Fanshawe Program

[Boeing boy]

I just found out about the Aircraft Structural Repair Technician program at Fanshawe College in London (1-year program) which was introduced there this year. Please click on the link:

http://www.fanshawec.ca/EN/4067/default.asp

Is it a good thing to have on the resume when applying for a pilot job at an airline in the future. Once you're done the program, you can work as a mechanic and earn $$$ for flight training as well

What do you guys think?? Also, if there is anyone here that knows more about this program, please share.

[jsmetalbashers]

If you want to be a pilot, go train to be a pilot. Doing a Structures course is not going to benefit you one iota. If you want to take a course to possibly help you in making it as a pilot, take the maintenance course (AME M). Otherwise don't waste your time and money. I recommend that you do your pilot training and then work your butt off at trying to make a go of that. Start while your young and making a pile of money or supporting a family isn't your priority yet. Good Luck!

[Boeing boy]

Thanks for your response. I heard that airlines actually show preference to those with some post-secondary education in any discipline. I can't move out of London now due to family reasons, so i can't go to Seneca or Confederation. By taking the program i could have that post-secondary education, plus I could work to get enough money to join a local flight school or flying club. What do you think?

[SeptRepair]

Like JSmetalbashers said.

[b1ngnx33]

I want to be a real smart ass and say a lot of things.

But this isn't in the right forum for that.

The things I could say...

[123dash]

Bad idea.concentrate on being a pilot.Structure program USELESS to you

[jsmetalbashers]

I think the post secondary education they are referring to is either a degree or diploma program from a college flying program. Usually the degree would be in something like Business Administration or the Sciences, I don't think a one year Structures program is the ticket.

[Boeing boy]

I understand what you all are saying. But, is it not a good idea to also have something to fall back upon..and this would also involve working with airplanes. I was initially going to go to university for a 4 yr geography degree.. but thats way too long.. so I'm thinking this college thing wouldn't be too bad. And, I'd need $$$$ to go to flight school. After graduating, I can find a job..and accumulate money for flight school. Do you guys understand what I'm saying? I just don't have the option of going to Seneca or confederation (where you can take out a student loan to pay for it). When you go to flight school, you can't talk to OSAP.

[Canrotor]

I'm in the Fanshawe structures program you are asking about.If you are interested in working on planes contact the program administrator and schedule a tour to see what it is all about.So far the instructors have been great and we are being told there is lots of work available when the program is over.
I can also tell you it is a fairly intensive program running from 8 am to 5 pm four days a week...lots of math and calculations as well...be up to date on your math skills...! Class size is larger than most,started at 40 students and we are now down to 38 already.A 70 % average in "ALL" courses must be maintained to progress to next semester.This program has been running for several years in Sault ST. Marie at Sault college and was just moved to London in January.Most students in the first intake this year are employed in the industry....we are constantly being told there is a shortage in this trade.
This course is more expensive than most as well...approx $3800 plus another $200 for books...it is turning out to be a popular program at Fanshawe,there was a waiting list to get in.

[jsmetalbashers]

Not surprising that the school is spreading the usual propaganda, about the shortage in the industry. I wonder where all the last class got hired.
Anyways I can't talk I've been bashing rivets for a long time now and it pays the bills. If your interested in airplanes fill yer boots.

[Plane Doctor]

Well you well on your way to being a pilot. How many people told you not for you? But you wont listen. Go ahead and wait for someone to say thats a great idea and go with that. In fact run with it. OMG and poeple wonder why maint doesnt get along with pylons?

[Boeing boy]

I'm in the Fanshawe structures program you are asking about.If you are interested in working on planes contact the program administrator and schedule a tour to see what it is all about.So far the instructors have been great and we are being told there is lots of work available when the program is over.
I can also tell you it is a fairly intensive program running from 8 am to 5 pm four days a week...lots of math and calculations as well...be up to date on your math skills...! Class size is larger than most,started at 40 students and we are now down to 38 already.A 70 % average in "ALL" courses must be maintained to progress to next semester.This program has been running for several years in Sault ST. Marie at Sault college and was just moved to London in January.Most students in the first intake this year are employed in the industry....we are constantly being told there is a shortage in this trade.
This course is more expensive than most as well...approx $3800 plus another $200 for books...it is turning out to be a popular program at Fanshawe,there was a waiting list to get in.

Canrotor, it's great to know that someone from the forum is in the program. How is it going there for you? Is it hard? I'm still trying to decide whether to go for a university degree or take that program at Fanshawe, so I'm trying to gather as much information as I can.

Thanks

[SeptRepair]

Just remember structures is a 90 % hands on trade with the majority of it learned on the shop floor. Yes they will teach you lots of math and get you to understand K factors and bend allowances and such. But in the real world I have yet to ever use a K factor and all the "higher" math they teach you. Go ahead, take the course, take a valuable seat up from someone who really wants to be a structures guy. But by trying to use a structures program as a resume topper your not doing yourself any favours.

PS Yes there is a shortage. A shortage of GOOD qualified EXPERIENCED S licensed guys. There isnt a shortage of 20 something kids with 2 years under there belt running around filling voids. To be a good sheetmetal guy you need to put the time in and learn the trade.

[Boeing boy]

Just remember structures is a 90 % hands on trade with the majority of it learned on the shop floor. Yes they will teach you lots of math and get you to understand K factors and bend allowances and such. But in the real world I have yet to ever use a K factor and all the "higher" math they teach you. Go ahead, take the course, take a valuable seat up from someone who really wants to be a structures guy. But by trying to use a structures program as a resume topper your not doing yourself any favours.

PS Yes there is a shortage. A shortage of GOOD qualified EXPERIENCED S licensed guys. There isnt a shortage of 20 something kids with 2 years under there belt running around filling voids. To be a good sheetmetal guy you need to put the time in and learn the trade.

