r/AircraftMechanics

For my fellow people who have been in a major and had a enough of how things have progressively changed for the worst. Where did you change carrers to ?

Hello Aircraft Mechanics of the world, I'm 32 and currently working as a helper/gopher (iykyk) for a mechanical contracting company here in VA. I'm making a decent wage for what I do but after being there for a year and not learning really anything or nearly as much as I thought that I was going to be, it has sort of left a sour taste in my mouth about wanting to continue this particular line of work. I've always had a fascination about aircrafts growing up (and still do) and the science and mechanical wonders of how they manage to fly. Though I've never really thought about acting upon this interest until now. I wanted to get some insider insight about what is the best course of action to take in order to take the necessary steps in the right direction. I know that I will need to go to school for my certifications regardless, but I'm trying to think how can I go to school and still work at the same time to support myself through schooling and paying for bills and other necessities? I also don't live anywhere near where schools offer A&P certifications, the closest ones are like in either Richmond or Manassas area of VA and it takes me an hour either direction to get to the schools and I'd never be able to take classes and work at the same time, feasibly.

I'm not sure if this is something even remotely possible, but I was hoping to find like an apprenticeship program where I'd actually be able to earn and learn at the same time and not really have to worry about making sure I can manage two big things at once and not having to drop out of learning a new career path entirely. If I had to choose between either directions I'd rather travel to Richmond for either schooling or apprenticeship because I don't really like traveling north towards the DC area if I can avoid it at all cost. So if any Mechanics (specifically of the VA region) happen to read this I'd greatly appreciate any tips you could give so I can pursue this career field with greater knowledge than I do now.

(TLDR: Im concerned about over saturation of people with A and P certs and would like to know any routes I can take to stand out to employers through other certifications, higher test scores if thats possible, etc)

I got accepted to school to get an A and P certification and will be going soon. I have of course heard the speech thats common for many blue collar jobs that the field is in demand, a large portion of the work force is retiring, etc.

I have also however heard that in the short term the feild may be becoming somewhat oversaturated with younger gen z, possibly because of tiktok and the like. Which I have noticed to be very true in my generation and most blue collar jobs, welding being an obvious example.

Im wondering what sets someone apart to an actual employer. My goal is to end up as a line tech or something simalar for a larger company like Delta or AA. Besides the obvious route of experience in smaller companies after certification is there a better score on the exams I can get that I could put on my resume? Is there other job adjacent certification I can obtain while in school that would be benifical? I already have a large amount of mechanical/hands on job experience sense I was younger with cars.

Thank you in advance.

Does applying to multiple jobs and locations at the same company make you look bad?

https://preview.redd.it/xmo1d2di6hbh1.png?width=815&format=png&auto=webp&s=5a19df80bd7f4e0f267a63baa0661f9892ea5da9

Hi everyone I have a quick question.
When I went to the American Airlines AMT hiring event I passed the interview and they put my name into the talent pool. I marked Philly as interest cause that’s what I interview for. 2 weeks ago a recruiter called me if I’m interested to go to Tulsa. I said yes she sent my paperwork there. They just had a hiring event so I’m confused why Tulsa HR requested the recruiters to pull names from the pool. What can I expect? Am I gonna get a call? Or do not have high hopes? Thank you

I currently work a government job in an office. I’m considering going to school for A&P I have a few friends that are mechanics that have worked in the industry for over a decade and they really enjoy it. I think it would be great to go to work and not sit in an office with a bunch of people playing office politics for promotions that don’t pay that much (government wages). I think it would be satisfying to work with my hands and do something that has obvious results to my labor. The earning potential seems better in aviation as well. Before sharing with my friends my thoughts, I’d like to get your take on if you think someone in their late 30s would be crazy to go to school for 2 years to get an entry level job and would I even make my money back from school before I’m too old and tired to do the job?

My 16 year old is interested in flying professionally as a commercial airline pilot, preferably for a legacy (United, American, Delta). He is already pursuing that aggressively.

