Working in the U,S and A!
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Working in the U,S and A!
Hi guys!
First of all: pardon my english, it's not very good, I'm from Norway...
I am an aircraft mechanic currently working line maintenance in
commercial aviation (working in norway that is).
I have a Part-66 B1 AML, currently without type rating.
I've been considering for a while to move oversea, to USA, to earn myself some experience of american lifestyle and aviation. Maybe settle down...
And in that occation, i have some questions..
- How is it like to work in the aircraft maintenance industry in USA?
- How is the salary & benefits?
- Since I am a holder of a Part-66 B1 AML, how long will it take to
convert in to an A&P licence, and how much will it cost?
- And something I've always have wondered about: what's the difference between an Technician and a Engineer?
I'm sorry to bother you guys with all these questions, buth I'll be very gratefull for every answer i can get!
First of all: pardon my english, it's not very good, I'm from Norway...
I am an aircraft mechanic currently working line maintenance in
commercial aviation (working in norway that is).
I have a Part-66 B1 AML, currently without type rating.
I've been considering for a while to move oversea, to USA, to earn myself some experience of american lifestyle and aviation. Maybe settle down...
And in that occation, i have some questions..
- How is it like to work in the aircraft maintenance industry in USA?
- How is the salary & benefits?
- Since I am a holder of a Part-66 B1 AML, how long will it take to
convert in to an A&P licence, and how much will it cost?
- And something I've always have wondered about: what's the difference between an Technician and a Engineer?
I'm sorry to bother you guys with all these questions, buth I'll be very gratefull for every answer i can get!
Getting an A&P wouldn't be to much trouble, but if I remember correctly if awarded overseas e.g Mannheim it's not valid in the USA. You have to sit the exam there.
Last edited by ericferret; 23rd Mar 2007 at 00:15. Reason: spelling
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Having spent the last couple of months in the US working at a major airport, the conclusions that I can give you are:
The pay is crap, most guys I have been working with have to do 2 jobs.
They can be expected to work 80hrs a week.
You can't convert your 66 into an A&P just as you can't convert an A&P into a 66 licence.
Engineers in euroland are now called Technicians, whereas they have always been called mechanics in the US.
The pay is crap, most guys I have been working with have to do 2 jobs.
They can be expected to work 80hrs a week.
You can't convert your 66 into an A&P just as you can't convert an A&P into a 66 licence.
Engineers in euroland are now called Technicians, whereas they have always been called mechanics in the US.
In terms of pay & conditions it would be hard to beat those in Norway.
I would try to pick up some type ratings & then take another look.There is plenty of work around & if you wanted you could then try for contract or permanent positions outside Norway. Good Luck!
I would try to pick up some type ratings & then take another look.There is plenty of work around & if you wanted you could then try for contract or permanent positions outside Norway. Good Luck!
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JimmyTheWeed, to answer your question I think Spannersatcx has got it spot on. I have in my younger days done a lot of outstation work which covered the USA. As Spanners says most of the "mechanics" have a second job. The salary is quite poor when compared to UK and the rest of EU.
The work ethics are not very good as you are the slave to your manager, which is the impression I got when working at stations like EWR, JFK, BOS, LAX, MIA.
Do youself a favour stay within the EU for work and use the USA as a place for a good holiday.
Good Luck.
The work ethics are not very good as you are the slave to your manager, which is the impression I got when working at stations like EWR, JFK, BOS, LAX, MIA.
Do youself a favour stay within the EU for work and use the USA as a place for a good holiday.
Good Luck.
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I would hope that you would find the work ethic in Canada comparable to that found in the UK and the rest of Europe. Canadian Aircraft Maintenance ENGINEERS have always been well recieved world wide.
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I am a Canadian and I have worked in Europe, Asia and the US. Some of what has been posted is true and some is not.
With regards to working in the US the biggest advantage is that there are several opportunities. Airline, helicopter, MRO, manufacturers, etc and thousands of companies. It really is the land of opportunity. There is also a large geographical area to choose from. I worked a contract on helicopters in Pennsylvania and loved the work! Very interesting and probably the best I have done.
But the people were a bit off and to generalize, ignorant in many areas. However I also found that the spectrum from ignorant to brilliant was quite large. But overall I found the ignorance tiring and left. I would say though that different areas in the US have different people. I have heard that the Western portion is quite different from the East. I would go there again if the right opportunity came along.
