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Have any advice for A&P's?

Old 05-15-2009, 06:42 PM
  #1  
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Default Have any advice for A&P's?

Hi guys,

I know this site is primarily for pilots, but, unfortunately there aren't any decent site for A&Ps to talk about some of these issues.

I'm 26, I have a B.S. in aviaiton technology (specialization in avionics), my A&P license and a PPL w/ 400hrs. After graduating, I worked at an FBO as a mechanic for 3 years- I learned a lot, I was lucky enough to do alot of the test flights coming out of annual, but I became tired of being poor and having no benefits. Yes- aviation is the same on the Mx side of things. I do farm with the family, on the side, but the operation isn't large enough to support me full time yet.

I now work as a QA person at a company that does a lot of military aircraft contracts and manufacturing. I now live in a cubicle half the time and the other half I'm on the floor. Like everyone else here,I did not get into avation to push papers around. I'd much rather be outside, not at a desk.

When I came into aviation I had every intention of eventually flying for the airlines. I couldn't afford to finish my ratings until now. But now, seeing all the turmoil with the aviation industry I don't I want to be part of this mess (aviation) anymore. I mean not only are the airlines getting hammered but so is corporate/fractional aviation. I really have no desire to work on airplanes anymore (other than if I buy my own) because of the p!ss poor pay, big liability and the FAA is becoming more stringent on the Mx side. If there's anyonehere thinking to go this route (Mx) to get through the recession- I would recommend against it.

I guess what I'm asking is: Does anyone have any good ideas for a person with my qualifications for jobs outside of aviation? ( I thought about the railroad, but they aren't hiring too much now) Or, jobs in aviation that I haven't thought of that aren't just paper pushers (I know that there's always a little paper-pushing at every job though).

Well everyone, thanks for your input!
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Old 05-16-2009, 07:05 AM
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Default Green Technology

Use your skills and abilities to get into green technology. You could be a windmill technician or become a specialist in geothermal heating and cooling. There are schools poping up all over the country that are offering training in those areas.

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Old 05-17-2009, 06:53 PM
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Think power plant, like power companies, steam turbines, hydro, windmills, all the same tech. If you're ambitious, think nuke plant, they're REALLY hiring. I'm pretty sure one in Tennessee is hiring like crazy. (sorry, no links)

Also anything with complex systems, like amusement parks (sadly, they are also laying off).

CE
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Old 05-18-2009, 08:02 PM
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Thanks SkyHigh and Crimson for your input. It's a real shame that we are all in this situation. I'm the biggest airplane/aviation nut ever, but, I've realized to stay in aviation- you almost have to get out of it (If that makes any sense). I don't know about the pilot side- but it seems that the vast majority of A&P's are looking for a way out- is that just me or is it everywhere else in the industry/counry?

I didnt really think about nuclear power plants. Anyone know about training for that?

One thing that really sucks about aviation Mx (and aviation in general) is the way the general public percieves aviation. It's hard to convince a person that you really want out because it's so "interesting" or "high paying". I've talked to a few people that have tried to get out and it's hard to get an interview because of these false perceptions- HR people think you'll skip as soon as a aviation job opens. Does anyone have any ideas how to overcome this?

Anyone have any suggestions about writing resume's for outside aviation? Are those resume' writers worth it?

Thanks everyone.
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Old 05-18-2009, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 4440driver View Post
Thanks SkyHigh and Crimson for your input. It's a real shame that we are all in this situation. I'm the biggest airplane/aviation nut ever, but, I've realized to stay in aviation- you almost have to get out of it (If that makes any sense). I don't know about the pilot side- but it seems that the vast majority of A&P's are looking for a way out- is that just me or is it everywhere else in the industry/counry?

I didnt really think about nuclear power plants. Anyone know about training for that?

One thing that really sucks about aviation Mx (and aviation in general) is the way the general public percieves aviation. It's hard to convince a person that you really want out because it's so "interesting" or "high paying". I've talked to a few people that have tried to get out and it's hard to get an interview because of these false perceptions- HR people think you'll skip as soon as a aviation job opens. Does anyone have any ideas how to overcome this?

Anyone have any suggestions about writing resume's for outside aviation? Are those resume' writers worth it?

Thanks everyone.
Be honest. I usually mention the hiring/layoff cycle and chronic instability. Anyone who watches TV will understand.