After a Discovery Flight, my 14 year old said, “I like it, but it wasn’t all that fun.” Later, he told me the flight was “Like the most terrifying roll coaster ever.”

He loves playing hockey, video games, fishing, his family, and his dogs. He’s pretty much an All-American boy. People love him because he is kind, smart, and honest.

After our discovery flights, we decided to join the Civil Air Patrol. This was about March. I had joined it as a kid, but my life’s path lead me to a career as a firefighter/paramedic.

Right now, my younger son had said he’s not a “school kid”, even though he is. He scored in the 90th percentile on his high school entrance exam (A competitive college prep school that I also attended.) and they put him in three honors classes as a freshman. He starts high school in August.

Right now, his plan is to get his Mitchell Award through CAP, and join the Air Force as an E-3. Then he wants to score well on the ASVAB, get trained on his A&P and AMT, do his four years and be flexible when he comes out. Go anywhere and hopefully work for a major.

What should I be doing to help him? I’m already planning visiting an aviation school. I’m a firefighter in Chicago and was previously stationed at O’Hare. I have a close buddy who is a Lt. at the fire house at Midway. I’m sure I can get access to the hangars on either, as I previously did a tour through the entire airside of O’Hare with a buddy. It was about 5-7 years ago.

What about travel, salaries, and certs? I know these questions have been asked a hundred times on these forums, but after two to three hours of reading relatively random posts, I don’t feel as though I am finding the information distilled down in just one place.

Thanks in advance…..

Active Duty Air Force crew chief with 13 years experience on three airframes (Heavies). I’ve seen several people say the stress of the first week is absolutely insane and I don’t really have any issue at home with studying to take my tests and I’d also be flying across the world to go to Bakers, so hotel costs and rental car costs are what is making me lean towards this. Also the fact I could land and take 2 days of just prepping myself with time zone adjustments and reading to get ahead of my practical portions.

Also, I’ve heard Bakers doesn’t actually teach you anything for your exams, just gives you books to read and then handouts for questions you might see. So I feel like I’d have a better experience studying for 2-3 weeks per book and taking the exam.

Anyone else attend Bakers for just the O&P? Anyone have regrets doing it this way? Or highly recommend I just go for the full term.

Thanks

Got the job for UA! After 2 years of working during day and school after, finally paid off. Waited months for an opening. Happy to start my new journey!

Just the other day we were putting an engine on a pallet. And as we’re rolling it away My coworker said “go stand there so you can stop the engine from hitting the wall”. I said “no, I’m not standing between the engine and the wall, that’s so stupid“. If the engine hits the wall, fix it. But we should probably be thinking of another method to do this without the engine hitting the wall.

Or the other time an engine almost rolled off a pallet and they got mad at me because I didn’t run in and try to stop it from rolling. Fuck outta here, the engine weights 5000 lbs.

I'm an avioation maintenance student and I was wondering if I'm going to have any problems with my eyebrow piercing? Is it a safety hazard? Nobody has told me anything yet, because it's not visible (my hair covers it completely)

is it possible to get overtime as regularly and often or is it a rarity in the hangars?

Will being a ramp agent while I’m in a&p school help me to land a job after I pass the exams? Like could I just internally transfer

Hi i am attending part 147 school and self-studying for GROL exam now. I just want to know, besides GROL, whatelse a new A&P without job experience could practically do to get 1st A&P job in avionics landed after graduation/newly licensed? Any special training, other certificate exam, even paid program, etc. ? (I know without job experience everything is hard, that's why I'm asking) thanks.

Or What you could do when still in school to make your future employer want to put you in their avionics training/intern position inside that company?

What is the interview process like at Southwest Airlines for AMTs at KDAL?

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I'm 35 with an Airframe and Powerplant certification. So far every job I've applied to requires at least 2 years of experience and the area i live in has limited job offers also. Currently contemplating on joining the Airforce for that experience. Any advice for those who have an A&P and also joined the Airforce or any other service related branch for experience?