August Mnguni

Results-driven defense professional with 15+ years of experience in aviation ground protection, flight-line operations, building monitoring systems, and survival equipment maintenance. Skilled in ensuring operational readiness, safety compliance, and equipment reliability across high-pressure environments.

Achieved

Artisan status in Aircraft Survival Equipment Fitting with the South African Air Force, where I gained extensive technical experience working on Astra Mk1 & Mk2, Hawk, Gripen, PC47 Dakota, Lynx, and Oryx aircraft. Recognized for precision, adaptability, and maintaining mission-critical equipment to the highest safety and compliance standards.

AIRCRAFT TRIMMER / SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN - South African Air Force, Department of Defence

(2018-05 - 2021-07)

• Maintained, repaired, and inspected survival equipment including parachutes, aircraft life support, air-sea rescue equipment, and survival kits, ensuring 100% operational readiness.
• Conducted survival training and drills, improving team preparedness and safety compliance.
• Managed inventory, storage, and issuance of equipment, reducing losses and misplacement by 20%.
• Operated and maintained machines for fabrication, modification, and repair of equipment, improving operational efficiency.
• Repack the parachute and safety procedure of ejection seat in installing the survival pack
• Check the flying clothing, including the life jacket, immersion suits, and helmet, for inspection before the flying.
• Servicing the life boat and Fire Fighter equipment.

APPRENTICESHIP IN AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT FITTER - South African Air Force, Department of Defence

(2015-05 - 2018-05)

• Completed theoretical training at 68 Air School and Tshwane South College.
• Completed practical apprenticeship phase, achieving Artisan status in Aircraft Survival Equipment.
• Assisted in the inspection and repair of survival equipment under supervision, gaining hands-on technical expertise.
• Supported senior technicians in maintaining equipment compliance with aviation safety standards.
• Contributed to team readiness by participating in drills and equipment preparation for operational deployment.

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEER - South African Air Force, Department of Defence

(2011-05 - 2015-04)

• Monitored plant operations and control systems, ensuring continuity and efficiency of essential services.
• Participated in emergency on-call services and overtime work, maintaining 24/7 operational coverage.
• Conducted Health, Safety & Risk programs, improving workplace compliance by 30%.

FLIGHT LINE OPERATOR - South African Air Force, Department of Defence

(2008-10 - 2011-05)

• Identified and resolved minor machine faults, maintaining production output for 4 machines.
• Ensured compliance with GMP guidelines and maintained cleanliness standards, contributing to zero safety incidents.
• Monitored production levels and maintained equipment functionality to prevent downtime.

PROTECTION PERSONNEL - South African Air Force, Department of Defence

(2006-08 - 2008-09)

• Enforced military and civil law jurisdiction, conducting investigations and evidence collection.
• Applied self-defence and firearms knowledge to ensure personnel safety.
• Managed crime scene processing, searches, and custody control, improving security compliance by 15%.

CERTIFICATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Mechanical Engineering - Tshwane South TVET College (2015)

CERTIFICATE IN FITTER & TURNER - Fitting and Turning - Northlink College (2008)

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (GRADE 12) - Kwamhlanga High School (2004)