Thinking of A & P as career at 37yrs. old

catch22 · Joined: May 02, 2007 Posts: 1 Location: USA

Hi everyone,

I hope someone can shed some light on this type of career as a profession.

What made you want to become a AMT?
What do you like most about this profession and the least?
What kind of pay can a graduate expect to make right out of school and then in 5 yrs from there? aprox?

I was recently laid off from my job after almost 14 yrs due to plant closing and Im in school right now taking some general edu. classes with thoughts of medical classes, only problem is Im not a huge book worm and I absolutely hated anatomy.

I have always liked working with my hands and doing problem solving tasks and I enjoy working on my own vehicles though I know theyre nothing like Jets and such im sure.

I have already toured the school offering the A & P program and its a 2 yr. 7 term program where more than 50% is hands on and is also an FAA aproved program.

What can I expect right out of school, other than starting at the very bottom of the totem poll which I know is going to happen anyways.

Again, any help would be appreciated and if theres anything I havent thought of please fill me in if you would.

Thanks, Brad C. Catch22 GO CUBS!!

planedoctor · Joined: Oct 08, 2002 Posts: 306

Hey Brad,

I'll answer your questions then give you my 2 cents.

I always liked tinkering with stuff. I figured I would be some sort of a mechanic, but had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to work on. After spending time working on my car I figured I really didn't want to fix cars. I thought a more glamorous profession would be airplanes. I also loved airplanes(who doesn't)!

The two went together real well for me.

You will get this from most A&P's...I'm not in it for the money! There are a lot of trades out there that make as much or more then we do.

The Airline/manufacturing sector is where you make the most $, but it's also economy driven. The economy's good, your secure and making money. The economy takes a dump, your eating mac and cheese living out of a hotel working contract somewhere.

The bottom line is stability! If you want a stable career stay the hell away from aviation. If your a hustler and it didn't bother you that your job could be gone tomorrow then welcome aboard.

After doing this for 19 years I really wish I could have been a RN. I physically can't handle that stuff, but sure wish I could. You can pick a point on a map and get good work.

Aviation if geared around the airports, airline maintenance hubs and the contract companies. You have to follow the money.

My 2 cents would be if you can physically handel the medical then do it! As the country gets older the need from medical care does nothing but get bigger.

_________________

Mark · Joined: Nov 21, 2003 Posts: 17 Location: USA

PlaneDoctor,

You are correct. aviation, at every employment level - not just A&P, is and always has been a tough racket. But, every occupation and profession is increasingly at risk in today's increasingly global market. Most of us have to make a living by some means. If you can do that and enjoy it, what more is there? There is an old proverb, "Happiness is not doing what you enjoy, but enjoying what you're doing." We are forced to make a living first, and we try to enjoy, or at least tolerate it. We live with the decisions we make. Hopefully we make good decisions, but only time will tell.

Mark

amtrosie · Joined: Aug 26, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: USA South Florida

Catch 22,
You asked for the prospects. Well they are not good and in 5 years, who's to say. I have seen the market fluctuate in my last 20 years. The only things that are guarenteed are low pay, long hours, and not whole lot of acknowledgement of dedication. If you are "fortunate" to get hired by a airline, you will have nights for the rest of your life. I am here to tell you that nights will tear you apart. Especially if you have a family, divorce is a likely result. That is the good side. Find something else!!
_________________
Don't mess with me now!

E170mech · Joined: Aug 13, 2007 Posts: 1 Location: USA

I've been in a mechanic for five years now. After a year of A&P school, 9/11 happened. 30% of the students left after that semester. Big time lay-offs at the airlines around that time. The main reasons for me getting into this were I enjoy working aircraft and at the time, good pay. I had all hopes for working at United or ATA in Indianapolis, but now they both have closed up shop.

I was very lucky and got on with a small regional in 2002 and have been there ever since. The pay is below airline industry average, but beats working at a factory (my previous career). Oh yeah, and as mentioned, I've worked nights since day one. And have had to either take a lay-off or move with the company. Hopefully something better will come along.

DC8guru · Joined: Sep 16, 2007 Posts: 5 Location: USA

Catch22
I still enjoy working on planes after over 22 years. It has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. I dont get the satisfaction of kicking a plane out to the gate like I did when I worked on dinosours, but if you dont mind a eight hour day and nothing to work on usually, go for it. I have been laid off twice and moved to over seven different states keeping a job. During one tour I flew as a flight mech for 2 years living out of a suitcase.
I did see the world for free... one of the positives.
Like the PlaneDoctor stated, if you can handle the bloody mess being in the medical field , I would take that over aviation. Good luck!
Remember: everyone dies but everyone does not fly.

HerkPFE · Joined: Jan 17, 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

The MRO's are crying for AMT's...I have visited many of them over the last year and every single one of them was looking.

I have had my A&P since 1978 and have used it on and off since then. Remember once you get your certificate it is good as long as you keep it somewhat current.

Good luck!
_________________
Best Regards,
Greg Pierce
www.pierceaviationservices.com

brettt777 · Joined: Feb 27, 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Gadsden, Alabama

Well, I'm certainly not an expert by any stretch of the imagination; I got into my little niche of the aviation world only because I was persistant and I knew someone. I took a bit of a pay cut from my last job and work alot of hours and it is hard work (Czech built L-39s). But for the first time in my life, I actualy look forward to going to work every day. I actualy think about my work when I'm not even on the job. At my old job, at 5:00 pm I was off and didn't even want to discuss work. My point is, if you can get paid to do something you love to do, go for it. If you think you would enjoy working in aviation, well, there is no substitute for having a job that you love.

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