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What should people look into if they want to get their first step into becoming an aviation technician?
I want a career in aviation mechanics but I'm not sure what companies are looking for in future employees.
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Wayne’s Answer
Aaron:
Ways to get your Airframe and Powerplant License.
Attending a School
1. I don't know what grade you are in, but at the Community College where I was an Instructor, there was a program where High School students in their junior year could attend the aviation program. Their high school picked up the cost and they received high school and college credits. They would attend through their senior year of high school then they could take the written and practical test for their airframe license. Then they would attend 3 quarters of community college to receive their powerplant license. So in short, 9 months out of high school you will have your Airframe and Powerplant License (A&P). The approved programs are usually 18 to 24 months in duration.
You might check with your schools career counselor to see if they have this type of program.
On the Job Training;
The most important thing if you do the below is to be sure you get everything your do and work on documented. This will be required to be presented to the FAA to get the authorization to take the written exams. It should be signed by the people who supervised you with their license numbers.
2. If you could get hired by an aviation repair station or an airline, (without your license), and work for them doing anything, and then move into the "shop" as a helper. When I was the Director of Maintenance for a Part 135 commuter airline we had 3 to 5 "helpers" for the mechanics. They would open inspection panels, clean engines and components, change tires, etc. They would slowly work their way up to doing 100 hour inspections on engines and airframes, then the licensed mechanic would follow up behind them and sign for the work. If you go this route then you need 30 months experience to get both A&P license at the same time. If you go for a single license (A or P) then it is 18 months of experience for each license (36 months total). This is a good route to go because you are working on actual aircraft.
3. Join the Military, Air Force or Navy. A 4 year enlistment will give you the 30 months experience for your license.
Ways to get your Airframe and Powerplant License.
Attending a School
1. I don't know what grade you are in, but at the Community College where I was an Instructor, there was a program where High School students in their junior year could attend the aviation program. Their high school picked up the cost and they received high school and college credits. They would attend through their senior year of high school then they could take the written and practical test for their airframe license. Then they would attend 3 quarters of community college to receive their powerplant license. So in short, 9 months out of high school you will have your Airframe and Powerplant License (A&P). The approved programs are usually 18 to 24 months in duration.
You might check with your schools career counselor to see if they have this type of program.
On the Job Training;
The most important thing if you do the below is to be sure you get everything your do and work on documented. This will be required to be presented to the FAA to get the authorization to take the written exams. It should be signed by the people who supervised you with their license numbers.
2. If you could get hired by an aviation repair station or an airline, (without your license), and work for them doing anything, and then move into the "shop" as a helper. When I was the Director of Maintenance for a Part 135 commuter airline we had 3 to 5 "helpers" for the mechanics. They would open inspection panels, clean engines and components, change tires, etc. They would slowly work their way up to doing 100 hour inspections on engines and airframes, then the licensed mechanic would follow up behind them and sign for the work. If you go this route then you need 30 months experience to get both A&P license at the same time. If you go for a single license (A or P) then it is 18 months of experience for each license (36 months total). This is a good route to go because you are working on actual aircraft.
3. Join the Military, Air Force or Navy. A 4 year enlistment will give you the 30 months experience for your license.
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Hello there, I am an aviation instructor holding airframe and powerplant license. There are a few paths to becoming a mechanic in aviation one way to do this is to attend a part 147 school and get your license. Another way would be military service and work on their aircraft. You could also go to local airports and ask around for who is looking for an apprentice. To get into this industry as a mechanic you need to hold your airframe and powerplant license as nobody typically hires without it.
I would suggest looking into Title 14 which is federal aviation regulations. Part 65 for mechanics
Decide whether you want to apprentice to get your experience or if you want to go into school.
Austin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
enrique’s Answer
USMC aviation requires a 5 year contract. I joined as a reservist and it opened up doors for contract jobs available. Lowest mechs make 30/hour with 35 being the average. Many mechs get their a&p while in the service due to experience time being met but not required for military contracts. Although I recommend the military, I would suggest going active due to the benefits that come out of it. Airframes, flightline or avionics are the 3 main jobs to choose.