An apprentice without own tools?

350TT · Post by **350TT** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 1:57 pm

My background in maintenance is on an Air Force helicopter and I will hopefully get to work on the Twotter too. I am looking at possibly getting my AME licence conversion which requires me to work with a civilian employer for a number of months.

Since the Air Force was the only maintenance world I knew I am foreign to the concept of owning your own tools. Are there companies out there that will hire apprentices without their own tools ? I'm guessing it would be the large companies. Do all apprentices need their own tools up North ?

I should state that my passion is flying and I hope to find out more about fixing/flying options.

Cheers,
350TT

2024 · Post by **2024** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 8:19 pm

good luck! an ame without tools is like a pilot without a plane.your also not going to like the changes in the way things are done in "the real world" if a aircraft is broke, you can't park it and say that you need parts, you have to fix it! good luck in your adventures!!

planeguy · Post by **planeguy** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 9:09 am

i agree with the first part, with the pilot w/o a plane part... couldn't be put any betterer... but just be careful with the fixing airplane rather than waiting for parts... it can work some places you're employed, but can get you fired some other places... i've learned that there's a big difference between the north and the south... what can pass up north, can get you fired, your license suspended and possibly even jail time for accidental murder down south... so just use good judgement... airplanes don't have to fly if they're not ready to...

Nightshiftzombie · Post by **Nightshiftzombie** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:35 pm

Yeah every company is a little different in regards to grounding the A/C. At least if you do your apprenticship with them you should get a vibe for how they operate before you got to start making decisions. As for owning your tools, I've never heard of any company that provides all of them. Some places do seem to carry a lot more "shop" tools then others. I have seen places where you had to own your own Torque Wrenches, Mag Timer and and sheet metal stuff. On the other hand I've worked places with everything from electric drills, multi meters and soldering Irons.
I would suggest just getting wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers and then getting whatever else you need once your working.

Theman · Post by **Theman** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:47 am

Hey. . .hey. . .hey!!!

I don't know what part of the North you worked plane guy but where I am if its broke you got to fix it legitimately. True, parts may take longer to get up here but you know what, lives have no price attached.

I would definitely ground an aircraft if it's a safety issue, I can always get another job - but as a licensed AME I would not sign out an aircraft with a defect, unless it could be deferred of course.

I do agree with "... airplanes don't have to fly if they're not ready to..."

Now I'm off my rant. . .350TT , yes get your own basic tools, build as you go.

Cheers

apprentoid · Post by **apprentoid** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 10:04 pm

I have not seen any companies in the north that provide you with tools. If you find one let me no. Good luck with that ahhah
You can't fix nothing without your tools in the north ahah

ramp_rat · Post by **ramp_rat** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 6:56 pm

350TT, you must be a spoiled brat at the Air Force!! At least get your own basic tools on the first day and build it along the way!!

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 1:56 pm

Why are you people commenting on a year-old thread, talking to someone that probably isn't even reading the board any more?

ramp_rat · Post by **ramp_rat** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:38 pm

This is funny!! I didnt even realize how old this conversation is!!