Calling all A/C Engineers!

[EGT Redline]

kel,

Have you considered re-mustering to one of the aircraft technical trades if at all possible? The civil industry is dire at the moment and there are vast numbers of fitters/mechs currently unemployed. A lot of these guys are time served and have accrued many years on the tools and they still cannot find work. Your chances of securing employment with no relevant hands on experience is almost nil. Re-mustering and giving the RAF say another 3-5 years of your time will enable you to gain some valuable experience of actually working on aircraft. You could also use this time to self study for a Part-66 AML by picking off the modules one by one. The industry will hopefully have turned a corner by then and you will be a more attractive proposition to potential employers.

Many guys (both civilian and ex military) have to self fund their licence studies. The days of employers putting you through your ticket are long gone. They will help you get over the final hurdle if you are struggling with the last couple of exams but don't expect a free ride from the outset, it isn't going to happen. Have a word with some of the guys on the Sqn's where you work or contact other stations. Ask around and I bet you'll find a fair few studying for their licenses. Beg, steal and borrow all the notes/books you can, you'll be surprised what you can get hold of. Have a look HERE for a list of CAA suggested reading material, it's all listed in appendix B. A lot of the publications can be sourced second hand on the internet or found in local libraries.

Your military background will stand you in good stead outside and the fact that you have good manual dexterity and a sound understanding of tool control etc. will aid your cause. As for being over qualified, I wouldn't worry too much about that. You can have all the HND's, degrees and fancy letters after your name in the world, however, they don't mean a great deal to somebody employing mechanics to fix aeroplanes. They want to see experience and unfortunately that is something you just cannot buy.

Your age will probably render you too old for an apprenticeship. Organisations get subsidies from the government to fund these schemes but the students have to fall within a certain age bracket to qualify. I've known guys older than you who have entered this industry from other backgrounds. At the end of the day it isn't going to be easy, but if you want it that bad you'll find a way.

Good luck!!