QF L.A.M.E. jobs

[chockchucker]

For the interest of anybody seeking a job in Melbourne.


Qantas have today advertised (externally) for Avionics L.A.M.E.'s to work in their 737 heavy maintenance facility in Melbourne. They have six positions to fill, and I believe will consider non-type rated L.A.M.E.'s (doubt they'll lure six EIR guys from Virgin/J.H.A.S. on the money that they'll be offering) with a view to training them up on the 738.


https://qantas.taleo.net/careersection/extgrd/jobdetail.ftl?job=97440



Try the link above if you're interested.



Good Luck!:ok:

[SeldomFixit]

And if that doesn't work - try the link above - coneheads.............Jeez:eek:

[rmm]

There's quite a few peeved off guys in those two outfits especially with there rostering systems. Don't forget (Forstaff) guys from Avalon, they'd probably jump at the chance. Are there no internal candidates (ame's) that can be upgraded to LAME's?

[chockchucker]

Nope. A few AME's are plodding along with their basics but, that's about it.


Besides, that still doesn't fix their lack of numbers problem. There's a shirt load of work coming in, and they need people badly. I doubt six LAME's/AME's will completely solve all their problems with manpower but, it's better than nothing.

[John__]

In my opinion i dont think Qf or any of the major airlines now are interested in training ame's to lame level. I got offered an AME role with jetstar about 3 months ago, i am a Avionics LAME full E/I/R licences with some airline experiance, and when i asked if they would get me type rated the answer was " no ".

Im getting pretty tired of getting the same response from multiple airlines so i have now moved into a different stream of the airline bussiness.

Good luck to all the other AME's out there hoping to become LAME's....

Cheers

[aveng]

Heard from a little birdy that Qf Perth may be taking on more people soon, possible external lames. Keep watching taleo!!!:ok:

[BrissySparkyCoit]

aveng, plenty of LAMES in Brissy trying to get to Perth, being held back by local management. The upshot of this (and various other factors) is reflected in the engagement survey results I believe.:ugh:

[SOHAIL Z]

HI to every body
If any body have his type rating from any EASA PART 147 orgnisation, it will be acceptable in Australia to become LAME ? If i have to chose between 737-CL , 737-NG or 767-300 witch is best for my futer work in Australia?
Regards

[Pterois Volitans]

What about training some Sydney AMEs to become LAMEs. There are people with all the basics completed, but are being held back from a type course because they do not have enough SOE time :ugh:!!!. If we could got rid of the "old/partimers" it would open up some spaces for other people to be trained on type!

[chockchucker]

You want some LAME training? (or know somebody who wants LAME training?)


You might want to endure some short term pain (moving to Melbourne) to get fast-tracked to LAME status. There are six positions to fill, and I'll be extremely surprised if there are six 737 classis/NG EIR LAME's out there just sitting patiently to answer QF's call.


Line stations, it appears to me, seem to be purposely diluting LAME numbers in favour of AME's to work on the tarmac. The obvious agenda would seem to be the eventual introduction of LAME-less tarmacs (except for a few rovers) much like the Jetstar, Tiger, and Virgin (for the most part) operations. The Majority of Line LAME's may end up on permanent nightshift or base maintenance. A sad state of affairs but, to me, it's as plain as the nose on your face that QF wishes to go that way.


Good AME's (with all their basics) who left Melbourne Heavy for the promise of a 'better life' at line, have been deliberately not put on type courses or trained up to LAME status. Not so the case in Heavy recently with AME's with all (or even only most) their basics, being sent on 737NG training. So desparate has the situation become with the lack of LAME's and with the projected workload in the years ahead.


Heavy definitely isn't as glamorous as line. No doubt about it. However, if there are AME's working at QF hungry to be trained up to LAME status, a window of opportunity seems to currently exist at QF Tulla.


With, what I see, as the current QF management agenda to 'dumb down' line maintenance with more AME's and less LAME's, you may be waiting quite some time awaiting QF to gift you some type training. Especially if you're an AME employed at a line station on the eastern seaboard.


Some food for thought for you young wannabe Avionics LAME's.



