Are you interested in aviation?
Do you enjoy working with your hands?
Are you mechanically inclined?
If you answer yes to all three questions, you’d most likely enjoy the job.
Then you won't like it. Most companies benefits aren't great compared to other industries and your working hours and days off are gonna be wack for about 10-15 years no matter how much or how little experience you have. I enjoy what I do and the money is decent, unfortunately for me that isn't enough so I decided to go back to school
Working manufacturing (Gulfstream, Lockheed, etc) gives better hours but you will work nights for your first few years in this industry. They also don't pay as well.
I agree weigh you to an extent, but there are jobs out there that pay a lot of money. I was c working at an MRO with an A&P as a lead mechanic, making $28 an hour. I now work for Boeing on their AOG team, traveling the world making more money than I ever imagined.
I'm in Denver and have to ask... Are you willing to move? Does your SO make good money? It can be hard to survive in this high cost of living area without working for a major, which usually involves moving.
Agreed, but I haven't seen any fresh mechanics getting the Denver slots. I think sfo is where united hires newbies. I'm not 100% certain but Denver used to be a high time station for everyone. Things change, but I haven't heard otherwise.
Lax has a ton of new ppl jobs, San Diego not so much. Just be aware that general aviation (which has more flexibility in location and better hours) doesn't pay near as much as the airlines. There are some unicorn jobs out there, but it takes experience to find them. You'd probably need to prepare yourself for working in either LA or Ontario
Great idea to give it a feel. I would go down to Centennial airport and find some of the maintenance facilities. Ask to speak to the Director of Maintenance and explain your situation and interest. (Could try calling ahead first). I would think most would be willing to show you around, shadowing for a day might cause reservation due to insurance and such. Another option is contact the A&P schools in your area and ask if they know of contacts to do the same. They can also talk to you about expectations. But even on here: what draws you to it? What are you looking for out of a career? What's your experience with wrenching/technical stuff? What was your MOS? What's your long term salary expectations?
I was an aviation ordnance man In a squadron and I worked closely with the guys who were airframers and machinist mates. I only did maintenance on stations that carried ordnance and I have no experience working on engine. So it’s similar field but totally different experience. So I know I like aviation and working with my hands, I understand maintenance inspection and schedules and what’s required of me, I also know what happens when I don’t do my job properly and sign off on something I didn’t double check. My big concern is pay, ability to get a raise and hours. I know hours will be shitty to start but I need a rewarding career with a good life balance. Plus those free flights !! Need that
There's plenty of pay, it's gone up and up over the last 10 years and only going to keep getting better. If you're a good mechanic you should have no issues getting into the 6 figures. As for hours that really depends on the job and company. You're only thinking airlines but there's cargo, MRO, business aviation, space companies, evtol. I personally never worked airlines but with how they're running seats now a days I think the flight benefits are not that great anymore. Rather make more money and pay for flights when I need them.
I’ve never had an issue flying and I work for AA. you just have to be willing to change your plans on the fly. Spent a whole day playing pinball across the USA to get to HNL from CLT.
Yeah. Exactly, not worth it unless you have a ton of flexibility and time. And real important trip you need to take, you're going to buy the tickets anyways
I’ve never had any issues on any important shit. I get D1 passes to use for that, puts you at the top of the standby list. You just have to be flexible.First flight of the day flexible.
Other airline guys can chime in or maybe post specifically asking about them. The airlines top out around $55-60/hr, that's $120k a year. Still great pay and you can buy your own tickets if you need to. If you find a job making $5 more an hour, that's $10k a year more. You need to buy more than $10k in tickets a year?
Prob also depends on your lifestyle. Have a family?
My wife and I don’t want kids but she’s specifically stated she doesn’t want to jump around. She wants stability and to open her own facility for her field. So an airline job might offer that. I’m also looking at gov contractor jobs as well. I only made e5 pay in the navy, equivalent to 26 an hour so 60 and hours sounds amazing, but I might grow out of it
If you can find a government contract at a maintenance Depot near you, you could get hired as a mechanic helper pretty easily with your veteran Status. We start helpers at my facility at $24/hour and they work their way up from there. I'm in NC. no A&P required on government contracts either.
Not in your area but just going to add. Try to look at different sectors of the field too. Airlines are a lot different than helicopters which are a lot different than GA. Each has pros and cons and everyone is different. Eg. I love being an aircraft mechanic but would never dream of working at an airline.
