A little guidance please ;)

N

nimblybimbly85

New Member
I have a B.S. in Aviation Operations and a Business Minor from San Jose State University. I was working on flight training at KRHV and I came to the realization that I more enjoy flying as a hobby than as a career. So now I am looking to get my A&P and start out working in GA and then move to a Regional and then hopefully Corporate.

How realistic and attainable is this career path? Do I have better chances of making it than pursuing a pilot career?

I understand the pay isn't all that great and I understand there are odd shifts (which I fine with me) and I understand it is still aviation which in itself is unstable. But is a mechanic gig more stable and easier to get into than flying for a living?

Thanks a lot!!!
 
nimblybimbly85 said:
I have a B.S. in Aviation Operations and a Business Minor from San Jose State University. I was working on flight training at KRHV and I came to the realization that I more enjoy flying as a hobby than as a career. So now I am looking to get my A&P and start out working in GA and then move to a Regional and then hopefully Corporate.

How realistic and attainable is this career path? Do I have better chances of making it than pursuing a pilot career?

I understand the pay isn't all that great and I understand there are odd shifts (which I fine with me) and I understand it is still aviation which in itself is unstable. But is a mechanic gig more stable and easier to get into than flying for a living?

Thanks a lot!!!
Click to expand...

I think there are more A&P jobs out there. Also, if you get your IA that can be a gravy train (yep I said it :)) at some airports. If you do decide to get your commerical, you will have a distinct advantage over others about system ops etc. I often see jobs that want a pilot w/ and A&P. That opens more jobs for you too.

My grandfather who is a pilot and A&P/IA told me to get the mechanics rating. At the time I figured I knew best and didn't get it. If you have the chance, I would definately get it. This is all assuming you like to work on airplanes though. Some people do not.

I hope this rambling helps. If yyou have any questions, let me know.
 
If not an a/p, maybe a dispatch certificate? The way I see it the more ratings the better it looks on yor resume for future flying careers....
 
nimblybimbly85 said:
I have a B.S. in Aviation Operations and a Business Minor from San Jose State University. I was working on flight training at KRHV and I came to the realization that I more enjoy flying as a hobby than as a career. So now I am looking to get my A&P and start out working in GA and then move to a Regional and then hopefully Corporate.

How realistic and attainable is this career path? Do I have better chances of making it than pursuing a pilot career?

I understand the pay isn't all that great and I understand there are odd shifts (which I fine with me) and I understand it is still aviation which in itself is unstable. But is a mechanic gig more stable and easier to get into than flying for a living?

Thanks a lot!!!
Click to expand...

Not a mechanic myself, but I am always hearing that there is a shortage of qualified mechanics. I would think that maintenance would be more stable than piloting.

A word of caution though. The majority of airline maintenance work is done on the graveyard shift, 7 days a week, including holidays. You say yo are fine with odd hours, but that is now. Think about it 10 or 20 years from now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top