Considering AME

[Cleric]

Hello, I'm interested in becoming an AME. I was accepted to the AME program (along with Information Technology) at NSCC (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia). Tuition is ~$12 500 per year (2 years and seems steep compared to other schools). I'm very interested in the program (leaning towards helicopters) and I've worked the last 4 years as a vehicle tech in the army reserves, and also did a year of engineering at Cape Breton University. However I'm having a few doubts now (especially after reading these forums lol)...Money isnt a big issue, however I'd like to be making more than $20 after the 4 year apprenticeship. Also I would prefer to work a mon-fri job during the day in a shop. I do not want to work nights, shifts or have to travel around..is this possible/guaranteed, or would I be expected to?

Hopefully with some help from my father (he's an engineer for General Dynamics and has worked for L3) I could get a job with L3 in either Montreal, Trenton or Shearwater (not sure where it is yet) on the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter...assuming they will do apprentice training...if not I would have to wait for that. I also do not want to move around, I would prefer to start and retire with 1 company/location (but that will probably never happen).

I love mechanics, loved working full time on contracts in the reserves (whenever I don't have to put up with the army BS), but I don't want to be in the Military, and I dont want to be a civi automotive mechanic, cause its mostly commission work and trying to scam people...and its hard to get a job when you're not in that position. I've always liked planes/helicopters but have never really worked on them, plus my father has been in the business for 20+ years.

Is it what I think/hope it will be? or is it going to be worse...I've seen some things on these forums not recommending to go into the AME field, and consider other trades and stuff like that....makes me worry....My second choice is IT...it's an office job that I think I will get bored of after a few years, but the pay is good .

[conehead]

Go with I.T.

[Riverat]

I spent two years in the industry and then decided to go back to school. I am studying geological engineering in university now. There will be no right or wrong answer to whether you should become an ame or not. I will offer you my opinions. If your pop can guarantee you a job with L3. Then find out exactly what it would be like to work there. The industry is very diverse and many possibilities exist. I think there is money to be made with contracting or upper management. Many complain about wages and I think rightfully so. Really think about the working environment too. Cement hangar floors, tight spaces, chemicals, oil, grease, all detrimental to your health. I would rather use up my physical energy on my own time. Riding bikes, playing sports, etc. I think it is best to find a job the employs your mind rather then your hands. Not that maintenance isn't mentally challenging, because it very well is. Why don't you consider aeronautical engineering? Or if it is the wrenching you like, then wrench on stuff at home, it is much more relaxing and enjoyable. No pressure, just enjoying yourself. Get a project maybe, restore an old car or motorcycle. Maybe build an ultra light. What ever...
And yeah 12500 a year that way to much, sait is like 5000g a year. I think it is a decent school.
hope this helps

[Strega]

Becomw a millwright,, more money, and resect!

[SeptRepair]

Glad to see your interested in Aviation. From my experience, helicopters pay better than fixed wing, especially in Heli logging and offshore oil support. If at all, avoid the general aviation part if you expect to make a decent standard of living.

[Firebird]

Sorry, this is definately not the occupation for you. The job is 24/7 anytime, anywhere and who pays the most.

[bombardierfixer]

I have to agree with the other guys. Aviation is a calling or a (disease). It takes a certian type of person to do it, its a job where you work a 20hr shift the day before and show up for work on time the next day. You don't do it to get rich, although the money is there, you do it to see that piece of machinery break the bonds of gravity and fly away. It's working as a team and pulling together, if your not gonna be one of the guys pitching in then...Oh and SAIT is a helluva lot more than 5g's a year now it was 8000 when I went there. Only problem with sait is that the apprentices coming out of there don't know how to be apprentices, they kinda come out with a bit of a attitude.

[Live_Forever]

Not to show any attitude, but it'll cost roughly between $4800-$5200 (tuition with books) for your first year, and the same for the second year. I finish my 2 year SAIT program in less than 2 months.

[tellyourkidstogetarealjob]

I would prefer to work a mon-fri job during the day in a shop. I do not want to work nights, shifts or have to travel around..is this possible/guaranteed...?

