Does my experience help?

AZBigDog

AZBigDog

Well-Known Member
Hi, all.

I've been an aircraft mechanic going on 8 yrs now and I've had the itch to change career paths for a while now. Becoming a professional pilot is what I've been dreaming of for a long time. I have been looking into some professional flight training programs and I figure that in a couple of years I'll be enrolling in one. (once my wife has finished her education)

Does anyone know how much my experience as an aircraft mechanic would help me get hired once I am at the point where I would be considered for an interview?

I'm pretty knowledgable as to how aircraft systems work so that has to be beneficial to me. How much of an advantage is it to have such a background?

Thanks for any feedback!

AZ
 
I am in no way, shape, or form an expert, but I would think it couldn't hurt. Like CFI'ing, it shows them that someone has already trusted you working on their aircraft. Your knowledge of systems should be a great start though, because its some tough stuff!
 
From what I've seen, a number of corporate pilot jobs require an A&P, or at least strongly prefere a pilot to have one. Some of these types of jobs will hire a pilot with lower-than-average times as long as he/she is a mechanic.

Not sure how the airlines consier an A&P, though.
 
Another wrench turner! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I am a CFI and am almost done with my A&P.


From every body I've talked to this will definatly help in the corprate aviation world, but not so much if you are applying for the airlines.

What type of aircraft do you work on?

Wlecome aboard /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
From what I've seen, a number of corporate pilot jobs require an A&P, or at least strongly prefere a pilot to have one. Some of these types of jobs will hire a pilot with lower-than-average times as long as he/she is a mechanic.

Not sure how the airlines consier an A&P, though.

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with the above. I think your experience as an A&P will definitely be an advantage when seeking charter or corporate employment. I don't know how the airlines weigh it. Good luck and welcome.
 
Thanks for all the feedback.

USMCMech-

I currently work on Airbus A320, 319 and Boenig 757.
In the past it has been DC8, 9, 10, MD-11, 80, 727, 737, 747, 767.

BTW- I'm originally from San Antonio. Where are you taking your A&P courses?

AZ
 
I'm taking the powerplant course at Hallmark. I got credit for the airframe and genral since that's what I did in the Marines. I plan on taking the writtens for airframe and genral by the end of the month. I'll be done with the powerplant course in january.
 
USMCMech-

Wow, thats where I went for my training. I really have not been back since I graduated. Sometimes I wonder if some of my old instructors are still there.

Do you have an examiner already picked out? I did my exam in New Braunfels, TX which is about 30 miles north on I-35. It took a day and a half to complete. You should be able to complete your testing in one day's time.

Will you be applying for mech job or continue to fly?

Good luck on your writtens.

AZ
 
I hope to get a job with Cessna at their citation service center. That way I will know that airframe inside and out whenever I try for a type rating. Whatever I do I intend to continue flying and maybe get back into instructing.

Right now I'm putting my wife through Medical school, and I have a baby on the way, so I'm not real picky at this point.

Hopefully my 5 years experiance and NDI training will help me get a good job.

Thanx
Scott
 
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