Wow. I think you're right... I was really happy that there was an aviation program in my home town that I didn't really think about it the way you explained. I think you just made me switch back to the university option and get a degree instead.

[NeverBlue]

BB,
If that's the way you're making your descision then go to university. This industry is screaming for skilled people who love aviation...not those looking for something to fill the time

Metalbasher...it's not the schools that spread this "propaganda"...it's the industry...and it's true. Have you ever been to any industry information seminars or conferences or do you just wait for the end of the day and go home??

Septrepair...There is a shortage of experienced people but why do you think this has happened?? maybe because experienced licensed people are unwilling to help and encourage those 20 somethings with 2 years their belts and post such negative comments on these blogs.
If you don't use these formulas and calculations you learned in school it's because you probably don't know how or where to apply them or even realize you are applying them.

...Avionics Technicians learn ohms law and reactance formulas all through there schooling and don't even realize that their using these skills everyday in their troubleshooting without actually doing any calculations.

BB if you can't move because of family reasons then aviation is definately not for you...that's a no brainer.

I'm constantly hearing from apprentices that say they can't get a job but when asked where they've looked the answer is usually the same..."I don't want to move"

In my experience any pilot that has any kind of maintenance experience is an asset to the company he/she is working for.

FYI the general concensus in aviation regarding the different skills is as follows:

Pilots - arrogant, pig headed, full of themselves, slow, proud

M License holders - arrogant, full of themselves, all powerfull, have E & S license by default( ), can do anything

E License holders- weird, quiet, geeky, smart, uncoordinated, have greasy hair thick glasses and body odour

S License holders- bullet heads, dirty, loud, simple, a man's man(women's man), and usually missing part of or a whole body part

You decide for yourself which is best for you

[Boeing boy]

NeverBlue,

I just don't want to move while I'm in training (university and flight school) for reasons other than family. It will reduce residence and living expenses exponentially, that's for sure. But when I have my education, licences and ratings I'm willing to move anywhere in the country to fly. I know deep down aviation is definetely for me, and everyone I know would tell you the same.

Thanks

[Canrotor]

BB,

The class has no shortage of homework everyday with extra reading to be done as well...usually one test per week.
The class is comprised of several "20 somethings" and several "40 something second career" people and a few that are just along for the ride until Christmas break when their bad marks and bad attendance get them kicked out.....remember the "70 %"...!
Call the college for a tour or talk to local shops about the trade before you commit to the application process....

and also remember "MATH,MATH,MATH"

[BibleMonkey]

Thanks for your response. I heard that airlines actually show preference to those with some post-secondary education in any discipline. I can't move out of London now due to family reasons, so i can't go to Seneca or Confederation. By taking the program i could have that post-secondary education, plus I could work to get enough money to join a local flight school or flying club. What do you think?

If you can't move and want a degree, get a BA, BCom, or B Science from an accredited Distance education University, like this one

http://www2.athabascau.ca/aboutau/distanceeducation.php
http://www2.athabascau.ca/aboutau/accreditation.php

http://www2.athabascau.ca/programs/undergraduate.php

and not that "Phoenix University " or similar. Take one course, and work your day job. Study at least one hour every night -one hour isn't very long-but be consistent .

Study forty minutes, review for five, walk away for ten minutes do something else , come back and review for five minutes. Now you're done studying for the night and put info out of your short term memory into long term.

Finish one course. Then take two courses at the same time. Then take three courses at the same time. Then take four courses at the same time.

Now you almost have a BSc. Save your money from your day job . In twelve months -or 18, go get a private pilots licence. Finish your BSc.
Get a job from your Bsc. or BComm.
Rent a Cessna 172 and fly it on the weekends. Decide if you want to further your flying qualifications.

Now you're in a better boat; you are good at studying, and good at saving money, after three or four years of doing both, have or almost have a B.Sc and can fly airplanes.

If the Chairman of the Board of Air Canada phones you up to offer you a job at any point in this schedule-then and only then alter this plan.

If you want to work with your hands instead-become a plumber/pipefitter -who rents a cessna 172 on the weekends ( when his boat is in the marina getting serviced ).


Tomorrow-advice about girls-" Why you should ask them if they liked their Dad or not, before springing for the second drink. "

What?
( I got a B A in Psychology from Athabasca University.
At night,...one hour at a time.)
(:

[DanJ]

UWO has been doing a course with what was known as Empire Aviation (can't remember what they are called now, but they are the school at the corner of Crumlin and Blair with the UWO logo on the planes) for years. It was Administrative and Commercial Studies combined with a pilot program. Off the top of my head, I think you graduate after 4 years with the degree and a commercial license. This sounds more like what you are after, even though it doesn't satisfy the "want it now" you seem to have.

Since you don't want to move until you can get a flying job, have you looked into what kind of work there is locally after taking the Fanshawe course? It would be a shame to spend 4 grand and a year to find out you are no closer to your goal, assuming you can get into that course anyway.

[Boeing boy]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm most likely going to go for a degree at UWO. I was so surprised that so many of you were against the Fanshawe option.

BB

[DanJ]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm most likely going to go for a degree at UWO. I was so surprised that so many of you were against the Fanshawe option.

BB

It's not that everyone is against the Fanshawe option. It's just not something needed for you to pursue your ultimate goal. It's like saying you want to be a lawyer, so you go for your real estate license first because there's a page on real estate law in the course, and you can sell houses to pay for law school later. The Fanshawe course is a great option for somebody wanting to go in that field, but is only tangentially related to what you want to do. You probably didn't take an autobody course at school before getting your drivers license, and if you did, it likely wouldn't help you get a driving job.

Best of luck to you though, whichever way you choose to go. I wish I had followed my dreams back then.