AME's who left the field, what did you do??

Fox 3 · Post by **Fox 3** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 4:51 pm

Hi everyone.
Seems to me more and more people are getting out of aviation, and it's almost always the AME's. I was just curious as to where you went and why, and maybe even some suggestions for down the road.
Thanks

~FOX~

737 Mech · Post by **737 Mech** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:10 pm

I have got 3 friends that fix forklifts now...$24 bucks an hour

aero-singidunum · Post by **aero-singidunum** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:34 pm

Buddy of mine works for Toyota $35.00/hr....inside, training, benefits, pension, car discount.........

jsmetalbashers · Post by **jsmetalbashers** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 4:20 pm

Is he a car mech. making 35/hr?

aero-singidunum · Post by **aero-singidunum** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 8:26 pm

chubbee · Post by **chubbee** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 3:45 pm

I know people who left AME ing to work for EA games doing software, skytrain maintenance, CN rail, yachting electronics install/maintenance and etc.. all had better hours, working conditions and more respect from their employer, most had equal or better money and benefits/pension.

crazybushman · Post by **crazybushman** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 7:41 pm

That's the sad truth of aviation boys. You really have to love planes to stay in it, I for one don't......

There's a bit more money by going back to being a heavy duty mechanic apprentice (you only need 2 years to be licensed again) and the potential for making more is definately there. Very little responsability in terms of peoples lives not being at risk and more money. hmmmm

You could get into the oil industry, I'm presently flipping houses to suppliment my income. There are some positive aspects to aviation though, like not getting too dirty, not having a vehicle dripping mud and water in your eyes while trying to get the rusty bolts undone while being payed flat rate.......

Cheers!
Bushman

goldeneagle_53 · Post by **goldeneagle_53** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:07 pm

I'd like to figure that out as well. Good education, the willingness to work for your boss until the plane is fixed, stand-by on your days off, taking more trainning, etc. But all those things are not extra, they are expected by your boss and as such you are not extra compensated for it. All of it for the pure love for planes. We are (at least not me) not always in it for the money but for someone who wants to give extra one should receive extra. If you fix cars at Canadian tires past the closing time of the store you would be told off. if you say that your priority as an AME is your family you would be told that you have an attitude problem. If you are asking for more money you will be told that you already get industry standard pay (!!!!!!!). No what! You are an AME and want to work as an AME. Four + years of training to get a license and than you realize that there are no more carrots and you also wonder why you never went out to become a plumber instead, with nice hours, decent pay, and likely some positive attention from your wife. Heck, do I have an attitude problem? Or is there somebody else out there who can rationalize better than I do. Opinions?

Fox 3 · Post by **Fox 3** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:53 pm

Well you are not alone. Most people are on a quest and don't even know it. The quest is to find the right job...one where you get respect, the boss is a nice guy and understands family life is important, and where you have a life outside the hanger. I for one can say that I have found that job. Sometimes I get down and think the grass is greener somewhere else...but it doesn't take long for me to realize I am wrong. And I know you might be thinking that I'm maybe new at the job and I'm still in the "honeymoon" stage. Well I have been there for 2 years now and it is still great. It is no surprise to anyone that the money isn't amazing, there are numerous threads on the subject, but the fact is it is never too late to go do something else. You likely have way more years ahead of you then behind you, so if your not happy then find something else. The trick for me was to find a place where it feels like my company, where I don't feel like just another worker bee. When you find a place like that, the "extras" don't feel like extras and you feel good about being a part of the team, getting called in doesn't make you think about how shitty it is, it's just no big deal. Now, you are prbably wondering why I started this post when I'm so happy at the place I work. Well the answer to that is I always like to have a five, ten and fifteen year plan. I constantly do self evaluations to make sure my life is going where I want it to and I'm on the right track. Not sure if this helps you any, but it sure helps me. I don't honestly expect to retire from aviation at age 55...I imagine I'll do this until it gets old, and then go do something else...question is when.

FOX

N2 · Post by N2 » Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:31 am

With regards to the auto sector here's something that will make you puke.

I know a guy who works for Honda on the assembly line and last year his T4 was for ....93k ..friggen ridiculous considering he has no post secondary education...just a line worker. Oh yeah the benefits are unreal also.

conehead · Post by **conehead** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:25 pm

I find that hard to believe, because my brother also works on the line at Honda. I know for sure he made nowhere near what you say your buddy made.

N2 · Post by N2 » Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:50 pm

I saw his T4 to prove it! I thought he was full of shit too but he soon proved me wrong, he is some sort of team leader. He also works on shutdowns etc lots of OT. Conehead I hate to tell your brother but he must be low man on the pole (or takes alot of time off) because this guy had to submit a finacial statement to the courts regarding a child custody battle and that is a fact. 93K no error sorry buddy!

If you don't believe me that is fine but I also know lots of GM workers close to the 100k mark also. Doesn't matter to me what you believe and what you don't I worked for GM many moons ago and you have to be a total mush brain to work the assembly line.

PITA · Post by **PITA** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:48 am

Oh Yeah believe the 100K for auto workers. However to make that kind of money the individuals are working alot of overtime. Trades such as electricins, plumbers, machinests etc...would make more.

As a plus the guys and gals on the floor have the pricely sum af a lunch bucket invested.

Down side - Factory shift work for most and in these times may be a chance of lay-offs.

cheers

IWantA206 · Post by **IWantA206** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 5:43 am

(you only need 2 years to be licensed again)

You no longer need 4 years for an AME license?

deeker · Post by **deeker** » Wed May 03, 2006 12:44 pm

"Hi everyone.
Seems to me more and more people are getting out of aviation, and it's almost always the AME's. I was just curious as to where you went and why, and maybe even some suggestions for down the road.
Thanks

~FOX~"

Andrew, is that you??

Wonderdog · Post by **Wonderdog** » Sat May 06, 2006 5:01 pm

Building and maintaining mineral exploration camps. Fresh air

conehead · Post by **conehead** » Tue May 09, 2006 7:05 am

N2 wrote:93K no error sorry buddy!.

N2; ok, I'll take your word for it. My brother is a loser anyway.

tiny · Post by **tiny** » Mon May 15, 2006 3:24 pm

Aviation is an addiction... but I don't think I want to kick this habit