airline mechanic

[MissileMist]

Everything that Crifstar said is true. Don't limit yourself to the airlines.

[Crifstar]

I don't work there anymore and haven't kept up with what the airlines are paying, but I will tell you this, DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE AIRLINE BUSINESS. The money sux and the benefits suck considering the responsibility you carry on your shoulders every time you sign that log book.

[jetmechanic77]

Hi,

Im looking to join Us air line maint in PHL... What is their starting pay???

[Crifstar]

I think you should go for it. Just do it with your eyes open. The bulk of the work is on midnights. You will be working weekends and holidays and your not going to get any pats on the back saying good job. I love airplanes, but now I just look at them as they fly over the powerplant. Don't limit yourself into thinking you can ONLY do airplanes. If you can fix an airplane, you can fix anything. I enjoyed the work and hated the companies I worked for except for Piedmont.

[cripplehawk]

@Crifstar Are you talking about the real Piedmont or the Regional Dash 8 Piedmont?

[Crifstar]

@cripplehawk The real Piedmont, some of the most friendly people I've worked with. They ran a lean well run operation.

[mikecombs66]

I hear you brother.

[Crifstar]

Generally the aircraft get some level of check during the night while not flying. We used to do anything from a wheel and oil check to a B check on the line. The W&O check is basically what it sounds like and a B check can get involved. During the day the mechanics are basically on call if something breaks, they can respond but the airline doesn't want maintenance to take delays so unless it's real broke there's not much for them to do. The bulk of the work is done on midnight shift.

[jdig1984]

@Crifstar hi wajust thinking about becoming a technician im 27 and am thinking of getting a degree 3 years the course is which means id be 30 do you think this is a litttle old to be starting in aviation industry. i also have a fear of flying i will fly just dont enjoy the experience of it keep thinking somthings gonna fail but i am fascinated by how planes work im bit mixed up lol

[JPDK159]

thank you for this video i have been wanting to see a video on this topic i would like to work in this industry but do you really have to check the airplane like that my dad works at an airport and he told me that the mechanics sit in a lobby waiting for a plane to break down can some 1 respond on that if it even true

[YungEezyTellEm]

@Crifstar How long does it take to become a aircraft mechanic going through a AIM school?

[Crifstar]

@YungEezyTellEm I guess anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. I think it's better to get the Associate Degree. That way when you decide you've had enough of getting screwed by the airlines you can get another job in another industry.

[cripplehawk]

Your lucky you get to work on real planes. I am stuck working on shiny jets.

[Crifstar]

@cripplehawk what's a shiny jet?

[cripplehawk]

@Crifstar CRJ-700s/900s and at one time CRJ-200s

[Crifstar]

Sure they can fly, but first they would need a pilot's license and training.

[romi221000]

can a airplane mechanic fly an airplane

[cripplehawk]

@romi221000 no

[Crifstar]

Maybe you want to try the Air FOrce Reserves or National Guard first. I was in the Reserves for a short time. Make sure you work on getting your A&P while you are in the Air Force, it's a little bit easier that way.

[jis2cool]

i want to fix airplanes in the air force first, then for an airline

[shietalkr]

I just recieved my A+P from a p.147 school and I'm also kinda foggy on what direction to take myself, sugg. from ppl who know would be nice. thank you....

[Crifstar]

Well, sorry to say if you want to work on airplanes, you ain't going to make any money. I haven't really kept up but the airlines are still hurting and making the employees pay for it. I would just say, don't limit yourself, I now work for an electrical utility company.  They have turbines turning those generators and want good people to operate and fix them and the money is pretty good. If you want to work on airplanes it's fine, I love the technology of airplanes and had fun good luck

[Crifstar]

Well at least you know what you are getting into since you work for United. Wow retro livery, now I feel real old since I worked on them when they were in Allegheny colors.. I guess I made the video in the early 90's. I really loved working on airplanes but couldn't take the paycuts anymore. Good luck and NEVER lower your standards for anyone, there's only one way to fix an airplane and that's the RIGHT way.

[Raab1068]

always the right way....after all it is MY name signing off the plane to fly with 200 ppl on it right??

[Crifstar]

never let someone pressure you into signing, if a person thinks your wrong and they are right they should back it up with their own signoff. Then you quietly go and call the FAA rat line and let them know that someone pencil whipped an item and let the chips fall where they may.

[Raab1068]

great video! Ive got 6 months left of AP school left, Ive worked for United CS/Ramp for about 4 years, I have a leg up on the whole CEO pay raise / CS Paycut ideal. haha anyway thanks for putting this on here, really makes me excited to get out on the line again! oh how long ago was this? LOVE the retro USAir livery!

[Crifstar]

It would depend on what your ultimate goal is. I only worked on the big ones, C-141 in Air Force and then off to Pan Am, Piedmont and USAir. Sorry but you say it's not about the money, try to remember that when the bills are coming in and the company thinks you should take another paycut while the CEO takes another million. Learning is up to you and how hard you work, it won't get you more money but you do it for yourself. Good luck.

[tot7tot]

Im coming out of a FAA school here shortly and the biggest decision i have to make is if im going to work on transport category or military birds. any suggestions? me honestly, i think working on the bigger stuff will be fun and get more experience and in depth. its not about the money, i just want to learn systems inside and out and know just as much at tech reps. again, im open for any suggestions, just be a straight shooter.