Is being an Aircraft Mechanic the right career for me?

[ktsai91]

I'm currently majoring in business administration right now at my community college. One of my goals was to work in the aviation industry on the business side. I like business and all, but my mother thinks that I won't be successful at it. She suggested that I do something more hands on, more vocational, like being an aircraft mechanic. Never in my life would I think about fixing something but if it's related to aviation, then maybe it's possible. I have many questions relating to being an aircraft mechanic.

1. What does it take to be an aircraft mechanic? I know I have to get an Airframe and Powerplant certificate first though.

2. I'm worried that I may get injured on the job. Is being an aircraft mechanic dangerous?

3. What colleges or universities in the NYC area have an aviation maintenance degree? I know Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology have a degree as such but are there any other?

4. How much money do aircraft mechanics make when their hired?

That's all the questions I have for now.

 

[MQAAord]

Before answering the AMT specific questions... let me make a suggestion: it's your future, your career. While it's good to listen to and seek advice, ultimately it's YOUR choice to make. Don't not go into a field that you REALLY want to go into because your mother says you won't be successful. Does she have valid, legitimate reasons that you agree with for why you should pursue aviation maintenance? Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking mechanics or the A&P field at ALL. My dad is an A&P IA, owns/runs an engine shop and teaches the AMT program at a college in Wisconsin, so I think quite highly of mechanics! But your career should be something YOU want to do, not something someone else tells you to do.

 

[USMCmech]

First off let me echo what Amber said. Pick the career YOU are excited about, not what anybody else thinks is best for you.

1. What does it take to be an aircraft mechanic? I know I have to get an Airframe and Powerplant certificate first though.

You can work at under the supervision of an A&P before you get your ticket. However just because you have you A&P doesn't mean you know anything, there is still a LOT to learn after you start your first job.

2. I'm worried that I may get injured on the job. Is being an aircraft mechanic dangerous?

Yes and No. Being a mechanic isn't particularly dangerous, but there are still plenty of way to get hurt or killed.

You will get hurt on the job, basic bumps, bruises, light burns, frostbite, are just part of life when working on airplanes. I had to X-ray the wing attach holes on a 747 which required crawling in and out of the fuel tank 400 times, I was bruised from head to toe for a week. I cut my head on a wing pannel when I stoood up too fast. Stuff like that.

So long as you follow procedures you shouldn't be in any real danger, however if you cut corners you can easily kill someone. At the Mx facility I worked at a mechanic crawled into an engine without telling anyone in the cockpit and was crushed when the thrust reverser opened.

4. How much money do aircraft mechanics make when their hired?

Not as much as a good car mechanic.

Unless you own your private shop, or get lucky and eventually get hired at an airline, you'll be in the 30-50k per year range.

 

[ktsai91]

Before answering the AMT specific questions... let me make a suggestion: it's your future, your career. While it's good to listen to and seek advice, ultimately it's YOUR choice to make. Don't not go into a field that you REALLY want to go into because your mother says you won't be successful. Does she have valid, legitimate reasons that you agree with for why you should pursue aviation maintenance? Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking mechanics or the A&P field at ALL. My dad is an A&P IA, owns/runs an engine shop and teaches the AMT program at a college in Wisconsin, so I think quite highly of mechanics! But your career should be something YOU want to do, not something someone else tells you to do.

I believe my mom has a valid reason. Since that I'm not good at communicating or dealing with other people, she says that I go find a career that's deals less with people. Plus, I think she said that business is a tough major. I'm not that good in a few courses such as accounting.

 

[matthew]

I believe my mom has a valid reason. Since that I'm not good at communicating or dealing with other people, she says that I go find a career that's deals less with people. Plus, I think she said that business is a tough major. I'm not that good in a few courses such as accounting.

As far as aviation mechanic is concerned, your future depends less on how well you kiss the bottom and more about how well you do your job. As long as you work hard and follow procedures, you should do fine.

 

[Matt13C]

Nothing against your mom, but thats the completely wrong attitude to have. First of all, the two skills that you posted above are not skills that are confined to the business world, they are life skills. If you want to be successful in any profession you will need to develop the ability to communicate and deal with people. Secondly, accounting is one area of business, if you are not good in that area go to a tutor to get you through the classes and move on. No major will have a full course load that you enjoy or will excel in.

