FAA License

[mech881]

I have recently enrolled on the A&P course in new York. Just wondering if anyone has done the course here or anywhere else. What sort of things do I need to be prepared for??? Any advice from previous students would be great. Many thanks.

[Saint Jack]

Start by referring to it as an A&P Certificate. If you let us know the name of the organization you enrolled with I'm sure someone or previous students will be able to assist you. Also, the organisation itself should be able to answer most, if not all, of your queries. Good luck.

[mech881]

It's American airman in manhattan. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks

[quinkytube]

I attended the American Airman school for my A & P in 2011 I'm guessing this is the same but was in long island, Ronkonkoma part of the Heritage flight academy.
If you already hold EASA B1 and/or B2 from a technical point of view you shouldn't have to many problems . My main area of study before going out was piston engine elements as I had no previous experience or knowledge I also really needed to brush up on weight and balance.
They supplied all the “legislation” books you’ll need.
You should arrive ready to sit the three written tests, if you haven’t got the Q and A books yet get them ASAP and start “practising”.
The course was set mainly to help you with the oral/practical elements and once they know which examiner you’re going to get they will “tune” the instruction to that end.
I really enjoyed my time there, all the instructors and staff were always friendly and supportive. They are good at what they do getting you ready for your exams.
If your staying locally the “long island rail road” train from Ronkonkoma to Pen station takes about 40 mins it is a excellent service and much cheaper off peak.

Enjoy and good luck.

[mech881]

Thanks for the advice it sounds like the same place. I'm not B1 licensed however I have most experience on piston. Did you require a visa to enter the states I'm getting conflicting stories.
There is so much to learn I'm getting a bit swamped by it all.

[quinkytube]

My trip was done under the visa waiver with ESTA, you will need to check this is still ok
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) | Embassy of the United States (http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/vwp.html).
From the American Airman website “A Student VISA is not required for American Airman Courses”
The oral/practical exam I had was much more light aviation with piston engine based (with helicopter elements). But no worries as I said they are really good at getting you to the right level/area depending on examiner you get.
Just make sure your ready for the written tests before arrival, they got us to do a couple of practice tests first and then straight in for the real ones. This allows you to fully concentrate on oral/practical.

All the best

[mech881]

Thank you for all your advice. You've really helped. Last question. What's involved in the practical exam
Many thanks

[quinkytube]

It varies from examiner to examiner they decide what level and content they feel is necessary to check your competence.
Mine was divided into 4 sections comprising of about 10 items in each. All were relatively straight forward a good few were on a scrap helicopter for example inspect the seat belts and list all defects noted, inspect engine mounts and list all defects noted. Using the AMM take a fuel sample, replace the air filter and check the main battery installation.
Read a service bulletin and check compliance. Inspect a tyre and report if it can continue in service, inspect and map the damage on a wooden prop blade, Solder a wire onto a terminal.
As I said once the school knows who your going to get they are 90% accurate on the content / level required and make sure you up to speed.

All the best

[mech881]

Thank you for all your help. Time to get my head in the books