Quote:
Originally Posted by jrav8r
Hi everyone, I'm a flight instructor with CFI/CFII/MEI looking to get my a&p. I have done aircraft maintenance in the past, but it wasn't signed off by an a&p. I was wondering if it would be more beneficial to go to a technical school? Or find a employer that's willing to allow me to work and sign me off for the tests. However I would still like to fly in the mean time.
Thanks.
There is a benefit to both: the school option is structured with a good foundation in general knowledge. Apprenticing is great because obviously you learn the real world way of doing things. However, you're at the mercy of the employer, so if you have a falling out, that can ruin your plans(seen it happen).
Ideally you could do both- enroll in school and wrench on the side. But if there is no school near, and you can wrench at the place you teach, then maybe that is a better option.
If there is a school near and you can manage the time commitment then go for it. HOWEVER, DON'T PAY FOR A PRIVATE TECH SCHOOL. ONLY GO TO A CITY/JUNIOR COLLEGE PROGRAM. Private tech schools cost like $40k for the same A&P that you get from a junior college program that costs 3-4k total. Don't fall into that trap!