Questions regarding A & P training and employment

[UnAnswerd]

It seems everyone wants to fly airplanes, but those willing to fill the far less glamorous position of repairing them, seem to be fewer and farther between. I'm currently working towards a private certificate and am very serious about it. After all, I already know that flying airplanes is a blast. However, earning a decent living doing so is an extremely drawn-out process at best. Mind you there's nothing wrong with that, and shortcuts in training/experience have no place in aviation. Nevertheless, I was just pondering what it might take to become an A&P, and what the job outlook might be like. I already have lots of automotive experience, and though seemingly irrelevant, I feel that at least some of that experience can come into play. After earning a private certificate, I feel I'd be well equipped to begin learning how to repair aircraft. A few basic questions I have are:

Can you become a certified A&P through the completion of a certificate program? Or is a traditional college-degree program more appropriate???

What is the job outlook like? Do employers really need more mechanics, or is it just as hard as landing a job in the cockpit?

Nobody can give an official number, but what type of pay can be expected???

I'm just tossing this idea around. Regardless of anything, I'm dead serious about completing my flight training and will never rule out a flying career. I'm just considering all possibilities and welcome any input...

 

[bocefus]

1. Yes, although the time required to complete the AP course is the same via either route, a minimum of 1900 contact hours. Add a few extra courses and get your Associates degree if you want.
2. The short term job outlook is pathetic, long term is unknown, but with very few young people entering the field, I'd say things are bound to improve.
3. Pay is pathetic, entry level 10-15 per hour, the automotive field pays much better without the regulatory and liability headaches.
Input? Look into career fields other than aviation. If your are hell bent on it, capitalize on your automotive experience to pay the bills and continue your flight training.

 

[Khirsah]

1. You can do what is usually a 15 to 18 month certificate program or you can take the additional 6 months and get your associates degree. At a typical college, the required courses for an A&P are going to run something in the neighborhood of 70 credit hours. You're already past what you need credits-wise to get an AS. So all you'll have to take are basic gen-ed type classes, which translates into anonther 9 to 20-some odd credit hours. If you're going to get your A&P, you're kind of shooting yourself in the foot if you don't go ahead and get an AAS or AS degree.

2. Job outlook depends on where you are and who you want to work for. In some places (IND in particular) you may have to take formerly union work in order to get a job. So far I've seen the best results from people who throw boxes for FedEx through school. They get things like tuition assistance while at the same time building enough time with the company to apply internally for a mechanic's position upon graduation. A good school will have a good relationship with someone who employs mechanics. It's not going to be a guaranteed interview situation (beware of a school that comes close to guaranteeing anything besides an education), but they'll know where you'd have the best chances.

3. Its not as bad as the pilot starting out, but it's not much better. I'd expect to be making about $1000/yr more than your average 1st year regional FO to start (unless you get on with a good employer, who are few and far between). As for the "entry level" mechanics pay numbers, I've seen as low as $10.40-something to (rarely) as high as $16. Over 2000 hours that's $20,800 to $32,000. So just from the jobs I've seen it can range from $hitty to downright almost decent entry level pay. Again, it depends on who you get on with.

 

[qmaster3]

Nevertheless, I was just pondering what it might take to become an A&P, and what the job outlook might be like. I already have lots of automotive experience

If you're gonna turn wrenches stay in the automotive field. More $$. If you get your A&P it will benefit you, kiss my ass if you think I’m turning wrenches for 10-15/hr. That’s hr not flat rate. No getting paid 1.5/hrs for 20 min of work. Good Auto Techs will always be in demand. PLUS, you make more than most pilots.

 

[Wrenchnfly]

I am a Comm/CFII/MEI and an A&P. You will make more as an A&P right out of school than a pilot would. A new A&P can get hired right into a regional airline (no PFT either). Expect a regional to pay high 20's to low 30's to start without overtime, etc. You will probably work odd shifts and days off, but be home everyday so quality life depends on what you like. General aviation may give you days Monday to Friday but you may not get as much pay, but you might. I have done all of the above. I currently fly and do get to wrench a little too. An A&P must be kept current but not as restrictive as a pilot. If you like cars go for it if you are in it for the money. Aviation is not the place if you only see dollar signs. The A&P will open doors for a pilot and it can give you something to fall back on should you loose your medical. The ups and downs of the industry will still have the same effect on your job. If you have no degree and get your A&P then by all means take the extra classes and get it. An associaties degree is better than none at all.