Future AME Discouraged

[Ellas]

hello im currently in my first year of collage and i have a few questions regarding the aviation industry. i heard when you become an ame your able to get endorsements/ type courses. is that true? also how do i get on once i finish school?

thank you

[GyvAir]

You sure pick a discouraging thread to post your questions in!
Here are a couple better threads related to your questions to read for a start:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=94776
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=94535
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=87119
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=92196

There is a lot of negativity expressed on this website regarding the industry. Some of it is valid; much of it is overblown or purely situational in nature. In my humble opinion, your experience will end up being exactly of the quality that you make it to be.

[IMTWOTTER]

Don't waste your money on BCIT (worst apprentices 10 yrs and counting) or this industry. If you like aviation, stay out of the industry. The reality is you'll be much happier wondering and imagining what you're missing out on.

It's on the way out... Thank corporate companies and TC. And keep in mind, there is no red seal with this trade, and skills are not transferable when you do realize you have bills to pay and want to get out. (I learned that one 8 yrs too late)

Cheers!!

[BMLtech]

I wanted to pass along the following information, which I found discouraging, but informative. I left the industry in 2013 after 25 years as a M1/M2 license including the last 15+ years at a major airline. I was at the top of the pay scale with multiple type endorsements, etc. I have a friend who is a ticketed heavy duty mechanic. He is relocating to southern Manitoba, and just got a job with Freightliner in Steinbach. His STARTING pay is equal to what I made at the end of my aviation career.

[blackbird_007]

@BMLTech.
Some had told me trucks in Canada never dies even in economic crisis. Drive near the Brampton area and you will see almost 65% of the road traffics are trucks related. Trucks deliver essential day to day supplies whereas airplanes deliver luxury supplies to cities and communities (this is different if you live in Yellowknife). You rarely see cuts in truck fleets but they will try extend the life of trucks by performing more preventive maintenance on the trucks they already had during bad economic times.

Airplanes mechanics got more fame but truck mechanics got more appreciation in reality.

[conehead]

But... but... trucks aren't as cool as aircraft.

[Nightair]

Try never to go or do something already pre disposed on the negative. Things change after two years of school. After 25 years in this business there certainly is one thing apparent and that is "It never Changes". It is a job that has incredible highs and lows. You really need to be able to pick yourself up when knocked down (laid off). Canada is a big place don't focus your opportunities on one city,or one place there are great places to see and there are nice people as well as those that will burn you. Bosses who are great and bosses who wring every drop of sweat and energy from you.
Aviation is a sickness in that it keeps pulling you back but keep going and listen and learn to the people who can teach you the tips and tricks.
This job has payed ( they payed) for me to travel to Australia, Europe, Africa and drink every one of those countries beers. It has led me to the Arctic and taught me not just about planes or helicopters but also about fixing cars, Herman Nelson, washing mashines, plumbing, and most importantly cultures.

[motox415]

Well said!

[Angusnofangus]

I have spent over 35 years in aviation, 10 in the military and 25+ as a tin-basher. There were good times and crap times, but I've always loved the work. And I think that is the crux. Aviation to me hasn't been just a job, but a labour of love. No doubt I could have made more money somewhere else, but I've hated every non-aviation job that I've ever had. I feel that I've been very fortunate to work in a field that I have a passion for. I know lots of guys for whom aviation is just a job, and I feel a little sorry for them. Thanks to aviation I have seen a whole lot more of the world than I would of as ,say, a heavy-duty mechanic. Would have made a pile more money as said heavy-duty mechanic, but money isn't everything. Anyway, that's my two-bits worth.

[helidougg8111]

well, after 15 years in aviation, fixed wing and heli, i can say i have a pretty bleak outlook on the industry.

go get an education and get a real job!

[auto.tat]

Been in aviation for plus twenty years, had a chance to get out twenty years ago was always trying to be optimistic now regretting not switching. Really don't have anything positive to say about being an AME.

I made my choice no one else to blame, the only upside is never been unemployed and that is something I will be ever grateful for.

[superathlete69]

First post here, but I'll give my 2 cents.