Good Luck.:ok:

[ampclamp]

good to see encouraging words chockchucker.
heavy is not perceived as glamourous as line but having workd both once you get over working around operational aircraft it is pretty much the same.whatever floats your boat.

getting licensed is the big big hurdle now and if doing time in melb dock is the way ,go for it.

Steady work. Inside most of the time (ask the melb line worker ants how glamourous a tulla winter outside is! ) you get to know your jet really well and no nightshift.

sohail z, not sure I can offer any advice.Migrating is one thing getting employed is another. NG best chance I'd say but....

[tjc]

It a sad state of affairs, but the traditional Avionic expert will now be a thing of the past in the line environment with the intoduction of the EASA style regs.

Just look at the recent selections for the A380 in syd, 20 odd airframe to 2 avionic. You can see how the current QF management want to drive things for the future.

It will be interesting to see how things play out.

[QF94]

What about training some Sydney AMEs to become LAMEs. There are people with all the basics completed, but are being held back from a type course because they do not have enough SOE time :ugh:!!!. If we could got rid of the "old/partimers" it would open up some spaces for other people to be trained on type!

I don't know that getting rid of the "old/partimers" would achieve anything. Most of them, all four of them, have licences that are dead or about to die. How would this open up spaces?

Pterois Volitans, maybe the 12 LAME positions that were recently made redundant from S.I.T. would be enough space for you to become a LAME.

The bottom line is, that there is no training for AME's at this point in time or the forseeable future, as the idea of management is to reduce the LAME numbers on line and increase, or at least maintain the numbers of AME's, if they can hold on to them.

[Gas Bags]

QF94,

Is that your age and are you one of these part timers????

[SOHAIL Z]

sohail z, not sure I can offer any advice.Migrating is one thing getting employed is another. NG best chance I'd say but....
Sir,
I want to find a job first as AME or LAME according to my profession.
And I did not want to Migrate if I will not get a job in Meintanance otherwise I am doing my job in Moscow as AME and I am very happy. I am on this forum to know max. I have an information that THERE IS A NEW EASA scheem and till the end of this year CASA is going towards EASA.
If I have a type traing as like B2 737-NG from any EASA part 147 orgnization like Lufthansa tech. +basic qualification ?then where is problem to become LAME?:confused:
And please do,nt think that all people have same mind just migrate to anywhere and they can claen th dishes in a restaurant do,nt matter if they have a good qualification.

[tjc]

I want to find a job first as AME or LAME according to my profession.
And I did not want to Migrate if I will not get a job in Meintanance otherwise I am doing my job in Moscow as AME and I am very happy. I am on this forum to know max. I have an information that THERE IS A NEW EASA scheem and till the end of this year CASA is going towards EASA.
If I have a type traing as like B2 737-NG from any EASA part 147 orgnization like Lufthansa tech. +basic qualification ?then where is problem to become LAME?

There is no problem in becoming a LAME, as long as you meet the prerequisites that satifies CASA.

It is just whether the airlines want to pay and employ you as a LAME.
We have recently gone down the track of increasing the 'quota' type systems as to how many LAMEs an airline needs to run its operation and pay for.
If it was up to the airlines, they would employ all LAMEs, but pay AME wage rates.

Can only speak for the big players, not sure about the minors. It is all about driving costs down, and they do it well over here.

[chockchucker]

An updated web link to the seek advertisement for the LAME positions for QF at Tulla for those interested..................

Me want cookies! (http://www.seek.com.au/job/licensed-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-avionics/melbourne-west/16748078/51/1/)


(Not too sure why the web link says 'me want cookies' however, it should still take you to the right place.)

[rmm]

Sound working knowledge of IMSP, TSO, CAMEO, SUPPLY and PC based systems

Where would an outsider gain this knowledge? You'd have to be an ex-employee.

[chockchucker]

I can assure anybody out there, nobody has a 'sound' knowledge of those systems. Be they current employees or not.

:ugh:

[6680740]

Hi Guys

I was just wondering about the pay and conditions, in terms of shift pattern and stuff.

