Congrats Betty. How long is the program and do they say you'll have your A&P at the end of it? This is assuming you pass etc. to qualify for it of course.
Start looking at the tool list they give you and see what you already have on hand. FWIW for the most part Craftsman is plenty good enough for what you will be doing in school. The only time I really wanted to have something like Snapon was the flex sockets when dealing with Continental manifolds, especially when pulling a jug. Get a GOOD smaller flashlight. I like the plastic ones as when you drop them, and you will, they do not cause any shorts. I got mine from a Police Supply store and it's rechargeable, no batteries to buy.
If you can afford it, get one of the smaller rolling tool boxes. Then make sure you organize the tools. It makes it far easier to tell then that you have all of them back and didn't leave one in the wing / fuselage you just closed up all the panels on. Instructors WILL ask if you have made sure you have all of your toys and if you can point to a tool box that has slots or holders that are all filled up it will help. Mark your tools with your name before you get to school. Use an etching tool not magic marker.
They may require you to have duck billed pliers for safety wiring. Go cheap on those as you'll likely never really use them once that particular class is over. Put tape over the serations if they are serated. You do not want to nick the safety wire. If you decide to buy a set of real safety wire pliers do not buy the big ones. Get the 6" ones that are reversible. The bigger ones will just be too darn clumsy most of the time. Get a good pair of angle wire snips or cutters those will be very handy in the 4" to 6" size. You won't be cutting heavy gauge wire but if they are sharp it makes the job easier. If the tips are all chewed up replace them as that's the part you'll use the most.
Have a laptop for school. If the school has access to the A&P practice CD's you will use it a lot for studying and practicing for the written tests at the end of airframe and power plant courses. Many of the classroom tests you'll take will probably be taken from there as well.
When the FAA inspectors come to observe, use the time to ask them questions while they watch you work. They have good info and may cover something the school misses. If you make a mistake while they are watching do NOT try to cover it up. They know you are students and the time to screw up is in class, not later. If you can't fix the error, start over.
Feel free to PM me with any questions you might have. I went through an A&P program at a Junior College in 2002.
I echo Maverick except about the duckbills. Get yourself a good set of these (Blue Point are good) and keep them., they will come in handy more than you would believe.
I have 30 years of time behind me fixing and flying...Military and Commercial. Don't skimp on tools. Craftsman and also mastercraft are good. With torque wrenches though, I only use / own Snap-on. (expensive but worth it).
You know, when I fly..I may take off and hold 4 or 5 peoples souls (fate) in my hands. The Engineer on the ground watching me leave holds 5 or 6 souls in his / her hand. I trust my soul with that individual, and when I wrench I hold all my souls very closely.
Congrats on your endeavor, and by all means feel free to PM or email me with anything, anytime. You are about to embark on a truly wondrous journey.
cheers,
RTR
