A&P?

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 is 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!!!
 
You'll always have a job. Most small operators love to hire pilots who are also A&Ps. You'll be a better pilot because of your intimacy with the machine.
Definitely more realistic than dreams of becoming a well-paid professional pilot — or even a poorly paid professional pilot!
Go for it!
 
One of my many goals in aviation is to eventually A) fly up in alaska B) be a airshow pilot... having a A&P would help with both.. I would also like to get into the restoration busniess. I figure I cna just have a bunch of part time jobs.. part time cfi.. part time airshow pilot.. part time A&P I may not get rich but I'll have loads of fun doing it!

Then of course the regular job to pay the bills hahaha
 
Jbroz04 said:
One of my many goals in aviation is to eventually A) fly up in alaska B) be a airshow pilot... having a A&P would help with both.. I would also like to get into the restoration busniess. I figure I cna just have a bunch of part time jobs.. part time cfi.. part time airshow pilot.. part time A&P I may not get rich but I'll have loads of fun doing it!

Then of course the regular job to pay the bills hahaha
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I didn't make that post so you can explain your dreams, I asked a few questions for advice lol.---no offense
 
Well if you want advice here it is. Work in a local maintence shop and continue to fly. It takes 30 months of experience as a shop hand working under a A&P to be eligible to take the practical test. Best part is once you get good you can get the shop to pay you to work there. All your work has to be looked over by a A&P but it is cheaper for the company than hiring another mechanic. While doing this conitue to fly. If you dont want to wait thirty months for a 12 months program. There are a few out there but be ready to shell out a bunch of money. The mechanic I am working with has told me time and time agian working in GA is better as far as having normal hours but working with the airlines gives you more job security because planes have to keep flying even in bad times. At least more than GA planes will. That all i got for you lol
 
Your best bet is to pick something and stick with it. Don't try to find the magic bullet because there isn't one. I earned my A&P while earning my pilot certificates and got paid to do it. I'm working in the shop that I apprenticed at and love it but I'm a much better pilot than mechanic. One of the biggest motivations for earning my A&P was stability because I know I'll always be able to find work turning a wrench on something. The pay isn't great but neither is the pay of a 3rd year FO at Eagle. When I fly, and even when a student aces a checkride, I don't feel like I've actually done anything. However, when I replace a bad starter or when I figure out why the engine analyzer is getting a good read from the new EGT probe then I feel like I've actually done something. I guess flying is just too much fun for me to consider it work.

I identify myself as a pilot who has his A&P, not an A&P who is a pilot. I hope earning my A&P will make me more desirable but I'm not counting on it.
 
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