Homebuilding towards A&P
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Cumberland Maine
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Homebuilding towards A&P
I've been thinking of career choices and the one i'm currently look towards is becoming an A&P. I know you have to have at least 18 months of airframe work and 18 months of powerplant work. My father and I are planning on starting a RV-4 this fall. We have heard of kids getting an A&P working on hombuilt projects like this. I was thinking that if Overhaul the engine for the plane ourselves that I could get the needed powerplant time.
The question is; will this work for getting an A&P? I wont have Jet or turbine expeirience but would the hours count?
Thanks,
Scud
The question is; will this work for getting an A&P? I wont have Jet or turbine expeirience but would the hours count?
Thanks,
Scud
I don't know the legal answer, but in terms of useable practical experience, it's a superb idea. I'd check with your local National Aviation Authority, and get a definitive answer from them.
G
G
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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I see you are located in the USA, so I'll answer with the FAA in mind.
Whether you can or can't depends somewhat on your FSDO. Your best bet would be to get an A&P to certify your logged hours [as "supervised by him/her"] before you go to the FSDO. Also make sure you've covered ALL the required areas--I know a number of DME who have failed people because they have no experience with a required knowlege area (Turbine engines is a big missing area for homebuilders, piston engines for those using military experience).
As a final note--At the very least get a set of textbooks (not just the FAA written books) and read them (the Dale Crane series is good as is the FAA series) or even consider attending a schools for at least the parts of the curriculum you think you might miss while homebuilding.
-me
Whether you can or can't depends somewhat on your FSDO. Your best bet would be to get an A&P to certify your logged hours [as "supervised by him/her"] before you go to the FSDO. Also make sure you've covered ALL the required areas--I know a number of DME who have failed people because they have no experience with a required knowlege area (Turbine engines is a big missing area for homebuilders, piston engines for those using military experience).
As a final note--At the very least get a set of textbooks (not just the FAA written books) and read them (the Dale Crane series is good as is the FAA series) or even consider attending a schools for at least the parts of the curriculum you think you might miss while homebuilding.
-me
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: USA
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Some thoughts for ya
It is great what you are planning to do but it is not
going to cut it partner. If you really want your A&P
I suggest you go to a technical school where they will
set you up for all of them FAA tests and really learn the
stuff. At these schools (some community colleges offer
them too) you will end up taking the practical tests with
most probably one of your instructors that you already
know and who is qualified to conduct it after you have
passed all the required written tests. Much better than
taking the practical with an FAA inspector and studying
for the written test on your own.
I have known many people trying to get their license on
their own even with years of working in a full maintenance
shop but not making it. If you ask me I would tell you to
do both. Attend school and work on airplanes as much as
you can. For example when I was attending A&P school
Back in 1984 I was also working for a repair station rebuilding
Radial engines.
Remember being a good aircraft technician is not
limited to good hands on skills but also good knowledge of
regulations, research, responsibilities, aircraft documentation's and such.
And oh yea, the rewarding part such as troubleshooting, meeting dead
lines against all odds, and the pride of the work accomplished.
Good luck in your career endeavors.
going to cut it partner. If you really want your A&P
I suggest you go to a technical school where they will
set you up for all of them FAA tests and really learn the
stuff. At these schools (some community colleges offer
them too) you will end up taking the practical tests with
most probably one of your instructors that you already
know and who is qualified to conduct it after you have
passed all the required written tests. Much better than
taking the practical with an FAA inspector and studying
for the written test on your own.
I have known many people trying to get their license on
their own even with years of working in a full maintenance
shop but not making it. If you ask me I would tell you to
do both. Attend school and work on airplanes as much as
you can. For example when I was attending A&P school
Back in 1984 I was also working for a repair station rebuilding
Radial engines.
Remember being a good aircraft technician is not
limited to good hands on skills but also good knowledge of
regulations, research, responsibilities, aircraft documentation's and such.
And oh yea, the rewarding part such as troubleshooting, meeting dead
lines against all odds, and the pride of the work accomplished.
Good luck in your career endeavors.