One thing I found which was quite refreshing is that most of the guys that I worked with rarely complained about their profession. I think the reason is because most of them came from the military. In Canada complaining and whining about aviation ruining their lives is quite common. I did not find this with the Americans, they were quite proud of themselves.
In contrast to Europe I would say you will find the overall knowledge to be less. Things are less regulated than in Europe as well. And as I said before you will find a broad spectrum of people. In contrast to Norway I think you would come to understand the benefits of your social style government.
If you are looking for cash then the US might not be the best. If you are looking for the adventure/experience then I think you will find it quite different from Europe.
I would not worry about getting the A&P. I think you would find it very easy. A lot of Canadians go down to a 1 week course and get it quite easily. The A&P does not compare to what we call an AME. In the US it is the IA(or maybe AI can't remember) which is the guy who signs things off. The next step up from the A&P.
Best of luck!
With regards to working in the US the biggest advantage is that there are several opportunities. Airline, helicopter, MRO, manufacturers, etc and thousands of companies. It really is the land of opportunity. There is also a large geographical area to choose from. I worked a contract on helicopters in Pennsylvania and loved the work! Very interesting and probably the best I have done.
But the people were a bit off and to generalize, ignorant in many areas. However I also found that the spectrum from ignorant to brilliant was quite large. But overall I found the ignorance tiring and left. I would say though that different areas in the US have different people. I have heard that the Western portion is quite different from the East. I would go there again if the right opportunity came along.
One thing I found which was quite refreshing is that most of the guys that I worked with rarely complained about their profession. I think the reason is because most of them came from the military. In Canada complaining and whining about aviation ruining their lives is quite common. I did not find this with the Americans, they were quite proud of themselves.
In contrast to Europe I would say you will find the overall knowledge to be less. Things are less regulated than in Europe as well. And as I said before you will find a broad spectrum of people. In contrast to Norway I think you would come to understand the benefits of your social style government.
If you are looking for cash then the US might not be the best. If you are looking for the adventure/experience then I think you will find it quite different from Europe.
I would not worry about getting the A&P. I think you would find it very easy. A lot of Canadians go down to a 1 week course and get it quite easily. The A&P does not compare to what we call an AME. In the US it is the IA(or maybe AI can't remember) which is the guy who signs things off. The next step up from the A&P.
Best of luck!
AI is artificial insemination, but when your short of work having this qualification could be a bonus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is also artificial intelligence, maintenance engineers have real intelligence whereas politicians the artificial variety. Only joking we all know politicians have no intelligence of any sort!!!!!!!!
It is also artificial intelligence, maintenance engineers have real intelligence whereas politicians the artificial variety. Only joking we all know politicians have no intelligence of any sort!!!!!!!!
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Working in the U.S.
As a retired mechanic and qualified avionics tech- the pay is terrible.
Most co.'s have eliminated fixed retirements, except those you fund yourself. The unions are not beneficial to the rank and file. The knowledge level is lower because the requirements are also. Most are not willing to educate themselves in system knowledge. The industry is
slowly coming to realize anyone with real skill and experience is leaving,
due to earning capacity. Many are retiring early, the young guys are going into other fields with all the skills. Most of the carriers that went into bankruptcy lost most of their skilled people. Very few were absorbed into other carriers which drove payscales down. Canada is in the same shape. I've been thru GA, Corporate and 4 different Airlines
since the industry was deregulated. Fortunately my skill levels were far above most, so I was able to make a modest living. Anyone looking to work in this country in Aviation is in for a very rude awakening. The job market at this time is extremely limited also.
Most co.'s have eliminated fixed retirements, except those you fund yourself. The unions are not beneficial to the rank and file. The knowledge level is lower because the requirements are also. Most are not willing to educate themselves in system knowledge. The industry is
slowly coming to realize anyone with real skill and experience is leaving,
due to earning capacity. Many are retiring early, the young guys are going into other fields with all the skills. Most of the carriers that went into bankruptcy lost most of their skilled people. Very few were absorbed into other carriers which drove payscales down. Canada is in the same shape. I've been thru GA, Corporate and 4 different Airlines
since the industry was deregulated. Fortunately my skill levels were far above most, so I was able to make a modest living. Anyone looking to work in this country in Aviation is in for a very rude awakening. The job market at this time is extremely limited also.