I've been working for about 13 years now...m1/m2 lots of time working in the bush on float planes, corporate, airliners and have a few D17.1 welding welding tickets. I've lived and worked overseas in many places. Have a good full time job paying well over 6 figures and do lots of freelance jobs on smaller piston aircraft....Anyways, its not for everybody and I have worked my ass off and overall happy with where I am in the industry. There are great jobs and lots of money to be made if you want to work....or if you are a "union, i'm not doing it because that's not my job type of guy" then maybe aviation is not the place to be. But if I could go back and do things over, I probably would go in to mining, oil and gas, heavy equipment mech...something along those lines.

[inspectionsthatwork]

Don't be discouraged too much.
If you are just getting started you are still in a good position to find work at some point. But be prepared to work at a wage you won't like. You will fresh meat and right now costly contractors like me are a bitter pill to swallow for the businesses. So you might be employed before me. No one has money but experience and skills cost money.
Go and get your education at least. No one will promise you to make more than a car mechanic, however. 40.00 per hour for a full-time guy (after 10 years) are top wages and that just is no longer adequate either when you see what you could have bought 10 years ago for that wage. Those 40.00 should be 50.
The good news is that everyone here is in the same boat and no matter where or what you want to learn, its all the same.

Welcome to reality.
John

[inspectionsthatwork]

Don't be discouraged too much.
If you are just getting started you are still in a good position to find work at some point. But be prepared to work at a wage you won't like. You will be fresh meat and you better don't complain either.
Go and get your education at least. No one will promise you to make more than a car mechanic, however. 40.00 per hour for a full-time guy (after 10 years) are top wages and that just is no longer adequate either when you see what you could have bought 10 years ago for that wage. Those 40.00 should be 50.
The good news is that everyone here is in the same boat and no matter where or what you want to learn, its all the same.

Welcome to reality.
John

[PitchLink]

Thread still going ten years later, is OP in it? Did it and got out? Or had enough brains to turn and run! Lol been in it myself 16 years all helicopters all over North America field and overhaul maintenance. Lots of great memories and worked my ass off to gain the skills and training / Type Certs I do have. But it comes at a huge sacrifice of away from home, less pay than deserved for the responsibility and working for some of the most vicious human beings to walk the face of the earth. In hind sight I was too optimistic and didn’t listen to people like the ones in this forum. Now two long term relationships destroyed as well as several others, missed graduations marriages funerals and births, I have some serious regrets. The TRADE itself is an awesome one, I do love it, and that’s the only good thing about it. The variety, skill and everyday challenge tha make ames as amazing as they are is what’s kept me around.... but Canada’s INDUSTRY..... is its own worst enemy, it’s so bad it’s sub third world these days.The survivors in it, and advance quickly are usually washouts and will work for nothing just to prove something and operators know it, and capitalize on it. My AME buddy 15 years my Sr. Is right, the toilet was flushed in 2008 and now it SUCKS THE BIG ONE! This virus/pandemic hopefully will reset things globally and flush the companies floating around that deserve it... ... .... I’m already seeing the aircraft being frantically sold off by many of said crappy companies....

[PitchLink]

Flying wing, it sounds like you have a good job that you like. I may sound like a crusty old man (38 years in the maintenance game) but I have to agree that after some time in you will realize that there are better gigs out there.

Wait until you start getting pressure to sign the release on some aircrat because passengers are waiting, it is too expensive to fix it right now, egomaniacs who did the job for a few months, who are now your boss, now think they know enough to direct you and give you orders, even though they contravene the CARS, standard practices, safety standards, etc.

I guess you have not experienced the style of management where daily explosive rages are SOP, when your boss sticks his face inches from yours, screaming at the top of his voice, heis still unable to motivate his workforce, and all in front of your crew when you are the crew chief?

The shift work, the missed stat holidays, the working outside in all extemes of weather, no summer vacations for the first 20 years of your career when your family is young, all takes it's toll.

The industry is all about three things now, money, money, and money. Less for you, more for the executives.

I am out of the game now and am so glad I never caused any damage or deaths (passenger or manager). The stress and responsibility just gets to you after a while.

