New gig, lotsa time... get an A&P?

[H.Agenda]

150 hours of year, salary pay. 1-2 weeks advanced notice, a few pop-ups a year.

Penny for y'alls thoughts.

 

[Yeah]

150 hours of year, salary pay. 1-2 weeks advanced notice, a few pop-ups a year.

Penny for y'alls thoughts.

As my 75 year-old boss would say, "You have me completely confused."

 

[Diesel]

either be a pilot or be an a&p.

If you have an A&p guess what you'll be doing if you leave this job.

not worth it.

 

[Junkflyer]

If you can work where you live, make decent money and don't need to build time, why not?

 

[learflyer]

you guys understood that riddle?

 

[payton]

Start something outside of pilot duties. Like selling aircraft insurance or anything.
My advice comes from 2 furloughs and 1 corporate airplane sold with no notice.

 

[H.Agenda]

Start something outside of pilot duties. Like selling aircraft insurance or anything.
My advice comes from 2 furloughs and 1 corporate airplane sold with no notice.

Youre probably right.

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

You also never know what kind of "additional" duties you might become responsible for. You might end up turning the wrench on what would've been a day off, without additional compensation if you're really unlucky.

 

[AZ Typed]

payton has it right on. Start working on a profession OUTSIDE of aviation. As much as I love to fly, and I enjoy my current (and hopefully long-term) position, it's reality that you cannot depend on aviation financially.

I started a side-business over the past 3 years in my spare-time from aviation. While I'm not in a position yet to be independent financially from aviation, I'm getting closer everyday. Fortunatly, I listened to all those "old crustys" on the jumpseat who had been through half dozen aviation jobs that said - "find something to back you up." My own furlough drove the point home.

Just $.02. Good Luck!

AZT

 

[dbchandler1]

Just Curious

payton has it right on. Start working on a profession OUTSIDE of aviation. As much as I love to fly, and I enjoy my current (and hopefully long-term) position, it's reality that you cannot depend on aviation financially.

I started a side-business over the past 3 years in my spare-time from aviation. While I'm not in a position yet to be independent financially from aviation, I'm getting closer everyday. Fortunatly, I listened to all those "old crustys" on the jumpseat who had been through half dozen aviation jobs that said - "find something to back you up." My own furlough drove the point home.

Just $.02. Good Luck!

AZT

What kind of side business did you end up getting into, if you dont mind me asking?

 

[avbug]

either be a pilot or be an a&p.

If you have an A&p guess what you'll be doing if you leave this job.

not worth it.

Says you.

I wouldn't say that, but then I've been employed in both positions for quite some time now.

Not worth it to you. But it may be, and is, to some of us who have spent much of our career doing it professionally. Some of us might even take affront to such a statement of ignorance. Some of us might...

 

[onthebeach]

A&p

Since you asked about it, you obviously have some interest in it. I would say, it depends on what you see yourself doing from now on. If you definitely want to continue on the operations end of things (i.e., not get into some kind of management gig) for the rest of your career, then definitely, yes, get an A&P if your present situation allows you the time to train.

Yes there is a slight risk that your boss will ask you to do additional duties and for no more money, but that really depends on you, he might have to ask himself which is worse, paying some extra bucks or finding a new pilot.

As you look around and plan out the rest of your career, look at how many jobs include some degree of requirement or desire that a candidate have an A&P. This should tell you something.

As to the problem of "having" to wrench if you lose your medical, as I say, if your mind is made up to stay in the hands-on portion of the flying business, working as an A&P would fill that bill.

 

[CaptainChris77]

150 hours of year, salary pay. 1-2 weeks advanced notice, a few pop-ups a year.

Penny for y'alls thoughts.

I've got a great gig lined up and I am a regional FO on reserve! I build decks on my days off---Roughly $15/hr, cash (with no prior experience).... you can make a lot of money in construction on the side. Thats my goal, I don't want anything to do with aviation on my days off.

 

[H.Agenda]

I'd love to know more about what goes on under the hood, but researching more I have found in order to get your A&P requires 2 years working fulltime as a mechanic, or a 2 year school for approx. 30K.

 

[avbug]

Most schools are 13 months or so, but you can drag it out as long as you like. If you're spending thirty grand, you're trying too hard to spend your money.

What did you expect? Did you think becoming a mechanic is a six week community ed course? It's far more intensive and complex than obtaining your pilot certificates through the ATP...there's more to know, it's a lot more comprehensive.

Once you obtain the certification, you're qualified to tie your shoelace, and possibly rivet your fingers together. Becoming a competent mechanic takes years of on the job experience, which is why the FAA recognizes 30 months of full time experience when allowing you to gain certification that way.

It's not a trivial undertaking. If you're going to become an aircraft mechanic, take it seriously. Have fun while you're at it, but be sincere.