If you are genuinely not interested in business then I would not peruse that major, but quitting because you are struggling in one course is not the way to go. It would be like giving up on being a pilot because you are having trouble mastering stalls. Yes they are a part of the learning process, you will have to demonstrate them every so often to a CFI for flight reviews or to a potential employer, but your daily life wont include taking a plane to a stall.

As everyone else said, it is your future, do what you want.

 

[jspeed87]

The whole college thing is overrated, for some people anyways. You have to figure out the type of personality/goals you have to fit the career you want to pursue. If you're more of a introvert, your mom kinda has a point in which to do something technical. Mechanic, HVAC repair, Welding, Plumbing, Commercial Truck Driver, these are all great careers that fit that personality type. I'm also an introvert, but decided to become a Pilot because I knew I wanted to do it. Otherwise, I would be driving a truck cross country. There is a strong get your 4 year degree in anything but aviation attitude on these boards. College is not for everyone. I figured this out coming out of HS after wasting my time at a community college. I'm getting my associates degree at the minimum, but like I said it's all up to you. Think clearly in what you see yourself doing for a living, but at the same time, don't be afraid to try something new.

 

[Douglas]

Do you know what job you will pursue on the business side?
Are you planning on continuing your education after your associates?

Obviously do what you want, but don't forget that your mom knows you probably the best out of anyone.

 

[MQAAord]

I believe my mom has a valid reason. Since that I'm not good at communicating or dealing with other people, she says that I go find a career that's deals less with people. Plus, I think she said that business is a tough major. I'm not that good in a few courses such as accounting.

Communication and dealing with other people are still very much a part of a mechanic's job.

At a shop owner level, a mechanic must be able to bring in customers, and get good word-of-mouth referrals from current customers. S/He must be able to effectively communicate with the FAA about ADs and other regulatory issues, and communicate with customers about what work needs to be done on their planes and why.

At a shop/FBO employee level, a mechanic must be able to communicate with the a/c owners and any instructors or clients about mtx issues. Also s/he must communicate with the DOM about what's going on in the shop.

At the airline level, communication is ESSENTIAL between the mechanic and the pilots, dispatch, mtx control, etc, and is very much a part of every work day there.

At every level, there IS interaction with other people, every day.

Also, the AMT program is not necessarily "easier" than business school. It's more than just turning wrenches... Do you have an FBO near you where you could go shadow the DOM for a day or two? Is there a school with an AMT program near you where you could go talk to the current students and the instructors to get a first-hand glimpse of what it's like? Good for you for seeking out information, and you're receiving some good advice here. Take it a step further, and try to get in touch with an A&P local to you in person.

 

[ktsai91]

Do you know what job you will pursue on the business side?
Are you planning on continuing your education after your associates?

Obviously do what you want, but don't forget that your mom knows you probably the best out of anyone.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I don't plan to quit my business major immediately. I'll want to graduate with a business associates degree first then decide where to go.

Again, that was my mom's suggestion I don't think she's forcing me to me an airplane mechanic. She also says that I could work in business such as the hospitality industry like tourism or work in the food industry since I like to eat many types of food (not really being a cook per se).

If I do want to pursue a career in business in the aviation industry, I would like to work for an FBO or work for an aircraft manufacturer such as Cessna, Piper, or Tecnam.

 

[jspeed87]

Teterboro School of Aeronautics has a good A&P program after you graduate you can transfer 60 credits towards a degree. How about working for Boeing or Lockheed Martin?

 

[ktsai91]

I don't know if I want to work for Boeing or Lockheed Martin, or for any big-airplane (as in the size of the airplane) manufacturer. I want to work on small airplanes. I like small airplanes. Is it true that working with small planes such as a single-engine Cessna, Piper, or LSA is easier or less dangerous than working with big airplanes.

Also, does the Teterboro School of Aeronautics have dormitories like a 4-year college? Can't seem to find a web page on their website about it.

 

[juxtapilot]

I believe my mom has a valid reason. Since that I'm not good at communicating or dealing with other people, she says that I go find a career that's deals less with people. Plus, I think she said that business is a tough major. I'm not that good in a few courses such as accounting.

Or you could do the opposite and go be a Flight Attendant..!

 

[CFI A&P]

As a mechanic and a pilot, I'd advise you to finish your college, as much as you can. Associates, Bachelors or Masters... The more education you have, the better chance you'll have finding work in whatever field you land in.

