ex USAF CFM-56 Engineer - HELP PLEASE
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Beds outback
ex USAF CFM-56 Engineer - HELP PLEASE
Good Afternoon All
I'm after a bit of advice. My friend's daughter ( British National & Citizen ) is married to a US Citizen, who has just left the USAF after ca.15 years as an engineer working on the CFM-56s powering the KC-135. He is currently in the US and, though his wife and their daughter ( also a British Citizen) are living in the UK, for some reason, he is struggling to obtain a Visa to live and work in the UK.
Now forgive my ignorance and lack of technical knowledge, however, I would have thought, due to the engine he worked on also powering many UK based A320 and 737 fleets, that he might have half a chance of obtaining a job over here working on such engines. However, I have no idea whether USAF qualifications and experience have any relevance regarding working in the UK aviation industry
I am just hoping one of you more clever than I folks will have some indication on the said US Airman's chances of onbtaining work at a UK based maintanance facility.
obviously, he' be willing to work at any UK Airport
thanks in advance
Pete
I'm after a bit of advice. My friend's daughter ( British National & Citizen ) is married to a US Citizen, who has just left the USAF after ca.15 years as an engineer working on the CFM-56s powering the KC-135. He is currently in the US and, though his wife and their daughter ( also a British Citizen) are living in the UK, for some reason, he is struggling to obtain a Visa to live and work in the UK.
Now forgive my ignorance and lack of technical knowledge, however, I would have thought, due to the engine he worked on also powering many UK based A320 and 737 fleets, that he might have half a chance of obtaining a job over here working on such engines. However, I have no idea whether USAF qualifications and experience have any relevance regarding working in the UK aviation industry
I am just hoping one of you more clever than I folks will have some indication on the said US Airman's chances of onbtaining work at a UK based maintanance facility.
obviously, he' be willing to work at any UK Airport
thanks in advance
Pete
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 52
From: .
Without sounding too harsh, 15 years on one particular engine is a bit limiting in experience wise. Most airlines/MRO's would like to see a broader experience across airframe and engine types. Also before taking someone on, most would say do you have the rite to live and work in the UK. As he doesn't that also makes things harder.
SCS at Manchester are always looking for people I believe, I would also be contacting any engine overhaul facilities., and the likes of Jet2, BA, etc. Whether they are willing to sponsor for a visa I can't say. I know the airline I work for won't do it, that needs to be sorted by the individual.
Maybe look at using his skills outside of aviation, but again would need the rite to live and work.
Sorry to sound negative, just trying to be honest, hope he gets sorted though.
SCS at Manchester are always looking for people I believe, I would also be contacting any engine overhaul facilities., and the likes of Jet2, BA, etc. Whether they are willing to sponsor for a visa I can't say. I know the airline I work for won't do it, that needs to be sorted by the individual.
Maybe look at using his skills outside of aviation, but again would need the rite to live and work.
Sorry to sound negative, just trying to be honest, hope he gets sorted though.
Joined: Feb 2002
Aviation Qualifications: AME
Posts: 4,175
Likes: 1,101
From: UK
The experience will be useful as it will give him credits when it comes to the practical experience requirements. However, without a UK CAA Licence his earnings potential will be limited. Airlines and MROs still need Mechanics but he will need to show airframe systems experience too, not just engines.
Also, most of the major airlines are upgrading their fleets to either the Airbus NEO series or B737 Max. Both use the more up to date PW GTF or CFM LEAP series of engines.
I don't know where the CFM 56 engines are overhauled, that would be a place perhaps more suited.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Also, most of the major airlines are upgrading their fleets to either the Airbus NEO series or B737 Max. Both use the more up to date PW GTF or CFM LEAP series of engines.
I don't know where the CFM 56 engines are overhauled, that would be a place perhaps more suited.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 52
From: Europe
Being specialised on CFM56 is not really impressive for a (future) licenced Aircraft Maint Tech, that needs to know a bit of everything, but it could be very useful in an CFM56 Overhaul facility - and you even do not need licence to work there.
If he can find one and get a job, visa should be no brainer. Yes, 737 MAX and A320NEO dropped CFM56, but it is still a very widely used engine and it will remain so for awhile, albeit its fate is, of course, sealed in the long term.
all the best!
If he can find one and get a job, visa should be no brainer. Yes, 737 MAX and A320NEO dropped CFM56, but it is still a very widely used engine and it will remain so for awhile, albeit its fate is, of course, sealed in the long term.
all the best!