I just wish I had become a hair dresser, they can't outsourse that to Central America......

Wow reading that was depressing...

And unfortunately it’s the same story across the board in this industry. Except for some of the sick individuals out there working for peanuts and just grateful just to be in the industry. They are the problem and companies pray on them... that sets the bar so high for anyone else just wanting to make a livable wage and have some kind of a schedule...

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Wow I read that front to back, I was going to add my thoughts but woah. The majority wins and I’ll second every single one that warns against it. Don’t think that kid got into it after reading that LOL

[littleboyblue]

Well, been in aviation 33 years and I have nothing to complain about. Done everything from apprentice shit jobs to teaching to full management positions. Are there assholes? Of course there are just like any industry. Are there shit companies? Of course, AC Leading the way imo.

I've been kicked around, taken advantage of, bullied, harassed and fired but have always come back stronger and never looked back or dwelled on the past...and never ever have I let my integrity be compromised.

I've even been kicked off of this forum for being fully supportive of the industry and not backing down from anything or anyone telling me that my job, my knowledge or my industry is shit. I've got no time for haters and complainers. If you don't like what you are doing then get out but don't bloody complain about it, just freak'n move on cause shit has to get done.

Currently I contract and have for the past 2 years and let me tell you I've never been compensated more or been appreciated more for my knowledge and experience. Even through this whole Covid thing I've managed to stay on contract and I love it. Hoping to retire soon (in my 50's) and going out with a bang making as much as I possibly can until the end when I can enjoy my sport touring and adventure bikes, my quad, my sled, my boat and my RV...all paid for by this industry.

I am a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category E and proud of it!

[PitchLink]

Well, been in aviation 33 years and I have nothing to complain about. Done everything from apprentice shit jobs to teaching to full management positions. Are there assholes? Of course there are just like any industry. Are there shit companies? Of course, AC Leading the way imo.

I've been kicked around, taken advantage of, bullied, harassed and fired but have always come back stronger and never looked back or dwelled on the past...and never ever have I let my integrity be compromised.

I've even been kicked off of this forum for being fully supportive of the industry and not backing down from anything or anyone telling me that my job, my knowledge or my industry is shit. I've got no time for haters and complainers. If you don't like what you are doing then get out but don't bloody complain about it, just freak'n move on cause shit has to get done.

Currently I contract and have for the past 2 years and let me tell you I've never been compensated more or been appreciated more for my knowledge and experience. Even through this whole Covid thing I've managed to stay on contract and I love it. Hoping to retire soon (in my 50's) and going out with a bang making as much as I possibly can until the end when I can enjoy my sport touring and adventure bikes, my quad, my sled, my boat and my RV...all paid for by this industry.

I am a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category E and proud of it!

Well littleboyblue I’ve been contracting for well over 10 years and I agree, it’s better but most heli ames with any sense at all go that way. As for the complaints about the industry, they are valid, being treated the way you did (as many have) and also standing up for what you call “my industry” (it’s not just yours) is more worrisome than anything I’ve read lately. There is nothing wrong from what’s posted on her a want for fair treatment and some governing work standards like almost any and every other profession. Bout the only thing I agree with is your opinion of AC. This trade is awesome but Canada’s industry sucks the big one!

[littleboyblue]

not asking anyone's approval. don't care what you agree with. and of course I don't mean "my industry" as mine alone. duh!
it's just what it is for me.

airlines treat you like a number as many large companies do no matter what industry.
anytime I've been unhappy I've just moved on trusting myself to come up with something else that works for me.
I've been treated best by the ma and pa shops but they are always surviving week to week trying to make a go of it collecting bad debts from scummy aircraft owners who can't really afford to have one and think that all the shops are crooks.
I've been treated the worst by government job management and unions. I don't recommend them to anyone no matter what the pension or benefits are like. unions and their dues is outright fraud and theft in my opinion.

having fun working hard was ingrained in me as a youngster and I really don't care how hard I have to work to put food on my table as long as I'm happy doing it. it's 40 - 50 years of my life so if I'm not happy doing it I have only myself to blame. it's a free country I live in.