2014)

• Specialized in Radial, Horizontal Opposed, and Moth Series inverted engines
• Airframe and engine maintenance
• AME license expired in 2018 due to logging interruption

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Alton Air

(2023)

Resumed hour logging following license reinstatement.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - King Air Services / Air Work

(2023)

• Maintenance on Beechcraft 1900D & 200 Series
• Periodic inspections on Bell 407 Air Ambulance fleet
• Involved in stores transfer and setup following large spares acquisition
• Ongoing work to maintain PT6 proficiency

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Aero Electroplate

(1980)

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Fields Airmotive

(1980)

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Aviation Rebuilders

(1980)

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time & Contract) - Classic Flying Company

(1980)

Apprentice & Early Career - Fields Aviation - Rand Airport

(1980 - 1982)

Completed comprehensive apprenticeship training across all major divisions.

• Engine Shop – Pratt & Whitney Radials, Rolls Royce Dart overhauls & rebuilds
• Electroplating Shop
• Machine Shop
• Propeller Shop
• Component Shop (Dart & Proteus engines)
• Viewing Bay, Stripping & Cleaning Bay
• Hangar maintenance on Harvard, DC3, DC4, and general aircraft
• Qualified with Red Seal – Aircraft Engine Fitter

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Harvard Club of South Africa

(1996 - 2003)

• Line maintenance and restoration of T6 Harvard ZU-AOY
• Obtained LS1 license for T6 Airframe
• Granted AME 4849 for Pratt & Whitney R1340
• Maintained aircraft to Air Force standards

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Part-Time) - Continental & Lycoming Overhaul Shop

• Overhaul and maintenance of horizontal opposed and radial engines

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - EAA – ZU Registered Aircraft

(2006)

• Assisted with inspections and airworthiness compliance

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Historical Flight

(2007)

• Engine maintenance support for DC3 and DC4 aircraft

Reserve Force Captain - South African Police Services – Airwing - Wonderboom & Rand Airport

(2007 - 2013)

• Conducted 100-hour inspections on Pilatus PC6 & PC12
• Logged maintenance hours on PC6, PC12, H125 (EC350), B105, MD500
• Assisted in major inspections including 14-year PC6 inspection
• Accrued hours toward PT6 licensing
• Maintained AME status through multiple AMOs

Technical Sales – Mining & Quarry Sector - NASA ENGINEERING S.A

(2012)

• Manage key client relationships across Northwest, Eastern Limb, Free State & West Rand
• Provide technical support and product solutions
• Budgeting, stock management & performance reporting

Night Shift Plant Manager / Machineshop Manager - ELBROC MINING PRODUCTS (PTY) LTD

(2019 - 2020)

• Managed 40–45 employees
• Technical breakdown resolution
• Enforced safety & security standards

Technical Sales Foundry Manager - S I GROUP

(2017 - 2018)

Technical Sales Consultant - DERRY ENGINEERING

(2014 - 2017)

Self-Employed – Industrial Sales Consultant - Hillco Industrial Supplies CC

(1999 - 2014)

Technical Sales Executive - Toolquip & Allied (Pty) Ltd

(1997 - 2014)

Business Unit Manager (Abrasives) - Kowalski International

(1996 - 1997)

Sales Director - Abrasive Requisites (Pty) Ltd

(1992 - 1996)

Certificate - Marketing and Sales Management - Technicon Witwatersrand (1985 - 1985)

Certificate - Apprentice Training - Department of Manpower (1982 - 1982)

Red Seal - Aircraft Engine Fitting - Olifantsfontein (1982 - 1982)

Certificate - Aircraft Technology - Kempton Park Technical College (1982 - 1982)

Matric - The Hill High School (1977 - 1977)