ASpilot2be

Have you thought about turning wrenches in the maritime industry?

If I ever end up getting out of aviation I am going to follow in my dads foot steps and become a maritime engineer.

kingair130

Hello Kilgore,

Perhaps I am saying this because I don't actually know what it's like, but my ideal job/career would be one where I can fly and a mechanic. I'm 22, almost about to finish a 4 yr degree in "Aviation Systems Management" (whatever that means), have A&P certificates, been working all the big Airbus & Boeings for a line maintenance contracting company specializing in internationals for about 2 years, with a few months of general aviation exp, and part time as a flight simulator maint tech....but am eagerly long overdue to get pilot ratings....does your company, or any you know of any in AK, or anywhere else for that matter where you can exchange working as an A&P for flight training?

Best regards,
Barry in NYC

Kilgore Trout

Howdy Barry,
Sounds like you've got a lot of good experience. Congratulations on being just about done with your four year degree too. You've been busy!
As far as companies in AK or elsewhere that would offer you flight training in exchange for A+P work- I do not know of any, there is a flight school in Anchorage called Take Flight Alaska though that I seem to remember was looking for A+P's a while back. I'm thinking most AK 135 operators are going to want already trained pilots on their staff. I'm sure it's possible somewhere though, and sounds like a good idea. I would be cautious about a sort of under the table trade of work for training because that could maybe cause problems with taxes and workman's comp stuff if you were hurt at work (I had to put that in there, sorry).
Maybe a better way would be to find a flight school that would pay you normally for your full or part time work on their planes and that offers a discount on flight training/aircraft rental to it's employees?
Good luck and best wishes for your future.

stealth114

On the subject of A&P liscense, Im presently working as an aircraft technician and I will surely love to have this liscense. I have been told that the minimum requirements are 18 months of on the job or 'field' experience. Am I eligible to do the A&P liscense if I have 12 months of practical work experience together with an engineering MAsters degree and other working experience as an engineer?

Regards

Herb Flemmming

Elevator repair company's like A&P's, i hear they pay 45/hrish.

CrimsonEclipse

is that US$?

CaptainCarl

Hershey's Kisses actually

aeromike49

I have been trying to get out of the piloting life and go back to A and P work - having a difficult time as the pilot experience is overshadowing any and all aircraft maintenance work I have done. Seems all I am getting is "we won't hire a pilot" or "I am afraid you will leave after a short time to go back to flying". I lost my job as a pilot - company went out of business - and although I have years of flying and mechanic experience - none of it seems to count enough to actually get a job that pays sufficiently to afford a rental house. I would go the elevator repairman route - at least you get to go - up and down and get paid for it ! I did work as a pilot/mechanic for one company years ago - seems that is a thing of the past ?

jsfBoat

When I first walked in and talked to someone about starting A&P school, first thing they did was to show me a paper on the salaries of A&Ps and how much they make. My girlfriend was saying that I'd be so much better off salary wise as wrench turner. I knew it was bs, but I started anyways because I want to do warbird restorations. I'm 3 months in to it, so I'll finish it.

KIGONYE

Shame on u, giving up on the dream. I have an A&P,ATP,CFII and MEI, worked as a lead mech for a legacy, but gave it all up to fly (a piston not a jet) took a 72% pay cut lost a wife. But will never give up on the dream....where is my drink.