I recently ferried an aircraft interstate where the company I work for has its maintenance done and while I was there tried to use the opportunity to learn as much as I could. Luckily, the engineers doing the 100hrly were more than happy for me to hang around at the hangar and help as much as I could to ensure a quick turnaround. The guys were extremely helpful and showed me a lot, but it made me realise just how little I know. I obviously know how to do the easy/general stuff like oil changes etc but have always wanted to learn more than just the basics about the aircraft I fly as I believe it is a really important part of being a pilot. I have previously downloaded and read the CASA 'Maintenance Guide for Pilots' which basically only covers the Schedule 8 maintenance but was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of some more interesting reads or even basic AME courses that can be done. I know the best way to learn is through hands-on experience and will be hoping to get more of it when I can but in the meantime would appreciate any advice on the subject. Thanks in advance!
You can purchase AME logbooks called "schedule of experience" an everytime you complete an item and it is to the satisfaction of your supervising LAME h/she will sign you off. Once you have completed the engine and airframe logs you can sit your exams and become a LAME.
I did just that although never completed all the components of the logs and never sat for the licence.
Will help you out in kunus working in the hanger when you're not flying and it may be the selling point for your next job if you can call yourself an AME
Will help you out in kunus working in the hanger when you're not flying and it may be the selling point for your next job if you can call yourself an AME
Unless you are applying for a job with a company that likes to skimp on the maintenance.
Quote: Will help you out in kunus working in the hanger when you're not flying and it may be the selling point for your next job if you can call yourself an AME Unless you are applying for a job with a company that likes to skimp on the maintenance.
Even better, a pilot is a lot cheaper than an engineer especially if you need to fix something on location and have it signed off by the LAME when it gets back
Thanks for the advice so far, I will definitely be talking to the LAME. Just a question with regards to the Schedule of Experience, do you need to do an apprenticeship type thing to be able to complete each item or would you be able to do them while volunteering and helping out?
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especially if you need to fix something on location and have it signed off by the LAME when it gets back
That is another reason why I would like to get into this side of things, it would be handy to be able to do whatever needs doing myself and then to get it signed off.
C'mon girl, just fly the damn things, do not try to fix'em, leave that to Jaba and Me. I am a mechanic by trade and a CPL and trying to make money out of both (not succeding). I do know how you feel but sometimes just let all your frustrations stay in your flightbag and relax let the guys that spent 5 hard years of apprentiecship learning how to fix things properly. If you want to know what you can do without qualifications look up CAR...(sorry i forgot). Cheers
sms777, thanks for the words of advice but I would still like to know what I am looking at or for if something near the spinning end isn't right! I by no means want to take work away from those that have spent years getting the qualifications but sometimes getting a LAME to have a look is a mission in itself...maybe I need to learn to be more patient?
Patience is the key to long life and success.... according to some silly chinese bugger in a long dress... but seriously if you want to learn to stay alive in aviation without the expensive maintenance bills produced by US experienced AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS, you got some serious studying to do. Please do not try to do short cuts because safety is PARAMOUNT in aviation and i do not want you to become one of the statistics.
Point taken and I completely agree when it comes to safety and you guys being more experienced! Don't worry, I never really have been one for taking shortcuts..I enjoy living too much! You guys do sound like you have the best of both worlds though
I have a lot of respect for pilots that understand aircraft mechanics and are able to effectively and accurately diagnose problems.
You could undertake a part time Cert II or IV in Aero Skills Mechanical (traineeship or apprenticeship in aircraft engineering), which is generally funded by State Governments.
Send me a PM if you require further details.
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Tail Wheel
Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Forum Moderator
I agree with tail wheel, pilot that can accurately diagnose a problem for the engineers is highly respected by them.
Rather than stating, left engine running rough. State which mag. Then when you drop it off, tell them when it started, how bad, and what stage of flight if applicable and then how you diagnosed the problem. They should always go and run it themselves but they go straight to the problem. Saving you and them time. Could also save you money as well.
Simple stuff, but a couple of correct calls in a row and they will begin to trust your judgement.
Oh, and if either one makes a call thats it's not airworthy, then don't accept it.
Thanks everyone. Tailwheel, much appreciated, with your help I have found information on the Cert II in Aeroskills that can be done through TAFE. It looks like it is a 12month Full-Time course which then leads onto the apprenticeship and the Cert IV but I am going to go along to the course info evening to find out more. Am I right in saying it looks like this is only one of a few different avenues though?
To become a LAME now from start to finish, you have to complete a 4 year apprenticeship, or a 1yr pre app, and 3yrs app. The rules have changed and no longer you can rock up and get your 4 years "industry experience" do the Exams and get your licence. However if you go to TAFE its a primarily theory only with little practical. What you learn on the job you re learn in depth in the text book. There is only so much a book can tell you. PM me if you want more info
but I would still like to know what I am looking at or for if something near the spinning end isn't right! I by no means want to take work away from those that have spent years getting the qualifications but sometimes getting a LAME to have a look is a mission in itself...maybe I need to learn to be more patient? 
