Canadians working in the US: questions

god9 · Post by **god9** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:03 pm

Just have a few questions as I am curious about the Canadian AME's working in the US.

Does the Canadian AME licence have any value towards American employers?

Or do you need to write for the FAA A&P Technician exam to even have a hope for getting a job?

Whats the pay like for apprentices and fully licenced A&P Technicians with say, 3 yrs experience?

Is the FAA's system anything close to the way TC does things here in Canada?

And a semi off-topic question:

I'm planning to take Con College's AME Tech course next year, then I'm hoping to get a job somewhere in another country for my apprenticeship. I've heard somewhere on the news that Con College was getting phone calls from companies around the world hoping to snatch up new apprentices, or at least the kids with top marks in the program. Is this true?

Thanks,

-Dave

ad81 · Post by **ad81** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:20 pm

Well I don't know much about working in the US. I would like to point out though that AME schools seem to have a hard time filling the seats these days so I would take what you heard on the news with a bit of scepticism. Also if you plan to work overseas for your apprenticeship make sure that someone with a Canadian AME licence signs off the tasks for you if you want any hope of getting a Canadian AME licence.

god9 · Post by **god9** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:16 pm

Thats good advice right there. I suppose staying in Canada to finish my apprenticeship would be wise, and then after earning my AME license, trying to find work elsewhere.

Slawko · Post by **Slawko** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:23 am

When you get your M2 you can always get your A&P License and that way you have a better chance in getting a job there. I went down to Long Island, NY to get mine. I went to http://www.americanairman.com The money isn't that good there anyways I have been looking around. Plus you will need a work Visa

Slawko

god9 · Post by **god9** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:54 am

2 Weeks to get your A&P license?! There has to be some sort of apprenticeship time attached on to there...

If it's got wings · Post by **If it's got wings** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:19 pm

I spoke with the FSDO office in Helena and if you have an AME license in good standing, you present a letter of good standing from T/C a resume outlining your work experience and they give you an authorization to write the A&P exams. Total I was told to allow for 3 days, 1 day to get approval, one for the written and one for the practicle exam. Pay varies widely, though some of the jobs I looked at weren't terribly far off what I get paid here and the income tax is about 10 to 20 % less with health care paid for by the employer.

MCRS · Post by **MCRS** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:54 am

If you goal is to keep working overseas don't go for the A&P and the TC licenses. Most countries now a days require licensing from their own country IE Kenya South Africa, Tanzania, ....... And Yes, you can do your apprenticeship overseas without a Canadian Licensed Engineer. However, you will need to complete six months working under Canadian Licensed Engineer withing the Two years. In the past the A&P was a good license to hold when you worked overseas as the majority of leased Aircraft came from US registry but it is not the case anymore.
As to which license is valued more.... Depends on the operator, There are things you can do under an A&P License you can't do under a Canadian License and Vice Versa. Also I am under the understanding that the TC license is a Higher type then the A&P as far as ICAO Type is concerned anyone know if that is fact or not I haven't had a chance to look it up.
Hope this Helps.
By the way I did my apprenticeship overseas on US registry then came back and did my Canadian registry. Never persued the A&P as Canadian had better inroads with most Third world countries in getting their licenses.
Good luck in your pursuits!
mcrs