Quit My Job As Aircraft Mechanic After 15 Years

Quit my job as a aircraft mechanic after 15 years. Starting over.

[@fixitman8028]

Congratulations on your new job. I have known Mark for many years in the military as a mechanic and inspector and can tell you he has been recognized as one of the most professional and thorough inspectors in our field. No matter what he is working on he gives his fullest. Happy for you and your new endeavor.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Thanks Chief! Appreciate it

[@IanF-FPV]

I got out of AMT school and got a job with Delta Airlines on Jun 2001. Then 9/11 happened and I got furloughed in 2003. Went to a utility company that same year working in their liquified natural gas plant then transferred into their Gas Control. Still work shifts but I have most weekends off, don’t work outside anymore, and make more money.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Yes that was the time that crippled amt’s a lot of my buddies just got called back to now American from getting furloughed from usairways in the last couple years. That was a long time.

[@CompositesNG]

The E170/190/195 are amazing planes. As an AMT for AA I enjoyed working on the 190’s when we had them. Thank you for your Svc and videos. Best of luck with the PMA’s.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

What base are you at for AA?

[@CompositesNG]

LGA

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Awesome video. Good luck as you continue your new job!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Thanks Chris, appreciate it!

[@covid19research86]

Great thanks from Kenya

[@jumpinjack1]

Been working aircraft maint. now for 35 years + both on heavy's and general aviation, GA is by far a better work environment then MRO/Airline if you can find a company that pays. If your young, have the aptitude and can pass the physical get into the pilot seat as a pilot! This would be a much better direction to go, Airlines are hiring in droves, get in while you can before the door slams shut.

[@hoosier_4787]

Good for you! I did five years at YX out of IND, honestly the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had and I miss it every day, just couldn’t justify the pay for the crazy hours and shifts and transitioned to diesel for more money and family time with my little ones.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Wasn’t a bad place to work like you said. Just wasn’t competitive anymore.

[@BadHammers1]

I’m a dock scheduler in Tulsa, currently working MBVs on the Max. It’s neat to hear someone on KZbin talking about things like QA, NDT, HFEC, Borescope Inspections, etc. I’ve heard you mentioned by another KZbinr. Looking forward to checking out your channel!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Thanks, not too much aviation videos here because my company didn’t allow us to put anything on social media. Otherwise I could have made some pretty cool videos. I put this video up when I left. On the manufacturing side now not on the floor. What KZbinr mentioned me?

[@jessev5230]

Republic airways Pittsburgh, thats funny i came across your video. I worked in stores there while I was in A&P school. Just quit 5 months ago, im an A&P with PSA in Savannah now.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Did you work with Jake Guahan before he came back to American in Pit

[@Backtanner]

To each their own. Been at a major for last 7 years and can't imagine a better career.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Majors pay well. This was a regional. The job was great the schedule wasn’t the best. I love working from home now for more money. Still involved with aviation.

[@erickpina8802]

How’s the pay at a major in ur own experience?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@erickpina8802 pay normally is a 5 year top out. Currently the top out is around $60hr and contracts are out for even higher. Tend to start around $30-35hr. Can make a lot of money on overtime. Benefits tend to be better at the majors.

[@patrickmackinder8616]

I’m sure I’ve worked on many of these planes in this video. I use to work for republic airways for a little over a year. Moved on to United now. But I love the EMB 170-175. Such an easy maintenance friendly plane. I miss it.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

They are nice aircraft. United is a better move. Where were you working for RW? Most of the people I worked with have went to American since they started hiring off the street in PIT.

[@patrickmackinder8616]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer worked at the DCA location. United was offering 50k bonuses for one year of experience so I hopped onboard.

[@andrewcoffey4694]

Was an airline A&P for 6 years. I didn’t want to move to a larger city for better pay/benefits so I left. Better work/life balance and better pay working on heavy diesel equipment in my hometown. I wouldn’t recommend aviation to anyone unless you already live near a major maintenance hub and are ok with working nights, weekends, and holidays for most of your life 😅

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

That about sums it up. You can make a pile of money traveling working overtime. The schedule normally isn’t great. Pay is improving majorly. I left deal more with manufacturing now.