I'm an Avionics engineer with EIR on the 737 NG and E on the 737 classic. I also have the 744..... EIR

Any input would be appreciated

Cheers

[chockchucker]

6680740,


as far as pay goes, you should get paid for all the licenses you've listed. However, whilst working in 737 Heavy, they would only put your 737 tickets on their eQ system. At least that's the case with a lot of people working there who have 737 and 767 licences. My understanding, under the current pay system,is that you would enter on level 7 ($1476 per week base, plus 7.5% shift penalty). With Just E on the classic 737, you may find yourself at level 8 with two years ($1561).


HOWEVER, that is something you could and should definitely clarify with the HR rep on the interview panel. And then don't forget to get the ALAEA perspective on what your pay rate should be as well. Just to make sure.



Also worth a look is the current award itself. I think you can read/download a copy off the ALAEA website.




The lack of money may not a great selling point. However, the roster is. Monday to Friday, day (7am to 3pm) and afternoon (3pm to 11pm) shift. See anything missing? Nightshift and weekend work (unless on overtime). Very friendly for people with young families or who have had more than enough of nightshift.



Overtime is generally in abundance, albeit worked at some funny hours. However, it's usually there for those who want it.



Hope that has answered some of your questions, 6680740. If you do get to an interview with them, definitely bombard them with plenty of your own questions when given the opportunity.


Good luck.:ok:

[6680740]

Hi Chockchucker

Thanks a lot, lets hope it goes well

Cheers

[QF94]

QF94,

Is that your age and are you one of these part timers????

Gas Bags, to answer your question in one word. No.

I just observe what's around me and see what the hacks are doing to the place. If you have noticed, a few AME's have in recent months left the airline and have even left the industry, due to the fact that they were told by the S.I.T. ops manager that there will be no training, even though they were well on the way to completing their SOE, or had the SOE completed and just awaiting training.

There is even a prime example that an AME who has a CASA licence and a company type rating will not be acknowledged as a LAME on the eQ system or payroll system, because he had done an external type course.

What does this say about one's initiative to improve one's self, but is stepped on by management because it may cause a budget blow-out and affect the LAME/AME ratio?

I correct my figure of 12 LAME's that went to Base. 1 AME was included who had done a company course but didn't convert it to a licence.

Gas Bags, as I have answered your question, who are you?

[Gas Bags]

Dear QF94,

Another one of the group destined to spend my life on the good ship Qantas, cruising down the river of life, wishing the older folk would retire and create room for the younger kids.

And no doubt when I am one of those older folk I will be wishing those young kids would just dry up, blow away, and leave me in peace with my part time job, and my redundant license.

Then again??? :ouch:

GB

[Gas Bags]

Chockchucker,

I take my hat off to you. Genuinely trying to assist the AME/LAME out there looking to further themselves.

You are to be commended!

GB

[Pterois Volitans]

So who was "lucky" to be granted a A330 course? I heard that there was only one AME place? and that even had "conditions" attached to it!:mad: Anybody feel free to comment?

Regards
PV

To QF94......:ok:

[poacher2gamekeeper]

PV,

How does a fish survive in that environment? :cool:

And to the wannabes,

Effort is often its own reward but in my experience is also the best way of self promotion. Bitching, on the other hand, does not have a strong track record of getting people promoted.

So, be known as a 'doer' :ok: not a 'whiner'. :{

Stop hanging around with the latter and look after your own career as priority #1.

P2G

[AvionicsGuy]

True, but its still good to know what direction to head in

[ampclamp]

Sorry it has been a while since visiting this thread.
It is probabaly a language issue.Sorry if I did not make my point clearer.

The point of my post was to say that getting a job as a licensed engineer in Australia is poor, in my opinion. At qantas we have a number of people who have licenses but qantas will not pay them for their licence until they want to or need that licence.
Other airlines also have qualified LAMEs on staff but only pay them as AMEs until they want them to act as LAMEs.

[watterman]

Hi all.
I'm a noob to this forum and interested in a career change to AME Avionics.

Firstly, what is the pay difference between AME and LAME? The LAME pay seems to be pretty good, if you can get there. But what is the AME pay like and conditions?

