GMG #5: My First 6 Months as an 🛩 Aircraft Mechanic 🔧

[@wallymurray620]

So…is there an aviation equivalent of being sent to get a “left handed monkey wrench” ? 😉

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Of course! My favorite is the "aluminum magnet." In automotive, it was rod stretchers, blinker fluid and muffler bearings. 🤣🤣🤣 My IA almost blew a gasket when I asked if we had a bearing race puller, even though it's a totally real tool....

[@jeremylauer5234]

thanks for your feedback and good luck on your continued career track.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@victormontana3716]

As a 27 year senior aircraft technician, go work for a major airline. If you like to work hard and be under paid go to an mro or general aviation. Regional are good for experience. With the current shortage, you can get hired on a major fresh outa school

[@Mr.SteelHeal]

I’m not sure if you’ll see this but as an experienced guy in the field do you know about usps/fedex etc. and how it is relevant work for gateway/background experience regards? I think I’ve heard people talk about that and I’m just trying to gather info as to good courses of action in the early stages of work experience as someone essentially entering the industry.

[@jitteller9042]

What about corporate mechanics? I heard those guys are pushing $125k-$200k with fortune 500’s

[@Brake_MagnetoMan175]

I'm 5 months in to my first A&P job working at a regional airline. Honestly a more similar experience than you'd think. Most of the time, as a newer guy, you'll be doing just general servicing and scheduled maintenance. Still stressful for that first bit of the job where you're figuring it all out, especially with how computerized the aircraft are and watching them leave for a gate to get loaded with passengers every morning after you're done.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Cool, that's good to know.

[@alonshalit5778]

Gorgeous vlog. The 1st person accounts are a gorgeous tune in from you.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Thank you so much!!

[@CurtisMoe]

Thanks bro. Considering a career change at 42.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Absolutely! 👍 I'm 38, what do you do now?

[@mmaviator22]

The General written is by far the hardest of all 3 writtens. Most students ive spoken to would agree to this and in my experience it is. I take my gen/Af o&p on the 1st and its not easy but really the writtens are the hardest exams. By the O&P time you should have learned most of what you need to know.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

I agree, the general is no joke. Based on what I've been studying, it's definitely harder than airframe (or any of the pilot writtens.) I was talking to a part 147 instructor last week who said the FAA added even more to the general with the change to ACS. Thanks for the advice! 👍 👍 👍

[@mmaviator22]

@@LeftSeatAdventures Its not that bad. They just added human factors and some other subjects got rearranged and some booted and others combined into 1. But pretty much the info is all the same still. Im not sure when theyre coming out with the new guides but we all used the jeppesen test that also had the o&ps in there as well as the asa guide.

[@jakesmith9350]

I know this is a older post but I feel like the airframe was the hardest. General was word for word exactly Prepware. The airframe on the other hand I felt was rewritten by people who aren’t mechanics. Still passed both and currently have my airframe rating and I’ll be finishing my part 147 school in April so should have my power plant soon.

[@marcjohnson4884]

Do you get to fly at all anymore?

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Hi Marc, not too much anymore. I try to grab a seat with friends from time to time. I recently renewed my medical and need a flight review, but that's been on the back burner as I've been dealing with some family stuff. The door's open at my shop for maintenance flights once I shake off the rust...

[@alonshalit5778]

Would you be able to direct me to a(your recommendation-so I get all the work experience I need to be signed off for the exam not just a place who only has oil change log in work) company name for an apprenticeship at Van Nuys Airport or Burbank airport area, Los Angeles?

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

When i was looking, I talked to multiple mechanics, an airport owner I know and even applied to a few jobs online. I called a few places and interviewed at a few. You just have to talk to different places and feel then out. I'm not familiar with any of the operators in that area. They might advertise on a job board like indeed or they may use a temp service. You can also see who's at each airport using a website called AirNav. Then reach out to each company's "Director of Maintenance" and see if they're willing to take on an apprentice. Before you call them, think about what sets you apart from everyone else and what you'd bring to the company. Hope this helps!

[@alonshalit5778]

@@LeftSeatAdventures Thanks G What job name would I search for on indeed? Would you be in trouble to get signed off for the exam if your IA leaves the company during the 30 month period or could someone else in the company continue on as your IA? Are IAs licensed, a license they use to present to the FISDO in order to get you signed off to take the exam.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

It's rare you'll see a listing for an apprentice, but anywhere that has a listing for "aircraft mechanic" may be able to invest in somebody and take on an apprentice. Jet operations probably won't take you without an a&p. Look for a shop that focuses mainly on GA piston Aircraft. (Actually, now that I think of it, I thought there was an outfit on Southern CA that brought in apprentices to restore vintage aircraft... I don't remember the name.)

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

On the potential issue with an IA leaving/ retiring: yea, it's a genuine concern. Make sure you log all your experience and keep it up to date with backups just in case. If that happens though, your experience carries over. The new IA you work under will sign off the work they observed you doing. And then write your recommendation letter to take your tests.

[@alonshalit5778]

@@LeftSeatAdventures regarding the IA leaving, you said 30 “consecutive” months in your video. Does the work logged in really have to be “consecutive” months. I’m thinking what if takes more time than a month to find an IA. A giant thank you to you for all your help.