[@andrewcoffey4694]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmerI certainly wish it was in my neck of the woods. Local airline and GA shops are paying $18-27/hr in my area. Not nearly enough when I see some airliners making $60+!

[@lotus956]

Exactly. People think we’re crying. We were the smart ones that moved on. No ones crying. We just move on to better paying jobs and better hours. Crying is staying at the same job and not doing anything better. That just makes you dumb too if you don’t move on.

[@LawnPusher]

Can’t believe it’s been that long since you were in the military with me

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

It goes quick! Can retire from the guard in February.

[@swamplife76]

Great video!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Thank you

[@FarmallFanatic]

Good move 👏

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Thank you sir

[@brd400]

I’m dayshift line mech, for airline. Air Force vet also. Never did maint in service. Worked at mro for 8 to learn plane. Now inspector I check work

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Inspection is the way to go! Thanks for your service as well.

[@kraz904]

It sounds like you’re helping to spot bogus parts. Best of luck to you…

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

That is part of the audits but primarily we have auditors in every step of the manufacturing process. There is a lot of buy in from manufacturers but it needs to be 100% in my opinion. Money drives everything though.

[@TheFuture88]

As someone who also joined the Air Force right after high school, just got my A&P have 9 months left. No kids no wife you recommend something like this to someone in there earlyish 20s to start in the airline business? Awesome video btw man

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Yes for sure. What city will you be looking? Majors are where the money is. They should hire you with you military experience. If not hire into a regional and you should be able to get picked up by a major in under a year. If you don’t want to work nights forever and have crappy days off look at a place that does overhaul or heavy checks. More daylight opportunities.

[@friedchicken1]

I hate doing audits, I'll stick to my base maintenance :D

[@guitarhillbilly1482]

"New generation of aircraft mechanics hoping to fill gaps amid worker shortage Nearly 1/3 of the current aircraft mechanic workforce are at or near retirement"

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Lots of jobs available and the pay is trending up quickly

[@madebydade305ify]

​@@WorldsOkayestFarmerI'm trying to get into the field myself. What state are you in? I'm here in Florida.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@madebydade305ify Pittsburgh they are hiring all the time

[@Reinhardt_Kozlowski]

Pay is WAY up. My buddy is at Southwest at MDW and base tops out at $140k, and it doesn't take that much overtime to hit $160-180k. That's really good money in the Chicagoland area where the cost of living isn't outrageous. I just got on at UA at ORD and am super excited, best part is that midnights are super senior here so I can avoid them entirely @@WorldsOkayestFarmer

[@derkommissar4986]

​@madebydade305ify I'm a high school senior and I'm set up to go to trade school for aviation mechanic once I graduate.

[@USNveteran]

I retired in August 2021 as an A&P with over 30+ years of service with a major US airline. Similar to you I did the military (Navy) to get the experience and also my A&P. It was much cheaper than going to one of those schools as a matter of fact Uncle Sam paid for almost everything, classes some of my tests etc. If I had it to do all over again I would not get into aircraft maintenance. For the responsibility you have the monetary amount is just not worth it, especially doing run & taxi. Throw into that the hours & schedules you have to work and the family time you miss, as well as having to work out in the weather if you work the line, just not worth it. FLY NAVY!!!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Its definitely a good career and the money is getting better. Yes most in the industry agree with everything you said! I work from home now and never have to compete for a day off.

[@chrisej207]

After being in the military contracting world for a while (via my NEC) and seeing multiple layoffs. Having the A&P is a good fall back, this is why I'm trying to get my certs.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@chrisej207 go for it there is a major shortage. A lot of guy’s retiring with more behind them.

