Getting my A&P cert

[stockspud]

I'm a NYC high school student that has decided against college. I'm fairly good at math, I can fix my own bike and aviation interests me so I thought this might be a good career path. I'm not going to enlist to get the experience so my only other option appears to be local employment to get my 30hrs. combined (or 18 + 18). Should I start at the union hall or go directly to the airports looking for internships?

[wrench1]

ss

Your best bet is to attend an FAA certified Part 147 school to get your A&P. It's quicker and will get you into the work force faster so you can gain experience. It's the experience that gets you the better job.

Working to get your test authorization cards doesn't happen in 30 months anymore. You usually start doing grunt work that doesn't count toward your cards. So you may work for several years longer than it takes to get certificate through a 147 school. After gaining the 30 months someone must sign off that time plus you'll need to pay and arrange the written, oral, and practical tests--all which are included with a 147 school.

As for internships... hadn't seen that in years.

I thought NYC had an Aviation High School?


There should be a number of 147 A&P schools in the NYC area.

Good luck!

W1

[stockspud]

wrench1 Thanks for the input. Yes, you're right, NY does have these but I hadn't considered this field until recently so I lost out. As a junior, I am disqualified for transfer. Schools are ugly expensive and I'm opposed to debt. The debtor is servant to the lender and all that.

[wrench1]

ss

You seem to have the right attitude especially for your age. But we all start the journey in debt. Whether by loss (debt) of time when join military or work for that initial experience, or by borrowing money to attend school. Nothing is free... otherwise everyone would do it.

My advice: find the best deal for 147 school whether in NYC or other location; procure financial assistance if needed; excel at your studies; once certified use school contacts to find entry job; work 2 years plus ask a lot questions; and always show up 10 minutes early for everything.

In 4 years tops, if you remain true to your convictions, you'll be standing at the front of the line, light years a head of your peers... and debt free. For added bonus learn avionics also--an A&P with good spark chasing abilities worth their weight in gold.

I did the "work for experience" route at 19 and never looked back after 35+years. Then again that was a time when the FAA handed out test cards with a smile. However, if I had to do it again I would start at 18 and follow the above.

And if after a few years aircraft don't hold your interest anymore you'll be surprised how valuable an A&P certificate/experience is to non-aviation industries.

Take the plunge and enjoy life!

W1

[Geosync]

One thing to keep in mind is that there are 2 types of schools that teach aviation maintenance technology- for profit private schools, and community colleges.

********DO NOT GO TO A FOR PROFIT PRIVATE TECH SCHOOL************

Go to a community college like -http://www.mvcc.edu/academics/programs/airframe-and-powerplant-technology

Same curriculum for a fraction of the cost of private school. If you hate debt(good), then it will behoove you to heed my advice. I went to a CC program, and there was a for-profit program up the street. These guys were shocked that we paid like $3,000 TOTAL for tuition, while they had $40k in debt. Once you have your A&P in hand, learn avionics if you can(see the common theme here?), work hard and be diligent. You'll be surprised how far just being motivated and competent can get you. It's a wide world out there- Airlines, corporate, helos, general aviation, overseas. If you love what you do and you are good at it, you WILL do well.

[stockspud]

Geosync
Thanks for the heads up. Rome, NY rents are about $7,500/year so add that to the part 147 school expense. A school that I can commute to seems like a requirement if that is the route I'd be taking. I still think an NY/NJ area internship makes more sense but wrench1 says these don't exist. There are so many private carriers there, what would make them hesitant about taking on help?

[wrench1]

ss

It's not that you couldn't get a job at those local private carriers, it's getting the job that will give you the required experience to take the A&P tests.

Obtaining an A&P is different than other craftsman trades. Main difference is the government issues your certificate verses an association. The problem today is that you may work at an aviation company but your first 2-3 years maybe cleaning parts, fueling aircraft, or just being a gopher which does not count toward the 30 months. It's possible you could work at that job for 5+ years before you get enough experience to take the tests. That is provided your employer will sign you off and the FAA accepts the letter.

Contact your local FAA Flight Safety District Office (FSDO):
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/?state=NY

Inquire about what type work experience they will accept toward your 30 months requirement to take the A&P tests. Ask if they know of any local companies that provide an acceptable pathway to the 30 month experience and how long it may take. Also ask who locally provides the A&P tests and what the costs are per test. Call them as well.

Each FSDO has their own "rules" when it comes to issuing the test authorization cards. Some just need a letter from your employer. Others need a detailed journal with individual signatures from person overseeing your work. If you start documenting your experience in one FSDO jurisdiction and move to another, you'll need to inquire with the new FSDO to ensure they accept your past experience.

Unless you attend a 147 school, the local FSDO controls your destiny as they process your A&P application. Within the same 2-3 year time frame above you could have finished school and been working as a certified A&P.

Geosync nailed it with the community college. Any way you look at it, the quickest and cheapest method to an A&P is school.

Good luck!
W1

[tpng conehead]

Go the Avionics path. Its always been good to me in salary and job wise.