It's possible, but very unlikely.

I would prefer to start and retire with 1 company/location (but that will probably never happen).

Good assumption. You're already too smart for this job.

My second choice is IT...it's an office job that I think I will get bored of after a few years, but the pay is good .

Maybe, but the novelty of working outside can wear off, too. Especially after you pass 40.
All jobs get boring eventually. The pay is what counts so you can find other fun when you aren't at work.

Go with I.T.

[conehead]

Go with I.T.

Agreed.

[binny45]

Ugh, did I.T. for 16 years and if you think the AME is a thankless job, just try and be an IT tech.

I'm currently working on coverting from a Military Avionics tech to an AME-E apprentice (just finished my apprentice schooling just August past) and I find you get a LOT more respect than I ever did as an IT Tech. Also, if you think in IT that you won't get calls at all hours, think again. If the server goes down or the boss can't access his/her email, guess who's coming to work?

There are good IT jobs out there, just like there are good Aircraft Maint jobs out there, but you do have to dig for them.

[Pat Richard]

If the server goes down or the boss can't access his/her email, guess who's coming to work?

you're saying that the boss is at work graveyards/weekends/holidays?? Maybe in aviation, but even that's a stretch. maybe you mean "If the server goes down or the boss can't access his/her email during the day, when Im trying to sleep, guess who's coming to work?"

[Notch]

As if the replies havent scared you off yet. Most of the more experienced guys I've worked with so far in the industry have more or less told me to get out while I still can, go back to university and so on. Come to think of it I think I've only met 1 AME with more than 4-5 years experience that truly likes his job. Many others that try and convince themselves they do. With the odds I've seen so far you'll probably wish that youd stuck to auto tech stuff.

[b1ngnx33]

If I got the career I wanted in 1999, I wouldn't be an AME apprentice.

With my limited exp. so far, I'm not staying.

Get more education, then leave.

I hate buying safety equipment the company SHOULD be paying for.

Don't tell me to go to the boss. Not even the boss gives a damn.

If the company didn't buy cleaning chemicals, I wouldn't even try to clean the planes.

Apparently looking clean is better than safety equipment for employees. Nice set of priorities.

If you don't have to be an AME, don't.

No respect, no values, nothing of any worth.

I like planes. I don't like being told to do a good job with shitty tools.

In the end, find a better paying job, with NO MEK.

Good luck.

[iflyforpie]

Not every company is like the one b1ngnx33 works for.

Every company I've worked for has provided safety equipment, most have provided coveralls, and all of them have provided the use of heavy and specialized tools and the one I am at now even basic tools.

The respect you get or don't get is based on your perspective. Yes you have to get dirty and work crazy hours, and there's always someone who wants to cut corners and compromise safety (one thing IT doesn't have to worry about).

But for being in aviation and having a relatively low skill level (sorry, I had to study way harder and use my mind much more to be a pilot than an AME) it's a pretty good job. Took two years of school (cost covered by a government grant) and was making $42,000/yr plus benefits five years ago...as an apprentice!

It pays way more up front than flying (more money now is always better than more money later) and even small companies have health benefits and retirement plans. While it isn't as well paying as being in IT, the work is much more fun (hmm... doing a gear swing or designing a program to track toilet paper usage).

The iflyforpie secret to success is to pick a career that you love, not one that pays the most. If it is just about money you will drag your ass to work every day for the rest of your life. I know senior airline captains making over $300K/yr who absolutely hate every minute they are at their job.

I'm getting paid (not a lot, but enough) to do both of my hobbies (flying and fixing airplanes) in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. And I get to run the shop my way and I can somewhat make my own hours after only 8 years in the industry. I touch varsol maybe once a month and MEK never.

Ultimately you have to decide. Some guys like IT. If steady hours are important to you being an AME might not be the best choice (although I've had a few Mon-Fri days only AME jobs). Definitely don't expect steady hours or being home every night if you go into rotary.

Cheers!