How to become a licensed aircraft engineer
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Loughborough
How to become a licensed aircraft engineer
Hi all,
I'm in my final year of an aeronautical MEng course and currently looking at jobs. I've previously only thought about going into the RAF, all I've ever wanted to do, however their not actually hiring at the moment so I've been forced to consider other options.
One I've found appealing is working at East Midlands airport, working on fleet maintenance and certification, however the job require a B1/2 EASA licence. I've read a fair bit about the licence but cannot seem to find out how to obtain it.
So my question is, does anyone know how to obtain it?
I'm in my final year of an aeronautical MEng course and currently looking at jobs. I've previously only thought about going into the RAF, all I've ever wanted to do, however their not actually hiring at the moment so I've been forced to consider other options.
One I've found appealing is working at East Midlands airport, working on fleet maintenance and certification, however the job require a B1/2 EASA licence. I've read a fair bit about the licence but cannot seem to find out how to obtain it.
So my question is, does anyone know how to obtain it?
Joined: Feb 2006
Aviation Qualifications: LAME
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From: Falling off the end of the thread
This is in the process of rework but should answer some of your questions
ELGD 2007: The Engineer's Licensing Guidance Document | Publications | CAA
ELGD 2007: The Engineer's Licensing Guidance Document | Publications | CAA
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Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: UK
Decor, to a large extent you will be starting from scratch with your education again - this is a totally different training and qualification system to the MEng-->CEng system that you have gone through so far.
Don't look for the route from MEng to LAME. That route doesn't exist. The main crossovers are the words "aeroplane" and "engineer", the actual work is totally different to what your education has been pointing you at.
It'll probably take about as long as your degree has so far.
G
Don't look for the route from MEng to LAME. That route doesn't exist. The main crossovers are the words "aeroplane" and "engineer", the actual work is totally different to what your education has been pointing you at.
It'll probably take about as long as your degree has so far.
G
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: England
Hi,
Genghis is right, the degree route is very different to the traditional LAE route. Normally graduates in aviation end up doing more Engineering type jobs rather than spannering jobs.
British Airways Graduate Jobs - just a thought?
I know plenty of LAE's who have their degrees but most of the ones I know did it as mature students having worked through the Apprentice > Mechanic > Technician > LAE route first.
Good luck whichever way you decide to go, we certainly need some fresh blood in the system!
Genghis is right, the degree route is very different to the traditional LAE route. Normally graduates in aviation end up doing more Engineering type jobs rather than spannering jobs.
British Airways Graduate Jobs - just a thought?
I know plenty of LAE's who have their degrees but most of the ones I know did it as mature students having worked through the Apprentice > Mechanic > Technician > LAE route first.
Good luck whichever way you decide to go, we certainly need some fresh blood in the system!
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: England
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: North of the border
The RAF generally seem to be hiring for Mechanical and Avionic technicians every 6 months or so, I was very close to joining just before the SDSR and thought it could be a mistake to join only to find myself jobless 1-2 years later with no qualifications. Although it would of been a good experience.
Regarding your current situation did see that the RVL group at east midlands airport were looking for trainee engineers?
Regarding your current situation did see that the RVL group at east midlands airport were looking for trainee engineers?
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: in my house
Im a B1.3 holder. to get a B1/B2 would take 5 years min from scratch. you may get some time off that for having your degree but i wouldnt bet on it. its next to impossible to get into without gaining an apprenticeship first or military service as an aircraft fitter.
If its what you want to do, then go for it but i suspect it wouldnt be what you are looking for. its not a job you can easily fall into.
If its what you want to do, then go for it but i suspect it wouldnt be what you are looking for. its not a job you can easily fall into.
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: raf
Decor58, I'm a techie currently in the RAF having done more than 12 years. I would not recommend my job. In my opinion there is NO incentive to be a techie in the RAF any more.
The days of entering straight as a technician are long gone. Now you have the AMM scheme, a few months training then you're just a grease monkey doing nothing but refuelling and kicking tyres for the first 2 years on the lowest pay band. Some of the most mentally challenged, immature, lazy kids I have ever met got through the selection and training with just a 50m swimming badge from school and became AMM's. You'll won't do proper engineering for maybe 3 years? Trust me it sounds you can do better.
People with my quails and experience... Sign the aircraft documentation to certify that after fault rectification and funcs, the primary flying controls are serviceable and will not kill anyone... And in return, get paid the same as the cook who heats a pre-made chicken and mushroom pie in the oven for 20 minutes !!!
Most RAF techies I know are leaving early to work off-shore gas and oil.
The days of entering straight as a technician are long gone. Now you have the AMM scheme, a few months training then you're just a grease monkey doing nothing but refuelling and kicking tyres for the first 2 years on the lowest pay band. Some of the most mentally challenged, immature, lazy kids I have ever met got through the selection and training with just a 50m swimming badge from school and became AMM's. You'll won't do proper engineering for maybe 3 years? Trust me it sounds you can do better.
People with my quails and experience... Sign the aircraft documentation to certify that after fault rectification and funcs, the primary flying controls are serviceable and will not kill anyone... And in return, get paid the same as the cook who heats a pre-made chicken and mushroom pie in the oven for 20 minutes !!!
Most RAF techies I know are leaving early to work off-shore gas and oil.
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Europe
Decor, after my uni studies in aeronautics I realized Im no desktop engineer. Got an apprenticeship with an airline and worked my way up. Of course you will have to pass all the required EASA modules and gain 5 yrs of experience to finally get a license. It's not impossible, today I'm licensed!
Ask yourself if you think you can kinda enjoy to get cold, hot, wet, dirty, stressed, soaked in any fluid you can think of and of course be handy with tools. If yes, go for it!
Ask yourself if you think you can kinda enjoy to get cold, hot, wet, dirty, stressed, soaked in any fluid you can think of and of course be handy with tools. If yes, go for it!
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 8
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From: Loughborough
Thanks for all the replies guys, had a thought on what many of you have said and I don't think I could be done with starting all over again with my education. I'm going to continue looking for a grad scheme I think
Thanks for the advice
Thanks for the advice
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: UK
I was in the same shoes as you couple years ago. After which I enrolled in Part 147 organisation where I am taking my Part 66 exams. If you think Aerospace was hard..wait till you do these exams! - not mathematically as challenging but a tight schedule and high pass mark really puts the pressure on.
Graduate schemes are good and most people who do work in the airline industry tend to do their exams privately (CAA Exam centres) or an airline would normally run the course internally which means you could take the exams while you work!
This in itself is quite hard as the work load is alot and i cannot imagine doing these exams while working,not to say people havent in the past.
So I would suggest, you enrol yourself in a two year course and do the exams before looking for work. As I am finding out, alot more companies will be happy to interview you.
You will be working for the rest of your life, so do all the exams and get your stuff together before your look for work.
Good luck.
Graduate schemes are good and most people who do work in the airline industry tend to do their exams privately (CAA Exam centres) or an airline would normally run the course internally which means you could take the exams while you work!
This in itself is quite hard as the work load is alot and i cannot imagine doing these exams while working,not to say people havent in the past.
So I would suggest, you enrol yourself in a two year course and do the exams before looking for work. As I am finding out, alot more companies will be happy to interview you.
You will be working for the rest of your life, so do all the exams and get your stuff together before your look for work.
Good luck.
