ITS OFFICAL....

[betty]

strip, have much experience in working on cars and trucks. my ex did teach me alot while building our toys. if i can work on them and enjoy doing it, why not learn to work on planes and choppers? i dont mind getting dirty and greasy!!! bring it on!!


my ex taught me how to rebuild any SB or BB chevy motor, i've also got experience with rebuilding 350 turbo transmissions also! i really honestly enjoy doing that kind of stuff! this will be awsome for me to learn and a great job for me!!

[Slate]

  Stay away from the Blue Angels you'll distract them and they will auger. Just kidding Good Luck!  

[Maverick]

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.

[betty]

wow maverick! ty for the advice!!

the program is 20 month program, the school supplies us with a snap on tool kit that is of course included in the tuition charges. im cool with that. not sure what all is in the kit but im sure that it will be everything that we will need.


at the end i will be able to take the FAA test and have my certification afterwards.

[Bodhi]

Betty,
Do not spend money on tool buys set up through the school.  They are expensive and will generally set you up with stuff that you will never touch.

Go buy a cheap roll around tool box at a pawn shop.  Use this to start with.

Here's a list of must haves:

Screw driver set ((get Snap On as there are no substitutes)  your future boss will not want you destroying hardware by using a crappy screwdriver.)
Set of wrenches from 1/4" to 1"
Three Adjustable wrenches
Assortment of Pliers from duckbills to regular
Couple of ball peen hammers
Brass Hammer
Plastic Hammer
Decent scraper
set of steel punches
set of chisels
brass punch
center punch
Socket set (1/4inch sockets to start)
used drill
cleco pliers
Vice grips (only get "vicegrip" brand)
couple of scales and a compass
used rivet gun (NOT an air hammer)
used bucking bars
Decent Ohm Meter

The above will get you started.  As you move into your career, you will see what you need later.

My tool boxes and tools are easily valued over $200k with everything I now have.  I go from everything I first bought at Sears to the welders, borescopes, electronics, and assortment of everything I have.


I have been in Aviation maintenance since I was 16 (over 20 years now).  It is a field full of adventure and can be very satisfying.  Just don't let people talk you into crap you don't need.  As Mav said, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me, as I have been there and done it, from working for airlines, fbo's and running a restoration shop.

[betty]

see..this is why i love AH! there are people from all walks of life on here with all different jobs! ty guys for the advice, i will take it and use it the best i can. im looking forward to all of this. im totally stoked!

i have my own ryobe drill and another black n decker one also. i like my ryobe cuz its small and fits in my hand lots easier than a the big black n decker one i have. i have other misc tools but i should have well enough money after i pay my tuition for whatever else i need.

i dont have a laptop but i will get one, i have to relocate for awhile while doing this and rent my house out (which scares the hell out of me) but atleast my house payment will be made until i can sell it and atleast pay it off. i have lots of stuff to do before sept 23rd. the school has a deal worked out with a local apartment complex where most students stay at a decent price. im not looking forward to apartment living after being in my big house and havin a huge yard but its only a temp thing till i graduate. my kids are excited for me. they know i love planes and love to work on cars so they support me 100%. i was always scared to move away from home and being away from my family but im glad my parents support me on this as well. looks like it will be a lonely 20 months but it will be worth it in the long run. im sure i will make new friends when i get down there.

[VonMessa]

Betty,
Do not spend money on tool buys set up through the school.  They are expensive and will generally set you up with stuff that you will never touch.

Go buy a cheap roll around tool box at a pawn shop.  Use this to start with.

Here's a list of must haves:

Screw driver set ((get Snap On as there are no substitutes)  your future boss will not want you destroying hardware by using a crappy screwdriver.)
Set of wrenches from 1/4" to 1"
Three Adjustable wrenches
Assortment of Pliers from duckbills to regular
Couple of ball peen hammers
Brass Hammer
Plastic Hammer
Decent scraper
set of steel punches
set of chisels
brass punch
center punch
Socket set (1/4inch sockets to start)
used drill
cleco pliers
Vice grips (only get "vicegrip" brand)
couple of scales and a compass
used rivet gun (NOT an air hammer)
used bucking bars
Decent Ohm Meter

The above will get you started.  As you move into your career, you will see what you need later.

My tool boxes and tools are easily valued over $200k with everything I now have.  I go from everything I first bought at Sears to the welders, borescopes, electronics, and assortment of everything I have.


I have been in Aviation maintenance since I was 16 (over 20 years now).  It is a field full of adventure and can be very satisfying.  Just don't let people talk you into crap you don't need.  As Mav said, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me, as I have been there and done it, from working for airlines, fbo's and running a restoration shop.

And a flashlight.  One that clips onto a hat is priceless for having your hands free. 

[SEraider]

aviation maintenance

Wanna come maintain me?? 

P.S. I do have wings.....sort of. 

[Damned Goose]

WTG Betty! Congrats! 

[Reaper90]

WTG Betty! Awesome!

[Yenny]

Grat !!!

[Sgtlead]

How are you with a Ford 300 Straight 6 Betty?  Lead jr needs a rebuild in the worst way.

Sorry I cant help u with tools or advice.  I have a badge and patch collection and my old duty weapon to loan you but I dont think that will help unless it is to keep  raider from stalking you.     j/k raider  again good luck

[A8Thumpr]

WTG betty,Great career to get into if you love aviation! I've been enrolled here in FL at the National Aviation Academy since April on the way to get my A&P, and loving every minute of it!!!  
 
P.S Bohdi forgot the safety wire pliers....for the love of god,buy the safety wire pliers your fingers will love you!! 

[Babalonian]

Awesome news Betty, congratulations.  Glad your parents are behind ya on it too, it'll help.

[avionix]

WTG betty,Great career to get into if you love aviation! I've been enrolled here in FL at the National Aviation Academy since April on the way to get my A&P, and loving every minute of it!!!  
 
P.S Bohdi forgot the safety wire pliers....for the love of god,buy the safety wire pliers your fingers will love you!! 

You down in St Pete?  Did some tours of our shop in Lakeland with some guys from the St Pete school.