Ok, I'll try and make this as clear and to the point as possible.

I'm a recent grad of an AME program, my goals and aspirations are to work in heavy maintenance, opposed to line or overhaul as I was informed by transport that the likelihood of completing the required tasks for my AME-M Application would be done a lot quicker.

With that being said, as the old saying goes, "beggars can't be choosers;" the opportunity for what I require doesn't seem to be available now. So am I being too eager ? Will I lose my employ-ability with prospect employers, the longer I wait for something that I'm looking for?

For those who have taken the road of a career path in "Shop Certifying Authority Technician" - were you able to log many tasks for your AME-M license application, or this type of work doesn't really compliment my goals in working towards that?

On a side note..

I graduated in April 2013, and most of my classmates have already landed jobs! Is my methods of a well proposed cover-letter and supreme resume outdated? Is "send us your resume and cover letter" code for come here in person ? I know companies dislike when we show up in person, unannounced! which is why I haven't gone that route; Doesn't mean I'm not eager, I am! Just I have sided with the method of email communications.

With a little luck, I guess, what were some of your success stories in landing your first jobs as an apprentice AME; way back when ?

Thanks in advance, who may respond.

Please explain to us your definition of heavy maint as compared to overhaul?

longjon wrote:Please explain to us your definition of heavy maint as compared to overhaul?

Heavy maintenance i.e: C and D checks.
Overhaul: Engine dismantling, inspection, and re-assembly (no real ATA code for overhaul) "can only log this task as so much experience" towards M-certifying exam.

my goals and aspirations are to work in heavy maintenance, opposed to line or overhaul as I was informed by transport that the likelihood of completing the required tasks for my AME-M Application would be done a lot quicker.

Look for the position that will still have you look forward to coming in to work 10 years from now, as opposed to the one that will fill your log book sooner.

Do you have any idea what heavy maint entails. You remove flight controls land gear etc and re bush them, the sheet metal guys hammer away all day so you need ear defenders on all shift, .I did heavy for a few yrs and it was one of the worst jobs Ive had in aviation. My observations were that you could take people off the street to do most of the tasks, or kids from school, only 1 or 2 do signing so no need for licenced people,
Get on with a 3rd tier carrier, you do all the checks and daily running snags, you do engine changes, hot sections, everything,

helicopterray wrote:

my goals and aspirations are to work in heavy maintenance, opposed to line or overhaul as I was informed by transport that the likelihood of completing the required tasks for my AME-M Application would be done a lot quicker.

Look for the position that will still have you look forward to coming in to work 10 years from now, as opposed to the one that will fill your log book sooner.

Of course everything aviation excites me, which is why I pursued this career (time/money) in the first place.
I thought going through an aviation program is all about getting your M license in the end.

I am an apprentice AME, so I really can't tell you what entices me the most, as I don't have a lot of experience in these sectors (line, overhaul, heavy, etc.). Though an educated career move would be to go into something that will keep me on my toes and challenged every day; Heavy maintenance. Not necessarily M2, M1 even ! I'm so flexible and open (green) that I'd work on anything "heavy maintenance" just to get in the door, if given the chance! It's just that, some companies aren't green "apprentice-friendly," I'm finding...

longjon wrote:Do you have any idea what heavy maint entails. You remove flight controls land gear etc and re bush them, the sheet metal guys hammer away all day so you need ear defenders on all shift, .I did heavy for a few yrs and it was one of the worst jobs Ive had in aviation. My observations were that you could take people off the street to do most of the tasks, or kids from school, only 1 or 2 do signing so no need for licenced people,
Get on with a 3rd tier carrier, you do all the checks and daily running snags, you do engine changes, hot sections, everything,

I did not know that, and I don't know what 3rd tier means; 3rd line maintenance ?
Reason I'm eager to get into heavy is because of the few conversations I've had with Transport Canada regarding my M-license, and what they would recommend would allow me to fill in my logbook complete.

I asked about component overhaul, and they said it take me years to get every task that I would need.
I asked about line, they said that's an option too!
I asked about overhaul and inspection, and they said "none of the work/tasks would count towards my license, just experience.
Then I asked about Heavy maintenance, and they said that's my best bet.

Personally, like I mentioned earlier, I am so green I just want to get my hands in the game and learn more ! hone my skill further with sheet metal, and mechanics.

The 3rd tier sounds interesting, know of any carriers who are apprentice friendly, and are currently looking to fill a gap ?

Do you want to go helicopters or fixed wing?

In fixed wing, there is general aviation or airlines.

All of the above will fill your log book.

Working in a shop environment, whether doing components or airframe overhauls, may only get you a Shop Certifying Authority, which you don't need an AME license for. Making you less valuable and less versatile.

helicopterray wrote:Do you want to go helicopters or fixed wing?

In fixed wing, there is general aviation or airlines.

All of the above will fill your log book.

Working in a shop environment, whether doing components or airframe overhauls, may only get you a Shop Certifying Authority, which you don't need an AME license for. Making you less valuable and less versatile.

Helicopters or Fixed,do I need to pick one ?
I just want to put myself to good use, and find a company in Calgary that will take me on !
If I don't hear of anything in Calgary for an apprentice position by August, I'll need to move, which I'm perfectly comfortable doing so.

Where would you say the highest turn-over in aviation is, which province,city, etc.?
And where would be the largest aviation hub in all of Canada, for opportunity?>

There are really only 2 companies that have seperate "line" and "overhaul". westjet and Air Canada. All the other smaller companies do most everything themselves to one extent or the other. So for now - just forget about that and get yourself a job.

Do yourself a favor a go over to Sunwest on Tues. Ask to talk to the production manager. They are always hiring and the fleet size, diversity and scope of work they have is incredible. You'll have your book filled in no time and a steady job at one of the better places to work. They treat their people pretty good.

www.sunwestaviation.ca

boeingboy wrote:There are really only 2 companies that have seperate "line" and "overhaul". westjet and Air Canada. All the other smaller companies do most everything themselves to one extent or the other. So for now - just forget about that and get yourself a job.

Do yourself a favor a go over to Sunwest on Tues. Ask to talk to the production manager. They are always hiring and the fleet size, diversity and scope of work they have is incredible. You'll have your book filled in no time and a steady job at one of the better places to work. They treat their people pretty good.

http://www.sunwestaviation.ca

thank you for the tip !
Will do !
Is Tuesday the only day to drop in, or are there others ?

No - I ment just get your butt in the door and get noticed. They may ask you to fill out the online application - but i always like to get my face seen and show that im keen.

boeingboy wrote:No - I ment just get your butt in the door and get noticed. They may ask you to fill out the online application - but i always like to get my face seen and show that im keen.

I couldn't agree more !
thank you BB!