Anyone know any pilot engineers?

[jase.nz.pilot]

Hi all,

Just recently completed my Rotary liscence and am considering making a move to engineering.

Does anyone know of any pilots who opperate as an engineer as well?

Cheers

[TURIN]

I know quite a few engineers who have become pilots but none the other way around.

Odd that.

[sir.pratt]

it's the 60 months of training that puts prospective engineers off, not to mention the historic and largely irrelevant asl exams, (especially not being allowed to convert your engineering tubine rating, human factors ect to a pilot one then the hoops to jump thru with CAA at the end of it all. i see there is a new requirement to provide a full police/justic history as part of the fit and proper person rules to become an LAME. then there's the rating courses (no type ratings in less than 2 hours in engineering...), the night shift, dirty hands.......etc. and yes i am an LAME/CPL

[munster]

i suppose it's the kudos and pulling power of being a pilot. but i think i'll stick to where the real money is as a contract engineer.

[camlobe]

I am one of those who holds a flying licence as well as an engineering licence, but like most of my bretheren, I am an engineer who became a pilot (and probably not particularly good at either although it doesn't stop me trying harder).

Personally, I am not aware of anyone who started out as pilots and then became engineers as well. There are a number of reasons I have been presented with by the piloting fraternity over the years as to why they do not have any interest in becoming engineers.

For some, the idea of getting dirty doesn't appeal.
For others, the thoughts of ridiculusly long hours doesn't appeal.
For others, the thought of the years of training at poor pay rates just to gain a basic engineering licence doesn't appeal.
For others, the thought of working your heart out trying to get the job done as quickly and safely as possible to the highest possible technical standards, only to have some spineless managerial type complain that engineering is a drain to profits, doesn't appeal.
For some, the level and weight of responsibility which generally far exceeds that of a pilot, doesn't appeal.
For some, the massively increasing burden of paperwork and legislation doesn't appeal.

There are other reasons often stated, though they tend to be less mature.

But, if you are still interested in the idea, go for it.

camlobe

[noooby]

I only know of one pilot who then became a mechanic. He was a helo pilot (multi IFR) flying offshore in Karratha WA. Was doing his spanner turner apprenticeship when I was up there. Basically, he got bored with flying out to rigs and back. Wanted to keep busy.
I like flying, but it does get a tad tedious after a while!!
It seems that Engineers are paid more to work more (kind of)
Pilots are paid more when they work less. Must be attendance pay
I haven't used my AMEL in NZ for nearly 5 years. I contract myself out overseas, so I wouldn't know who was hiring or wht they were paying at the moment.
ASL do suck at times!! I have PT6B, PT6C, and PT6T ratings. Do you think I can get the PT6A on my licence without having to do another full type course?? And don't forget the oral as well!! Mind you, I also have Bell 212/412, but they won't let me have Bell 205, even though I've worked on them for a number of years. Sheesh. Don't get me started!!

[Rigga]

Very many moons ago - when I was studying for my first A&C at Southall College of Technology (Probably some sort of Uni for London now?) one of my "Classmates" was a Concorde Pilot studying to work on his Tiger Moth!
So he studied Wooden Airframes, Sewing, Doping and Piston Engines, amongst all the other items for Pistons and Aeroplanes 2 - A retirement Hobby I believe.

[Piper19]

I was a pilot and now an engineer. I'm still flying as PPL now, and that's the flying I like. If I could I would still be a pilot (medical related) but the engineering job is not bad either. I earn 1/3th of a pilot, have a lot more to know, work outside in dirty conditions, but I'm home every day to spend some time on other things. And this time is what I missed as a pilot. When I was younger being pilot was everything to me, but since I have some experience in the industry I found that the magical factor of being a pilot is gone some 30 years ago. It's just a job.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Rather depends upon what you mean by Engineer....

G

[rigger468]

Hi ya Jase,

Gonna go completely off thread here but its for personal reasons...no not that type of personal!!

I am leaving the RAF at the end of 2007 after 24 years as a technician airframes or rigger as the name suggests and me and the brood are hoping to emigrate to NZ. I am qualified to BEng (Hons) in aircraft engineering as well as the wealth of experience my time in the RAF has given me.

You know whats coming don't you?

Need anyone to maintain your cab or know anyone who needs an overqualified techie?

Regards JJ

[Flying Torquewrench]

I also hold an engineering license (B1). But indeed as most i was an engineer who became a pilot. However i still work as an engineer on my days off to keep myself up to date and because i like it. Unfortunately i don't know any pilots who became engineers.

[Ag2A320]

I'm a current A320 driver, but still hold my AME w B/D, M1/M2 & R1/R2 ratings and DOM authorisation was well as A&P/IA. I freelance among my airline/airport friends working on their aircraft or mine to keep my IA current. I like wrenching and as an added benefit i'm usually allowed flying time. Works to my benefit as this arrangement keeps me current on most of the types/classes on both my Pilot/AME license.
Beg to differ was a licensed pilot before i became an engineer; a 250HR wonder who couldnt find a flying job on the field, took to hanging in the hangars with the AME's as a helper, got hooked never regreted the taunts of my PPL classmates, got free flight time and a license to be around airplanes thats not dependent on my medical. My AME backgroung opened the door to more flying jobs as i was qualified to fly and wrench.