[@USNveteran]

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from getting into that business this is just my personal feelings after more than 30 years. It's always good to have something to fall back on though just be aware of what you are getting into with the airline business. It's a true 24/7 365 business there are no weekends or holidays, if it's your day to work you work, unless you are taking vacation, sick, or personal time. You will work many YEARS of third shift and experience exhaustion & fatigue. It is also a very dangerous business and I've seen people killed or maimed for life. There are many dangerous chemicals and other hazards in the work environment doesn't matter if it's the line or hangar, you need to have your head on a swivel at all times. If you work line you will work out in the weather no matter what it is, rain, snow, heat, cold. Random drug and alcohol tests are also required and you will never know when you will be tested. There are some others but just wanted to give you a basic heads up from someone who has been there done that. Good luck, FLY NAVY!!! @@chrisej207

[@Hokkaidowolf0]

Do you mind to ask you how much money you made?

[@JetTinkerer]

I'm currently trying to escape. Been in for 14 years myself. All of it on night shift and missing all the weekends and holidays. I've lost all hope of finding something that won't give me a 30+/hr pay cut because I can't move for years to come. Greetings from DTW

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

At least there are a lot of aviation jobs in DFW! Cant get on with American? Someone who does heavy check work so there is more daylight opportunities? Thats why I left crappy schedule. Good money and job but that night shift gets old as you age. Going back and forth.

[@TheJohnbjunior]

I would think you could do well in a good automotive shop, lot of ads everywhere!

[@JetTinkerer]

@WorldsOkayestFarmer DTW. Michigan. We basically have spirit and delta to choose from. Unless you want to make like 20 an hr from 1 of the 2 regionals available. But ya after all this time the schedule is really getting to me. Getting close to the @!ds lol

[@davecrupel2817]

Here at JetBlue BOS, right now, you can gwt days within 3 years of joining. According to my co-workers, i missed an opportunity for a swing (afternoon) shift that was avilable on my 1-year anniversary bid. Thats right. Afternoons after 1 YEAR of time. Fvck being on overnights for 15 years.

[@JetTinkerer]

@davecrupel2817 ya, that's how it is most places where people dont want to stay. I'm pretty sure my existence alone would be illegal in Boston lol

[@rafaeldelrio9987]

Regionals sucks man, I was for 5 months when I was younger. We still don’t get paid enough for the level of responsibility we are given

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Yep fix fixing big trucks pays the same or more. We are sending many people 30,000 plus ft in the sky

[@IHWKR]

Thank you for the upload. I was a structural maintainer on F-15E airframe in the USAF. Dont have a family or kids and definitely loved deploying. After my enlistment I took an NDT course (PT, MT, UT, RT and VT). Looking at getting A&P certified and hope to get into overseas contracting. Do you have any info you can give me to help me reach my goals? Also with overseas contracting, is there a possibility that I can take a couple months off between contracts?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

I would definitely get your A&P there are apprenticeship programs at some airlines but you would have to fulfill a contract after you get your license but you get paid. I would just take a course and go with a military contract or a major airline or freight. Keep pursuing NDT there is a lot of money to be made once you get level three. I know the contracts overseas are one year or you get to come home for a month it’s all in the contract. Some are tax free that’s what I would look for.

[@IHWKR]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer I plan on using my GI bill in the fall at a community college. It would be nice to do a year long contract if that means I can take several months for myself afterwards before getting into another contract.

[@TwinStarGenny]

Can you please explain how the manufacturing regulation works?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Well there are different regulations parts manufactures follow. My company is paid into by most of the major aircraft builders. They want the part suppliers to be accredited by my company to sell parts to them. They are also on our board so they have a hand in it and can see the audit info. Instead of sending their own people to audit all these parts manufacturers we do it and they can see all the information. When we find issues they are all notified especially the ones that do business with that company. We are broken into groups so each part of manufacturing has its own audits and own specialists since most people dont do the entire manufacturing process. I work strictly on the non destructive testing process. Then we have a lot of part time auditors that are mainly retired with many years experience that travel around the world to audit these companies on site and watch them perform the jobs following multiple checklists. Once they pass the audit and fix their discrepancies they get a accreditation for up to two years max before they have to have another audit from us. Just another step that ensures quality in a important manufacturing process.