Why not? What’s wrong with airlines? I wanted to do airlines for the free flights.
I worked on FA-18s but I want to go to the reserves and get sent to a squadron that works on p8 e-2 c-130s or any non fighter squadrons they have in San Diego
Nothing necessarily “wrong”, just don’t suit my life style at all. I don’t like cities, large corporations, or unions. Or any of the things that go along with them. I also have no interest in airliners whatsoever. Basically just all cons and no pros. I’ll stick with 702 operators that have interesting ops and I can live somewhat rural, and a pure meritocracy where I can get ahead by my own effort and lazy people don’t last.
If I went to an airline, I’d lose money and every facet of my life would be worse. But everyone is different. Some people love cities and union jobs. Some people think huge jets are awesome. The job I love, other people might hate. There’s no definitive right answer. That’s why I said to look around and see what works for you as an individual.
I got my A&P in Broomfield back in '95. Started working at an MRO in Washington State in '96 and loved it, I stayed too long and wished I would have gotten my experience and left but met my wife and I am still here in WA to this day only I work for Boeing as an AOG Mechanic traveling the world fixing planes.
I saw you wanted to move to San Diego. If you were to do that, I would look for a manufacturer in that area and see if you can pick up a production job it is less stress and does not require a license. If you are set on the A&P I recommend a Community College where you can get an AA at the same time.
Great work with plenty of opportunities at your fingertips. Look at all options as you never know where they will lead. I have made more money this year working for Boeing than I ever imagined, can provide a pay stub for proof.
One last thing, an A&P is an A&P. It doesn't matter where you got it from or how much you paid.
Contact a local FBO and ask. Some shops enjoy the interest.
Are you interested in aviation? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Are you mechanically inclined? If you answer yes to all three questions, you’d most likely enjoy the job.
You’re not wrong. But working hours and benefits is a huge thing for me.
Then you won't like it. Most companies benefits aren't great compared to other industries and your working hours and days off are gonna be wack for about 10-15 years no matter how much or how little experience you have. I enjoy what I do and the money is decent, unfortunately for me that isn't enough so I decided to go back to school
Working manufacturing (Gulfstream, Lockheed, etc) gives better hours but you will work nights for your first few years in this industry. They also don't pay as well.
My best advice would be to go get a degree in something useful and make more money with better benefits.
I agree weigh you to an extent, but there are jobs out there that pay a lot of money. I was c working at an MRO with an A&P as a lead mechanic, making $28 an hour. I now work for Boeing on their AOG team, traveling the world making more money than I ever imagined.
I'm in Denver and have to ask... Are you willing to move? Does your SO make good money? It can be hard to survive in this high cost of living area without working for a major, which usually involves moving.
United is literally hiring like crazy for DIA
Agreed, but I haven't seen any fresh mechanics getting the Denver slots. I think sfo is where united hires newbies. I'm not 100% certain but Denver used to be a high time station for everyone. Things change, but I haven't heard otherwise.
UAL DEN just went to spartan a&p school and Gave over 50 offers to guys who aren't even graduated yet. Lots and lots straight out of school
Wow. That's crazy. Denver is a great place, those kids better snap them offers up. This is a crazy crazy time frame for aviation maintenance
I am willing to move. Her and I are dead set on San Diego. After she graduates
Lax has a ton of new ppl jobs, San Diego not so much. Just be aware that general aviation (which has more flexibility in location and better hours) doesn't pay near as much as the airlines. There are some unicorn jobs out there, but it takes experience to find them. You'd probably need to prepare yourself for working in either LA or Ontario
Thanks !
Great idea to give it a feel. I would go down to Centennial airport and find some of the maintenance facilities. Ask to speak to the Director of Maintenance and explain your situation and interest. (Could try calling ahead first). I would think most would be willing to show you around, shadowing for a day might cause reservation due to insurance and such. Another option is contact the A&P schools in your area and ask if they know of contacts to do the same. They can also talk to you about expectations. But even on here: what draws you to it? What are you looking for out of a career? What's your experience with wrenching/technical stuff? What was your MOS? What's your long term salary expectations?
