Speaking of big jets and commercial transport - although the technology on the aircraft is similar, the jobs are miles different. There are different ways of making the same tasks work and some methods are totally alien to the military frame of mind. (Tool control for instance...)
Each mechanic/engineer has responsibilities for what they do and what is recorded. There is possibly four people between you on the Line and the largest boss in the company. Your name and reputation can grow quickly - in either direction...
If you can start with a basic Licence that makes life much easier - but you still need a type rating to make it the best possible option. Studying for Part 66 before you get out is essential, not something to take on lightly. Getting a T/R is about getting on with your job and with those that can put your name forward for a course. I believe that is why most TG1/2 decide to go the Windfarm/off-shore/rail routes - easier qualifications for possibly better returns. "They" also make a clean sweep of moving out of the mob - new life, completely new job and possibly a new location too.
Having said that - ex-mil people who put their hearts in to their work do quite well.
There is no "promotion" in civvy street so you either make do with where you are - or you move on to other jobs. There is no-one to make decisions for you and no-one, apart from your family, to help make those decisions.
I got to being a Part 145 Quality Manager within 7 years of getting out moving to three jobs to get there - but I had (and used) CAA licences well before leaving the mob.
Can you please dispel some myths, we blue suits hear a lot of horror stories...
1. The civvy aircraft industry is mostly contract work with little job security.
Depends on how you are employed - Connnie or Permie. There is as much security as there is in ANY job at the moment
2. Even guys with JAR66 have difficulty in finding jobs.
Depends mainly on what Types/licences you have, but there is a smaller amount of employees too.
3. The accountants run airlines not engineers. It's all cut throat penny pinching.
If you don't make/save money where you can - there is no job! The MOD is the same nowadays.
4. Airlines are now looking at maintenance been done by some peasants in Eastern Europe to save a few pennys.
See Q3 - even the RAF contracts out...but some aircraft are too small to fly across the EU for a cost saving excercise
5. Experience in the RAF doesn't mean much in the civvy aircraft industry.
All experience counts - but some doesn't count towards a Licence
Hope this helps.
Rigga
Last edited by Rigga; 4th Feb 2012 at 20:35.