My college offers a certificate program for airframe and powerplant. So I decided after i graduate with my associates degree in May I will sign up for the program. I'm very good with mechanics (been working on cars since about 12 years old). My question is for any aviation mechanics (or anyone knowledgable in the field) is, is it worth it? do you still enjoy it? and how are the job oppurtunities?

Thanks Everyone.

There are many opportunities available and even if you don't enjoy it, it will be another feather in the cap of experience you can draw from down the road. Make sure to transfer you AA to a college where you can pick up a BS or BA easily and cheap. Those help down the road as well. Also, balance your life so you can work, go to school, and have a day off to relax. That is the best thing for staying out of debt and getting ahead in life.

I work Powerplant overhaul only and i love my job! best career move i've ever made, if you like aircraft and aviation and mechanics then you cant go wrong with a mech job And the pay is very good in most cases.

Good luck. I'm still in school for that program. So far, I haven't had any problems with the program itself. You have to be careful, though, because it's not really so much yourself you have to worry about as much as it is other people who don't know what they're doing or try BSing their way around the program. So bad it was that just last week, I was in a King Air about to run up engine 1, and the instructor had instructed me to give the people outside the ground signal that I would be starting the engine up. I did as instructed. One guy walks up to the left engine and goes "You want me to turn the prop?" *THUD!!!!* Yeah, if you want to go kill yourself, go for it, but I'm NOT about to be the one responsible for that.

Good luck. I'm still in school for that program. So far, I haven't had any problems with the program itself. You have to be careful, though, because it's not really so much yourself you have to worry about as much as it is other people who don't know what they're doing or try BSing their way around the program. So bad it was that just last week, I was in a King Air about to run up engine 1, and the instructor had instructed me to give the people outside the ground signal that I would be starting the engine up. I did as instructed. One guy walks up to the left engine and goes "You want me to turn the prop?" *THUD!!!!* Yeah, if you want to go kill yourself, go for it, but I'm NOT about to be the one responsible for that.

Dont know how your program works but they charge a 2000 dollar fee for tools, do those become my own personal tools for the class?

Dont know how your program works but they charge a 2000 dollar fee for tools, do those become my own personal tools for the class?

I can't help you there, as that depends on the school. The way my school worked, I actually had to go out and buy all my tools myself. Every semester, I would always wind up having to buy new tools because I would invariably need tools that I didn't need the previous semesters. My school bookstore had all the tools we needed, but then again, it was far cheaper to just go out to Sears or Home Depot to buy the tools myself than it was for me to buy them at the bookstore. Only when I couldn't find the tools I needed at the store did I EVER consider buying it from the school bookstore.

I can't help you there, as that depends on the school. The way my school worked, I actually had to go out and buy all my tools myself. Every semester, I would always wind up having to buy new tools because I would invariably need tools that I didn't need the previous semesters. My school bookstore had all the tools we needed, but then again, it was far cheaper to just go out to Sears or Home Depot to buy the tools myself than it was for me to buy them at the bookstore. Only when I couldn't find the tools I needed at the store did I EVER consider buying it from the school bookstore.

 

Yes, in most cases owning your own tools is a "must" if you work for a repair station, or as an independent mechanic. In some places, (manufacturing in particular) all tools are owned by the company, and are tightly controlled as a FOD-preventative measure, but generally, you will need your own kit once you are licensed and working in the field.

 

Hint: Be sure to buy a good assortment of sockets, wrenches (box and open-end), crowsfeet etc. in 11/32 size. That size is very commonly used in aircraft fasteners - I almost never encounter 11/32 hardware anywhere else BUT in aircraft applications.

 

You can't go wrong with a good set of Craftsman tools to start, but you will inevitably find yourself acquiring aircraft-specific tools over the course of your career that will cost a bit more. After 30 years in the industry (on and off) my own tool set is probably worth well in excess of $25,000.

 

If you work in a shop of any size, you will certainly be visited on a weekly basis by the friendly guys and gals from Snap-on, Mac and Matco, with mobile vans jam packed with expensive tools and tool chests, and easssyyy credit. You have to be careful there - a young mech just starting out can get in over their head pretty quickly!

 

I certainly have no regrets at having made a career in aviation maintenance. It is an interesting, challenging, sometimes high-pressure job, that carries a very high level of responsibility, but at the same time tremendous satisfaction. It does pay quite well too.

ive always used craftsman (my dad has always told me theres nothing better than american made tools) but now that the majority of craftsman tools are made in china im starting to second guess craftsman.