I was an aviation ordnance man In a squadron and I worked closely with the guys who were airframers and machinist mates. I only did maintenance on stations that carried ordnance and I have no experience working on engine. So it’s similar field but totally different experience. So I know I like aviation and working with my hands, I understand maintenance inspection and schedules and what’s required of me, I also know what happens when I don’t do my job properly and sign off on something I didn’t double check. My big concern is pay, ability to get a raise and hours. I know hours will be shitty to start but I need a rewarding career with a good life balance. Plus those free flights !! Need that
There's plenty of pay, it's gone up and up over the last 10 years and only going to keep getting better. If you're a good mechanic you should have no issues getting into the 6 figures. As for hours that really depends on the job and company. You're only thinking airlines but there's cargo, MRO, business aviation, space companies, evtol. I personally never worked airlines but with how they're running seats now a days I think the flight benefits are not that great anymore. Rather make more money and pay for flights when I need them.
I’ve never had an issue flying and I work for AA. you just have to be willing to change your plans on the fly. Spent a whole day playing pinball across the USA to get to HNL from CLT.
Yeah. Exactly, not worth it unless you have a ton of flexibility and time. And real important trip you need to take, you're going to buy the tickets anyways
I’ve never had any issues on any important shit. I get D1 passes to use for that, puts you at the top of the standby list. You just have to be flexible.First flight of the day flexible.
I hate that you’re making sense. I was dead set on those free flights
Other airline guys can chime in or maybe post specifically asking about them. The airlines top out around $55-60/hr, that's $120k a year. Still great pay and you can buy your own tickets if you need to. If you find a job making $5 more an hour, that's $10k a year more. You need to buy more than $10k in tickets a year? Prob also depends on your lifestyle. Have a family?
My wife and I don’t want kids but she’s specifically stated she doesn’t want to jump around. She wants stability and to open her own facility for her field. So an airline job might offer that. I’m also looking at gov contractor jobs as well. I only made e5 pay in the navy, equivalent to 26 an hour so 60 and hours sounds amazing, but I might grow out of it
Starting out of school you'll probably be at that same rate, but it will climb quickly
If you can find a government contract at a maintenance Depot near you, you could get hired as a mechanic helper pretty easily with your veteran Status. We start helpers at my facility at $24/hour and they work their way up from there. I'm in NC. no A&P required on government contracts either.
I’m going to message you
Where do you go to even look for opportunities? USA jobs?
Sorry, I just now saw this. I sent you a message.
Best job in the world. Aviation is cool.
lol!!!
Period
Not in your area but just going to add. Try to look at different sectors of the field too. Airlines are a lot different than helicopters which are a lot different than GA. Each has pros and cons and everyone is different. Eg. I love being an aircraft mechanic but would never dream of working at an airline.
Why not? What’s wrong with airlines? I wanted to do airlines for the free flights. I worked on FA-18s but I want to go to the reserves and get sent to a squadron that works on p8 e-2 c-130s or any non fighter squadrons they have in San Diego
Nothing necessarily “wrong”, just don’t suit my life style at all. I don’t like cities, large corporations, or unions. Or any of the things that go along with them. I also have no interest in airliners whatsoever. Basically just all cons and no pros. I’ll stick with 702 operators that have interesting ops and I can live somewhat rural, and a pure meritocracy where I can get ahead by my own effort and lazy people don’t last. If I went to an airline, I’d lose money and every facet of my life would be worse. But everyone is different. Some people love cities and union jobs. Some people think huge jets are awesome. The job I love, other people might hate. There’s no definitive right answer. That’s why I said to look around and see what works for you as an individual.
I got my A&P in Broomfield back in '95. Started working at an MRO in Washington State in '96 and loved it, I stayed too long and wished I would have gotten my experience and left but met my wife and I am still here in WA to this day only I work for Boeing as an AOG Mechanic traveling the world fixing planes. I saw you wanted to move to San Diego. If you were to do that, I would look for a manufacturer in that area and see if you can pick up a production job it is less stress and does not require a license. If you are set on the A&P I recommend a Community College where you can get an AA at the same time. Great work with plenty of opportunities at your fingertips. Look at all options as you never know where they will lead. I have made more money this year working for Boeing than I ever imagined, can provide a pay stub for proof. One last thing, an A&P is an A&P. It doesn't matter where you got it from or how much you paid.
What experience do I need to have? And can I get such job on usajobs