I am based in Brissy and would like to stay here, have a young family and don't want to be doing night shift. I am currently on $75K in my present job but dissatisfied with the work. A small pay cut is acceptable in exchange for job satisfaction, but my goal would be to become licensed.

btw, I'm 35yo. Is that too late to be starting out?

Any comments welcomed.
Thanks.

[QF94]

Hi all.
I'm a noob to this forum and interested in a career change to AME Avionics.

Firstly, what is the pay difference between AME and LAME? The LAME pay seems to be pretty good, if you can get there. But what is the AME pay like and conditions?

I am based in Brissy and would like to stay here, have a young family and don't want to be doing night shift. I am currently on $75K in my present job but dissatisfied with the work. A small pay cut is acceptable in exchange for job satisfaction, but my goal would be to become licensed.

btw, I'm 35yo. Is that too late to be starting out?

Any comments welcomed.
Thanks.


G'day and welcome.

Never too late to start out, but there is a lot of stiff competition competing for training.

If your present job is paying $75k you will be hard-pressed to see that sort of money starting at the bottom as you would as an apprentice for 4 years, not to mention the rotating shift-work and night shifts.

The pay difference between a high-end AME and low-end LAME is not a great deal, but to become a high-end AME will take a number of years after your apprenticeship, and you may be a grandfather by the time you achieve that. To become a LAME will take a minimum of about 10 years, including your apprenticeship, doing your basics subjects and then getting a course and filling in a Schedule of Experience for the types of aeroplanes you will be working on.

Hope this gives you some insight into the mysteries of the aviation industry.

[watterman]

Hope this gives you some insight into the mysteries of the aviation industry

It does indeed. Thank you QF94 for the informative response. It's food for thought.

It's the night shift that is most of a deterent. I expect a pay cut for several years but would hope to get back to where I am eventually.

Luckily I have some time before I need to make a decision as the next avionics intake at Av.Aust doesn't start until Feb' 2011.

Now i know what SoE stands for :)

cheers,
watterman.

[ampclamp]

I know a guy at a major ozzie airline who is an AME.
he actually has a CASA licence on the -800.
But despite the fact 737-800 guys are always being brought in on overtime the clowns at this major airline wont pay this guy as a LAME.
He spends his own money and holidays on an external course, gets the ticket does essentially a lot of LAME work (bar the actual sign off) but gets shafted by his employer who somehow thinks they are saving money by paying double dollars on higher paid guys.
Idiots.
It is not a one off case either.

Anyway, that will give you some idea of your chances.This guy is in his forties with a lot of OS experience not a newb to aviation.

[Jethro Gibbs]

does essentially a lot of LAME work

HE NEEDS TO STOP HELPING THEM OUT NOW :ok:

[Long Bay Mauler]

Two things.

1. There is no money in being a AME unless you do shiftwork,and that means working either early starts or late at night including overnight.

2. SoE really means Sex over East for those guys in the West:ok:

[6680740]

Hi Guys

I was wondering if any one has an idea what an EIR LAME with Jetstar at Cairns gets. Ratings on A320 and course completed on A330.

Also would it be a problem to move too Qantas is an opportunity arises....

Thanks in advance

[ampclamp]

Maybe different in CNS but the qf and j* blokes rarely see each other where I work and may as well be working on another planet.
Changing uniforms probably entails a new start.In the very early days you could jump to J* with service intact but now I doubt it very much.

[QF94]

I know a guy at a major ozzie airline who is an AME.
he actually has a CASA licence on the -800.
But despite the fact 737-800 guys are always being brought in on overtime the clowns at this major airline wont pay this guy as a LAME.
He spends his own money and holidays on an external course, gets the ticket does essentially a lot of LAME work (bar the actual sign off) but gets shafted by his employer who somehow thinks they are saving money by paying double dollars on higher paid guys.
Idiots.
It is not a one off case either.

Anyway, that will give you some idea of your chances.This guy is in his forties with a lot of OS experience not a newb to aviation.

But if this same guy applies for a position within this major ozzie airline, his external training qualifications will be taken into consideration should the new position require type training, and this could set him back also, as it would be those that have had no training that would get preference also.

How many ring circus is this major airline?