How to get heavy experience?

A

Adder007USA

New Member
So, I've just started my career as an A&P mechanic, working at a certain regional air carrier out of Chicago. The job has its ups and downs, it's certainly better than being SOL on work right out of school, but this is definitely not where I want to stay for the rest of my life.

Here's my question. I understand that one very lucrative niche of aviation maintenance is for air cargo. The only issue I see is that every single cargo company requires so many years of heavy/widebody experience for their mechanics. Just how does one go about getting this? One possible avenue I could see would be to work my way into a larger air carrier that actually uses these larger aircraft, but some of those companies seem to be very unstable right now, so I'm not certain how wise a career move would be. Aside from that, what is the best way for someone to be considered "qualified" to work on heavy widebody aircraft?

(Note: I understand that some cargo companies have some very unusual schedules. Something like 20 days on, 10 days off, and the mechanic flies with the crew on the aircraft. Not an issue if this is how things are, but how common is this?)
 
My guess is that if you're working for an airline, within an airline maintenance program, that will count to at least get your foot in the door somewhere after you gain 5 to 10 years experience. I know a guy that went from GA to FedEx, but it took him many years of working the ramp at FedEx and doing GA on the side.

Be patient and have a good attitude, learn all that you can where you are, the opportunities will come along.
 
Adder007USA said:
So, I've just started my career as an A&P mechanic, working at a certain regional air carrier out of Chicago. The job has its ups and downs, it's certainly better than being SOL on work right out of school, but this is definitely not where I want to stay for the rest of my life.

Here's my question. I understand that one very lucrative niche of aviation maintenance is for air cargo. The only issue I see is that every single cargo company requires so many years of heavy/widebody experience for their mechanics. Just how does one go about getting this? One possible avenue I could see would be to work my way into a larger air carrier that actually uses these larger aircraft, but some of those companies seem to be very unstable right now, so I'm not certain how wise a career move would be. Aside from that, what is the best way for someone to be considered "qualified" to work on heavy widebody aircraft?

(Note: I understand that some cargo companies have some very unusual schedules. Something like 20 days on, 10 days off, and the mechanic flies with the crew on the aircraft. Not an issue if this is how things are, but how common is this?)
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Well there are several ways I guess as far as the 20 days on 10 days off schedule you are talking about a traveling mechanic the likes of which work for National, Kalitta, Southern, World and Omni use them. All but Omni are cargo and with the wars winding down they are seeing less flying. Schedules at the other cargo and passenger carriers either work a 5/2 or a 4/3 working 10 hrs. And be prepared to work graveyard shift and most all holidays until you get some time in. I know FedEx has hired quite a few from the MRO's like MAE in Mobile where you would get heavy jet experience if you can stomach working at an MRO. Then there are guys who are right out of school throwing boxes at FedEx who have no experience and got in through the MTP Maintenence Training Program..Kinda like a Jr Mechanic. They do not get paid a license prem until they complete 18 months I thnk they just get a base salary. But those jobs are only offered in Memphis, Indy and LAX until they complete the MTP program and became AMT's then they can bid where there seniority can hold. Actually in regards to what a cargo carrier "wants" and what they get are 2 different things. There is not an abundant supply of experienced mechanics out there like there was 7 to 8 yrs ago. A good one like FedEx or UPS can pretty much ask for and get what they want. The others maybe not so much. Apply to all of them regardless and be aggressive and persistant and network if you can. Good Luck
 
Thanks guys for all your advice. I'll keep an eye on this post if anyone else has more to say, but I do believe you've given me a good starting point.
 
Great suggestions, don't be afraid to apply for any type of job at the airlines in-order to get your foot in door and then write your own ticket from there.
 
Just try to apply somewhere. It all depends on who they want. I remember one lady who worked for a regional airline for several years and ended up working for fedex. She used to do heavy MTX before going to line maintenance, and then moving out of state to work for Fedex. You could either join the military(full-time or reserve) or if you want to stay in the civillian world, then try with some contract companies. ORD has a few contract carriers who cater to international airlines and some domestic ones.

It's all about the experience first, just remember that wherever you end up on your career path.
 
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