Nervous about going into A&P mechanics

Hello Travis,

I went to A&P School many years ago, but what I have to say is still relevant.

I am not sure of the work you are in now, but I highly recommend you go for your A&P. You will most likely work for you’re A first, which is the aircraft portion. Start applying for a job in Maintenance now. Persistence is the key. Make them know who you are before you ever get the job. That way they will know you’re serious. Aviation is on an upbeat now, everyone is hiring. If you’re in Florida or willing to move there, you might try Flightstar Aviation, 30 minutes west of Jacksonville at Cecil Field. They will hire without a license. If you go there and get on now, there’s a school just next door. Once you get the license, start applying with major airlines, starting with Delta Airlines.

There may be similar opportunities where you are now, it’s not hard to get on-line and figure where all the opportunities are.

There is some math involved, but it’s minimal. If there is a part you don’t understand or you know your weakness, then get some help. As an older adult you won’t have as much problem understanding as you did when you were young. Especially when it will help you achieve your goal. 

The pay is good and so are the benefits. I just flew from Atlanta to San Diego this past weekend to visit my sister and it cost me nothing. I have been retired for 18 years.

Pay no attention to those that offer words of discouragement. It’s not that hard, put one foot in front of the other and allow for time to achieve your goal. Once you get it behind you, you then have the rest of your career to enjoy your work every day. You might even be interested in working for GE, Rolls Royce or Pratt & Whitney. Good luck to you!

Travis,

Math somehow makes more sense once we get older. If you want it bad enough, you can do it! Find a way to deal with it if it is causing problems. Find someone good in math who can help you out on the side. Once you start to understand how the math is applied and why you need it, it will all come together.

Secondly, try not to hang out with the negative folks so much. It's bad for you! They should be encouraging you!!

Kim

Hello Travis,

You already have some good advise here! Follow your hart and go for it!

We have calculators now, and other computer programs that help with the math issues, don't let that deter you from a great future. Pending on what your position is, you may not have to do a lot of math on a day to day basis.

As a hiring manager, I can tell you that I am dealing with a shortage of available technicians. I have hired individuals without a license, and I have helped technicians use their experience to get a license. The fact that you are 20 years older than most coming out of schools, tells me that you probably have more common sense and better work ethics.

Wichita is a huge center for aviation and there are so many opportunities there. Check with the major service centers and manufacturers, I'm sure you can find a position. Most of my sheet metal guys got their start in Wichita. Sheet metal is an art, and its really hard to find good sheet metal guys with or without a license.

Good luck, hope to see you in the industry soon.