As for nuke plants, several are coming online and they are hiring. I don't have specifics but a quick search should find a bunch. I just don't feel like moving to Tennessee, yet.

CE
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Old 05-19-2009, 01:08 AM
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Howdy Crimson Eclipse,
Sorry to hear your job is a bummer. I hope you are able to find something better in whatever field you choose. I don't have any input on writing resumes, other than it helps to have others critique them before sending them out.
As far as aviation goes, have you really decided to get out? Seems there's still some pretty good and interesting opportunities on the aviation maintenance side out there even with the crummy market. Have you tried looking at the website JS Firm? Pretty interesting stuff on there as far as the mx side.
Best wishes.
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Old 05-19-2009, 06:52 PM
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Kilgore,

I think you meant me on your last post-

As far as getting out of aviation- I'm almost 100% sure I'm getting out of the Mx side and about 75% sure about getting out of aviation as a career. And yes, I've really checked it out. I've exhausted all of my contacts in aviation. Now, with the economy the way it is, it will be a while before things pick up in all sectors.

Even in good economic times people in the Mx side of things are the lowest paid within the aviation industry (well other than like line guys or a/c cleaners). Imagine getting paid only a little more than a co-pilot at a regional and being responsible for a repair you made on an aircraft or a part you installed until that airplane is turned into beer cans.

I'm curious, Kilgore- do you work as a mechanic?

Actually, I have looked at J.S. Firm before. Indirectly I found my current job through that site (I applied for a different job, but was offered this one). Luckily I'm getting some experience that is transferable outside of airplanes.
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Old 05-19-2009, 08:14 PM
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Howdy 4440driver,
Sorry about the confusion on screen names.
Yup, I'm an A+P/I.A. and commercial pilot in Alaska. That and $1.00 will usually get me a cup of coffee.
It seems to work pretty well up here. Definate shortage of A+P's. Not so much on pilots right now. In fact wrenching this summer instead of flying.
Pay is ok. No benefits. Seasonal probably. I hear you about security issues for the future in aviation in general. I sometimes get pretty bummed out about it.
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Old 05-20-2009, 07:30 PM
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I still do some wrenching, too- only part-time though.

As far as the shortage of mechanics- I hear that a lot and I also see it, but I have not seen an increase of pay. Supply and demand would dictate that wages go up, at least in theory.

When I graduated A&P school- we had one of the smallest classes ever. From what I hear they are getting smaller, too. Just a few years ago a prominant school in the area shut down because of lack of enrollment.

It also amazes me that the BLS still lists A&P's as "unskilled labor". When I heard that- I was floored. Perhaps partially the cause of the low pay? - I just don't know.

Just a few weeks ago I had a laid-off Lear driver come in the shop (where I work part-time) and asked about getting a job in Mx. I informed him of the pay and everything and he just said "oh". I hate to "run" someone off like that, but, I gave him the truthful picture of what this side of the industry is like. I also told him that working on them is a very poor substitute for flying- if flying is really what you want to do.
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Old 05-20-2009, 07:57 PM
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4440driver,
Yup, you're right about pay. From what I've seen in AK since 1997 it has not really gone up. Generally lower end is about $20 an hour and seems to increase slightly based on experience on AK types of airplanes and one's willingness to live in the "bush". I'm making $24 an hour this summer in case you want to know. Pretty good company. If anything, wrenching can bes seen as a way to get one's foot in the door of a company that one is interested in flying for someday.
On the plus side, if you work for the right company, you can fly in the summer and wrench in the winter- I've done that several years.
Potential drawbacks include the possibility of being held in the hangar until everything is squared away, enough summer mechanics are in place, etc...
Generally from what I've seen, pilots make more here than mechanics. That's with the caveat that the pilot's duty day is generally longer- up to 14 hours in a 24 hour period.
Had medical/dental/401k at one job many moons ago, but that came with the condition of working night shift in the summer because the planes flew all day. Nights are a bummer. Did five summers of that and just had to get out of there.
I've got a killer resume for AK, but found that with my lack of multi/turbine time I was not in a very good spot for anything outside of AK flying wise. I do like wrenching though. I like knowing a bit about the airplanes, and it is a pretty good fallback when, like this summer, I did not want to take the flying jobs that were available up here.
Honestly, I do not really see myself really able to do much else in at least the near future besides AK stuff.
Not that I'm complaining, it is from what I've seen, some really great aviation, and great people involved in it for the most part.
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