[@vinceschannel8927]

8:37 I recognized that FlyBe Ejet. I know where you’re at. I was considering going for who you worked for but I’m not sure. Is that FlyBe E Jet there for parts or something else? I’ve seen it sitting parked for a few years now

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

It was for parts. My company had an engine shortage and wanted them off of it.

[@CompositesNG]

14 CFR PART 21. Nice!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

part 121

[@CompositesNG]

121 for Commercial 21 for OEM, PMA, and TSO Really enjoyed your content and subscribed. Keep spreading the great info and educating the next generation of AMT’s.

[@codyglisczinski8680]

i am just starting an apprenticeship with an airline this week! just curious, how was your personal experience working with aircraft? how and where did you learn everything and how difficult was it to learn? and is there any advice you can give to a rookie like me?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Do you have your A&P or is this an apprenticeship to get your license? My airline started doing that a year ago.

[@codyglisczinski8680]

@WorldsOkayestFarmer I do not have my a&p yet. The apprenticeship I am doing is out of GoJet Airlines. It's a 2 year program to build up to the a&p license

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@codyglisczinski8680 get your a&p as soon as you can! Get seniority rolling. Get hired by a major airline or freight where the money is. In the mean time attach yourself to everyone that is knowledgeable learn from them. Get good at trouble shooting. Learn sheet metal. Learn all that you can but you will see who the workers are. Stick with them! You will see a lot of lazy people you will move up fast once you have your A&P if you don’t become a slug! Good luck

[@codyglisczinski8680]

@WorldsOkayestFarmer thanks man! I appreciate the input, and I look forward to the whole process!

[@lordflacko8522]

Hi, im in process on getting my airframe to become an A&P in school and im indecisive on whats the best branch to work as an AMT to have a good life/work balance and get good money. Either airlines, corporate, contractors or even cargo company. Im 24 so i don’t mind a night shift now but i wouldn’t want to be 40 and be working night shift with Tuesday and Wednesday off. So whats the best move as a new AMT.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Many options are you willing to move? If not what city are you looking at? If you get in at any of the majors or cargo they are paying top dollar normally with a 5 year top out. If you are at a big base with younger guys you can do shift swaps. Most of the industry is going to 4 10hr shifts. Some still do 8hr thats where it is nice to do swaps work 2 doubles and a 8hr shift and you are done. Are chase overtime like I did and make a ton of extra money. Corporate also pays very good but depending on where you go sometimes have to clean and polish the plane when nothing is going on. Also you may have to go to a regional like I worked at to get some experience first. Some guys were there less than a year before going to the majors. Also Nasa and space x could be a good option. There is overhaul contract companies out there but tend to lay off when they get slow. Another cool option would be medivac helicopters. I saw some amt’s by me fixing one in the median of the highway after a accident. I would look at american, united, delta,ups, FedEx, southwest. Learn all that you can by the guys that know their stuff and don’t be a slug! You will see a lot of that. Guys that work move up quick! Good luck

[@lordflacko8522]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer Thanks you so much, i appreciate the info, I will look into that! Im anxious to start working and learn more everyday. Congrats on your new job btw! 🔥

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@lordflacko8522 thanks! I’m still in the air National guard so I am still around aircraft but the new job is better money working from home. Much better life!

[@gounchface]

Worked at air Canada 25 years. Horrible shift hours.terrible management. Flight benefits awesome. Dont recommended a ame job to anybody.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Haha yep they are good jobs but terrible schedule

[@johntrott1872]

Is Allen butterfield still there?

[@chetank552]

Coding........?????? Wow.... Great.... 👌👌👌👌👌👌 I guess i have heard the right thing & I have understood the right thing...

[@bucksgarage1]

The Muncle made the video too.

