Aviation Tech. Anyone?

[Bongo]

Ok, after a few years off after highschool, I finally decided on two possible careers to look into. One is of course auto mechanics, and the other is Aviation technology. I will be either going to Wyotech (what used to be East Coast Aerotech) for the aviation, or New England Institute of Technology for mechanics. I know plenty about mechanics and what there is to learn and all of the basics and I love it, but I don't know much at all about aviation. It does seem like something I would be interested in learning but like said I really don't know anything about it and haven't heard much.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone has ever had any experience with aviation tech. Does anyone on here work with planes or ever learned anything about them? I have heard the money in that career is REALLY good but I've only heard about it from a few people. Does anyone know anything about it?
Thanx

[Maple50175]

There's a place in Bedford, Ma but I think thats wyotech.

[Bongo]

yea i know about where to go for it and everything, I just don't know all that much about it and if I would like it so I was just wondering if anyone does it or knows someone who does it. Is it fun? and is the money as good as I hear it is?

[SteveB]

Don't worry about the money...do what you love, the money will come.

If you hate what you do, the money's never enough.

[owequitit]

There is a good amount of money to be had in aviation, but there is also a TON of education, recurrent training and liability that go with it.

The schooling is also very expensive. It isn't going to be exactly like auto school.

It isn't uncommon for the A&Ps (Airframe and Powerplant mechanics) that work for the major airlines to make upwards of $100K per year.

Regular A&P's or MI's (Master Inspectors) that do general aviation work can make decent money too.

In aviation, the pay generally goes up with each new rating. They are also generally cumulative, in that you aren't just learning something new, you are learning something new and adding to what you already know, so you are expected to know that too. It will basically be a new level of mastery.

However, it is also nothing like working on a car, because the FAA is up your butt all the time.

Everything is done absolutely by the book. It has to be accomplished according to prescribed procedures, and in a very specific fashion. Then you have to document everything you have done and store or maintain it in a meticulous fashion.

You will be responsible for understanding the F.A.R.'s that pertain to your profession. If I remember correctly, it is Part 43 that governs maintenance. You can purchase a copy of the F.A.R.'s if you are curious about them. They will seem overwhelming when you first look at them, but it is all there. If you choose a good school, you should be just fine.

You are also not likely to be working for yourself. It is an incredibly expensive business that has a lot of ups and downs with huge capital investment, so most of the time, big business rules.

Safety is also a huge concern, as well as conscienciousness, because everytime you work on a plane, the odds are people are going to die if you mess up. Don't worry though, it isn't just the mechanics that have to put up with those possible outcomes.

As pilots, we do too, perhaps even to a greater degree.

If you are patient, methodical, well organized, and intelligent, you will probably be just fine. The tolerances and procedures are much less forgiving and are performed to much more exacting standards.

[Fr0z3N]

A buddy of mine who's 16 is going to Seneca in Ontario for Aviation.

I don't know much about it but lmk if you want me to ask him any questions.

[Bongo]

wow, thanx owequitit lol. Yet again, providing a ridiculous amount of information lol. Yea I think that I will stick to Auto mechanics instead of aviation. Sounds a lot more like my thing. I didn't know that aviation was that involved, but now i do. Auto tech it is! Thanx