1 answer
Justin
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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How do I get more scholarships in aviation?
There isn't a lot of options for me because of the certain career path I chose to follow
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1 answer
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
107
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Justin - You didn't mention what grade you are in or what part of aviation you are interested in.
If you are looking to acquire your mechanics license (Airframe and Powerplant Ratings) you can do the following:
Check with your school counselor and they may have some suggestions for you.
When I first started teaching high school students in their Junior year they could attend the Aircraft Mechanics Program at a community college.
They would attend the Community College for 3 hrs a day and get college credits and high school credits and the high school would pay their tuition, etc. It was called running start in our area. They would attend during their Junior and Senior years in high school. At the end of their Senior year, they would take the Airframe Mechanics Exam and acquire their Airframe License. Then they would only have to attend the Community College for 3 quarters to acquire their Powerplant License. In short 9 months after high school they are a fully licensed FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Licensed to work on aircraft.
There are 2 ways to get your FAA Airframe and Powerplant License:
Get on the job training (OJT) which takes 30 months. This will allow you to take the FAA written exams, or as state above.
When I was the Director of Maintenance for a small FAA Part 135 airline, we would have 2-3 people who were working in various jobs and indicated they wanted to work in the maintenance department. They transferred to the maintenance department and started out: opening and closing panels, draining oil, removing interiors, cleaning sparkplugs, etc. Then after 30 months they could take the Mechanics Exams.
You can attend a community college or trade school - complete their program (usually 18-24 months) then take the FAA written exams.
Join the military for 1 tour and get your experience working on their aircraft. Since a tour usually last 4 years - this will meet the 30 month requirement for practical experience. Just be sure your document the type of work and aircraft worked on. You will also acquire money called the GI Bill which you can use to pay for your college.
If you have any more questions, ask again.
Best Regards on your Journey, Wayne
If you are looking to acquire your mechanics license (Airframe and Powerplant Ratings) you can do the following:
Check with your school counselor and they may have some suggestions for you.
When I first started teaching high school students in their Junior year they could attend the Aircraft Mechanics Program at a community college.
They would attend the Community College for 3 hrs a day and get college credits and high school credits and the high school would pay their tuition, etc. It was called running start in our area. They would attend during their Junior and Senior years in high school. At the end of their Senior year, they would take the Airframe Mechanics Exam and acquire their Airframe License. Then they would only have to attend the Community College for 3 quarters to acquire their Powerplant License. In short 9 months after high school they are a fully licensed FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Licensed to work on aircraft.
There are 2 ways to get your FAA Airframe and Powerplant License:
Get on the job training (OJT) which takes 30 months. This will allow you to take the FAA written exams, or as state above.
When I was the Director of Maintenance for a small FAA Part 135 airline, we would have 2-3 people who were working in various jobs and indicated they wanted to work in the maintenance department. They transferred to the maintenance department and started out: opening and closing panels, draining oil, removing interiors, cleaning sparkplugs, etc. Then after 30 months they could take the Mechanics Exams.
You can attend a community college or trade school - complete their program (usually 18-24 months) then take the FAA written exams.
Join the military for 1 tour and get your experience working on their aircraft. Since a tour usually last 4 years - this will meet the 30 month requirement for practical experience. Just be sure your document the type of work and aircraft worked on. You will also acquire money called the GI Bill which you can use to pay for your college.
If you have any more questions, ask again.
Best Regards on your Journey, Wayne