[@CHGMANCHG]

It's better to get your A&P, Aircraft Dispatcher, Remote Pilot, AGI/IGI, Radiotelephone, GMRS, Associates in AMT, frame your certifications on the wall, and get a job driving a UPS truck.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Is this James

[@lotus956]

Got out after 16 years. 8 military, 8 commercial. Not worth it brother. Overworked and underpaid. I’m doing something else making more money and less stressful.

[@nanoelbatero57]

If you wanna know over worked and under paid then be a car mechanic at a dealerships. Airplane mechanics have it better y’all are just bitching

[@Nicks-qc6ty]

​@nanoelbatero57 bollox,You work in a fuel tank or cargo bay for 10 hours a day breathing in shit then tell me otherwise.

[@danielsierra7630]

I do agree some people just complain to complain but we do have a lot of responsibility and sometimes the pay doesn’t match up.

[@nanoelbatero57]

@@danielsierra7630 that’s almost every job tbh

[@danielsierra7630]

Not really because if you compare a car mechanic with an aircraft mechanic we have way more responsibility because they can’t pull over in the sky.

[@Kawhisexual]

Humm I just finished 1st year of my studies to become an aircraft mechanic.. but in Canaduh :'(

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Best of luck its a great career

[@LuisOrtega-wu9so]

Will I get hired if I get all my certification and. A&P even with out any experience

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

You can at the regionals for sure they are hurting for people

[@RealWorldAviationandGaming9392]

The strangest thing I have witnessed so many times, airline mechanics always have to call someone at the HQ, normally MX ops where they do the troubleshooting. Yes, it's a lot of check this, check that. change this and you need an A&P certification, what a joke!

[@john-boydbriggs4216]

Good Evening Sir I am qualified Airframe and Powerplant License technician with over 30 years experience. I am from Trinidad that's in the Caribbean. Is there anyway I can employment in the US?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Do you have a US A&P from the FAA? I believe you can if you have that cert

[@marcusroos8519]

I would take it that you are a NADCAP Auditor through a company called PRI!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Correct

[@sokalsophia4687]

How does one get into that field?

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

All you need is an Airframe & Powerplant Federal license. And you can apply for jobs. There is a few ways of getting it. Either look up an Airframe & Powerplant school around you. Typically it’s 24 months. Some airlines now have an apprenticeship program where you can get paid to learn then test out and you have to fulfill a contract with them. If you are really serious I can help you find what you need. Most people got to PIA Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics around me in Pittsburgh. I got mine through the military.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Ah republic got our wonderful Qs!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

So wonderful they had to file bankruptcy to unload them.

[@97rayder]

What station is this??

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

PIT

[@97rayder]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer you know Sean collins?? Lm

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

@@97rayder sure do

[@johncarr123]

I bet you don't miss 3rd shift.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Very true, I had my fulfillment after 15 years of it.

[@Skywarriorguru]

I use to work for ACA, Independence Air, lastly Mesa. After 8 years of furloughs and unstable companies I went into the AirForce. AirForce is so much better

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Good choice Im still in for another year.

[@iamepimethus]

What a shitty company that was. Great group of people though!

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Did you leave?

[@iamepimethus]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer almost 13 years ago.

[@iamepimethus]

@@WorldsOkayestFarmer oh yeah this isn’t geibel.

[@erikhaack4123]

Aircraft mechanics are underpaid. Always been making low wages.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

Pay is getting better. My 16 year old is making as much as my first civilian aviation career

[@InMyBrz]

IT IS getting better because they can't be picky, you have to pay what these guys want or they will go somewhere else

[@erikhaack4123]

@@InMyBrz true

[@InMyBrz]

@@erikhaack4123 Make these companies kissyourass and demand good pay or find something else, you're in the dirvers seat here Tell them how much you want, if they are too cheap to pay a decent wage, keep looking

[@Evenpar72]

I worked for a major airline for 15 years then transitioned to the medical field. With labor disputes, layoffs, biding system, 8 years on midnight shift, getting bumped out of jobs, working in nasty cargo bins and lavatories, and mediocre pay along with signing your life away, I finally had enough. Best move I could have made.