If you'd really like to work for an FBO or small mom and pop outfit, do it now! Hunt around and find someone that will let you work part time while you currently attend school. You could attend a tech school type program for A&P, but you can learn from the OJT type experience now. The reason I tell you to do this now, is two fold. You can work while finishing your education, and get some experience in the field you think you'd enjoy after college. By the time you finish school you'll know whether or not you'd like to stay in FBO/ small aircraft maintenance.

Just my $.02.

 

[CFI A&P]

As USMCmech said, you can get injured or hurt in hundreds of occupations. As an A&P it's mostly busted knuckles, bumping your head on various objects, safety wire cuts on your hands... Typical mechanic wear and tear. Unless you walk near the business end of a running turbine or propeller...

Don't let the slim chance of injury deter you from aviation maintenance. It could be worse, you could juggle chainsaws in the circus for a living.

 

[spasekace]

Since that I'm not good at communicating or dealing with other people

Go the ATC route, you'll fit right in.:bandit:


just bought myself a couple of months worth of penalty vectors, didn't I...




In all seriousness, finish school. Then figure out what YOU want to do, advice is good but it's nothing more than that.

 

[Okie_Pilot]

Your only given one life to spend, you should be the one to spend it.

I would say most of your mechanics have had an interest in working and fixing things and mechanical objects at a young age before they decided to have a career as a mechanic. I just find it a little odd that pretty much out of the blue your throwing around the idea of possibly becoming one. You need to find a local mom & pop outfit or a local A&P to buddy up to to see if you can spend some quality time working on aircraft with them to find out if you would like to do that as a living.

As far as the job being dangerous... Driving to work and eating pre-packaged meals are dangerous. I would say the mechanic who works on the plane is in a safer position than the pilot that flies it.

 

[Roger, Roger]

1. What does it take to be an aircraft mechanic? I know I have to get an Airframe and Powerplant certificate first though.

A good mind for mechanical things. The ability to read and comprehend often complex, occasionally baffling technical literature. Thinking in 3 dimensions. The ability to do basic mental math. Some will argue this, but I think a good mech should have a solid background in physics and chemistry. Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions.

2. I'm worried that I may get injured on the job. Is being an aircraft mechanic dangerous?

As others have said, if you're working hard you'll bleed at least once a day between safety wire, hardware, sheet metal, etc. However you're only really in mortal danger if you cut corners and ignore safety protocols. The big things to watch for are spinny things (propellers, fan blades), movy things (landing gear, thrust reversers) and gravity.

3. What colleges or universities in the NYC area have an aviation maintenance degree? I know Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology have a degree as such but are there any other?

No idea.

4. How much money do aircraft mechanics make when their hired?

I started at $12/hour, 40 hours a week, no overtime. About 24k/year. After 7 months of that I took a different job with twice the hourly rate and loads of overtime.

As others have said, don't go into it just because momma thinks it would be good for you. You really have to like taking things apart and have a knack for making them work. Some people do, some people don't. Not saying you don't, because you might be like me and start your training THEN learn that you're good at it.

While I tend to agree that interpersonal skills are important for a mech, you do run across quite a few mechs who are loners or, uh, for lack of a better word, unconventional, who manage to function quite well and stay employed.

Also, basic as it is, you have to be able to consistently show up on time and sober. Not having the cops come to your place of employment looking for you is also a plus. Ask me how I know...

 

[fadec]

I don't know if I want to work for Boeing or Lockheed Martin, or for any big-airplane (as in the size of the airplane) manufacturer. I want to work on small airplanes. I like small airplanes. Is it true that working with small planes such as a single-engine Cessna, Piper, or LSA is easier or less dangerous than working with big airplanes.

Also, does the Teterboro School of Aeronautics have dormitories like a 4-year college? Can't seem to find a web page on their website about it.

I work on big airplanes and can honestly say I've had more injuries working on my house or in the garage wrenching on cars. Bumping your head and safety wire pokes happen. If you have the pleasure of working in a fuel tank or in the tail compartment of a md-80 the next day your body may feel like you went a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson. However, you'll probably work in even tighter places on small airplanes.

My airline is big on SAFETY. If we don't have the proper safety equipment the job goes idle till we do. I do not know of anyone at my company that has ever been punished for taking time to do something the safe / compliant way.

 

[A150K]

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2. I'm worried that I may get injured on the job. Is being an aircraft mechanic dangerous?

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Then there's not much you will be able to do. Not to sound harsh, but even cubicles blow up from time to time. I was injured on the job as a server a few years back, crap happens.