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Hmm, i've heard that Canada is alot better, well for GA engineering and for pilots, my aim is to be a pilot (airline/cargo or corporate in the future.
Is it the same in the US if you were to be a pilot?
Cheers.
Is it the same in the US if you were to be a pilot?
Cheers.
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Jimmy:
If you want the facts on working in the U.S. you could get the real story from a fellow countryman. There is a pilot from Norway who flies for Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska. His Name is Nils Bergen, he has been in the U.S. for about 10 years. He is a really nice guy and would probably be willing to help you out any way he could. Just do a web search for Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, once you get thier phone number just call and ask for Nils.
If you want the facts on working in the U.S. you could get the real story from a fellow countryman. There is a pilot from Norway who flies for Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska. His Name is Nils Bergen, he has been in the U.S. for about 10 years. He is a really nice guy and would probably be willing to help you out any way he could. Just do a web search for Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, once you get thier phone number just call and ask for Nils.
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As one person mentioned, there are tons of opportunities for work in the U.S. I'm in the helicopter side of things, and can tell you that there are hundreds of jobs out there.
The average A&P helicopter mechanic on the east side of the U.S. makes around $42,000 to $55,000 U.S. dollars. Some jobs pay more, some pay less. Also, keep in mind that the cost of living varies greatly around the country, and most companies pay accordingly (Higher cost of living, higher pay). I can assure you the cost of living will be cheaper in the U.S. than in Norway.
You may want to look at contracting work, which there is a lot of in all sectors of aviation. I know Keystone Helicopters, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is constantly looking for people. Check out JSFirm.com for U.S. maintenance opportunities.
The A&P shouldn't be a problem to obtain. If you have the experience documented, which since you're licensed in Norway I'm sure you do, it's just a matter of taking some tests.
Let me know if I can be of any assistance. If you are a helicopter mechanic I may be able to give you some ideas.
The average A&P helicopter mechanic on the east side of the U.S. makes around $42,000 to $55,000 U.S. dollars. Some jobs pay more, some pay less. Also, keep in mind that the cost of living varies greatly around the country, and most companies pay accordingly (Higher cost of living, higher pay). I can assure you the cost of living will be cheaper in the U.S. than in Norway.
You may want to look at contracting work, which there is a lot of in all sectors of aviation. I know Keystone Helicopters, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is constantly looking for people. Check out JSFirm.com for U.S. maintenance opportunities.
The A&P shouldn't be a problem to obtain. If you have the experience documented, which since you're licensed in Norway I'm sure you do, it's just a matter of taking some tests.
Let me know if I can be of any assistance. If you are a helicopter mechanic I may be able to give you some ideas.
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Hi Reggie,
I agree that when compared with other industries, most with much less responsibility than a helicopter mechanic, the pay is lower. It's not fair and I wish I could change it.
If you look into it, you'll find that there are a tremendous amount of positions available in the U.S. This can partly be attributed to the low pay in the aviation business, when compared to other lines of work. Regardless of the reasons, there are a lot of jobs.
When the comparitive cost of living betwen Europe and the U.S. is considered, U.S. wages for a mechanic offer a similar standard of living as those of our European counterparts.
I'm on the other side of the issue. I'd love to find work as helicopter mechanic in Europe, but the only jobs I've found don't make it worth my while to move. The pay hasn't been that impressive, and the cost of living is very high.
All in all, I think the industry is similar on both sides of the pond. If you want to make some big money, come visit me in Saudi. It sucks here, but the money's good.
I agree that when compared with other industries, most with much less responsibility than a helicopter mechanic, the pay is lower. It's not fair and I wish I could change it.
If you look into it, you'll find that there are a tremendous amount of positions available in the U.S. This can partly be attributed to the low pay in the aviation business, when compared to other lines of work. Regardless of the reasons, there are a lot of jobs.
When the comparitive cost of living betwen Europe and the U.S. is considered, U.S. wages for a mechanic offer a similar standard of living as those of our European counterparts.
I'm on the other side of the issue. I'd love to find work as helicopter mechanic in Europe, but the only jobs I've found don't make it worth my while to move. The pay hasn't been that impressive, and the cost of living is very high.
All in all, I think the industry is similar on both sides of the pond. If you want to make some big money, come visit me in Saudi. It sucks here, but the money's good.
