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Showing posts with label Mechanic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mechanic. Show all posts

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Prepare for Your FAA Aircraft Mechanic Test With "Ground School" Software

Prepare for Your FAA Aircraft Mechanic Test With "Ground School" Software

As the final step in formal Aircraft Mechanic training, an excellent way to prepare for any of the FAA certification tests, such as the Airframe license, Powerplant license, or Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License, is to utilize your desktop PC or laptop, Apple Mac, iPhone or Android smartphone, with an application from Dauntless called "Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep."

You can install a free trial version and if you like it, you can purchase an individual learning module for $39.99 or a 'Pick-3' bundle for $89.99. The nice feature of the "Ground School" test preparation software is the feeling you obtain for the kinds of questions you will see on the FAA test. It immediately gives you feedback on the areas you are weak in, and it allows you to proceed at your own speed.

This is a good value, in terms of getting you ready for any of the FAA tests. After working through a section of related questions, Ground School summarizes your answers, and rolls up the results into a meaningful summary. A section summary is available for your review. Lastly, Ground School will suggest where you need to focus your FAA test preparation in order to pass the particular FAA test you are interested in. All in all, this is a valuable bit of software for helping you pass the FAA tests for Aircraft Mechanic. It is a way of solidifying and bringing to closure your training at an aircraft mechanic school.

With a typical FAA test fee of $72 each for the General test, Airframe test, and Powerplant test, or around $215 for all three tests, it pays to be prepared for each of these tests. A 'Pick-3' bundled fee of $89.99 may be a good investment to solidify your knowledge base before taking any of these FAA tests. Although the FAA lists the examination requirements for its battery of three tests in its document "FAA-G-8082-3A" (Aviation Maintenance Technician - General, Airframe, and Powerplant Knowledge Test Guide", this quide is only 15 pages long and merely states the steps necessary to take any of the FAA tests, the requirement of a passing score of 70 or above, and the need to retake the test only after the passage of 30 days.

The FAA provides additional test study guides at http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_questions/. If a review of these documents leaves you a bit uncertain, then perhaps it may be time to spring for one of these test prep software modules from "Ground School." You can view the Ground School FAA Knowledge Test Prep software package at http://dauntless-soft.com/PRODUCTS/GroundSchool/mechanic.asp.

by Steve Adams

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Become a Aircraft Mechanic

Become a Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft mechanics are responsible for ensuring that planes are flying in top operating condition. They do this in a variety of ways: by performing scheduled maintenance, doing repairs, and conducting inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Mechanics usually work in hangars although they are occasionally required to work outdoors. Ear protection is required due to noise and vibration when testing engines. There is frequent lifting of heavy objects and a good deal of awkward or precarious positioning required when working. Although a 40-hour work week is common, aircraft mechanics can frequently count on overtime and/or weekend work. The job can be somewhat stressful due to the high level of responsibility to maintain safety standards and the time pressure to meet flight schedules.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Due to the high degree of responsibility associated with the job, the FAA requires that all aircraft mechanics be certified. In order to become certified, a person needs 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes; or (to earn a combined certification as both an airframe and a powerplant mechanic, known as an A&P certificate) 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time.

Completion of a program at an FAA-certified mechanic school can be substituted for the work experience requirement. Mechanics also must pass an exam for certification, which has a combination of written, oral, and practical test components. Once certified, mechanics must take at least 16 hours of training every two years to keep their certificate current. There are presently about 170 schools certified by the FAA.

Coursework normally lasts from 18 to 24 months and the schools are required by law to offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours. Many of these schools award 2-year and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because knowledge of the principles taught in these subjects is often needed to make repairs. A strong background in electronics is especially important. Courses that develop writing skills are also valuable due to the fact that mechanics need to submit reports on the maintenance and repair work they perform. In addition to the educational and experience requirements, mechanics must be able to read, write, and understand English in order to become certified. Those who wish to work for an airline should also be aware that most airlines require their mechanics to have a high school diploma and an A&P certificate.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Airline Industry Suffering - Not the Case With Aircraft Mechanic Career Opportunities

Airline Industry Suffering - Not the Case With Aircraft Mechanic Career Opportunities

It is impossible to escape the news of airline industry woes. It seems nearly every day there is another news story about an airline filing bankruptcy, laying off workers, charging for luggage or merging with another airline. Rising fuel prices and post 9/11 restrictions have made this a difficult time for airlines. The surprising news, however, is that it is still a good time to earn an Aircraft Mechanic degree, like Airframe and Powerplant or Avionics.

Why is a Career in Aviation Mechanics a Good Choice?

As crazy as it sounds, the airline industry still needs qualified mechanics. Much of the current workforce is made up of the baby boomer generation, which means lots of aircraft mechanics will be retiring in the coming years. This will provide many job opportunities for qualified A & P Mechanics.

Retiring mechanics are not the only reason for the creation of new jobs - the aircraft mechanic industry is going strong and job opportunities exist right now. Part 145 repair stations and aerospace manufacturers are thriving, regardless of the airlines' recent fallbacks. Keep in mind that aircraft mechanics don't only work on commercial airliners. They work for the government, news choppers, medical evacuation helicopters, private owners and more. If it can fly, it needs an aircraft mechanic.

What is required to become an A & P Mechanic?

A & P Mechanics must acquire a license from the FAA in order to become certified and qualify for a job. The FAA certification exams are very difficult, so Airframe and Powerplant or Avionics training is a must. Many schools provide hands on training, so students get a chance to work on several different aircraft engines and parts. It is important to ensure that an aircraft mechanic school is certified by the FAA. Certified schools provide the most up-to-date, technical training possible.

Becoming an aircraft mechanic or inspector is a wise career move. Skills gained in training are invaluable, and aircraft mechanics are needed all across the globe. So, with the correct training and experience, mechanics can live and work almost anywhere. Aircraft mechanics can feel good about the work they do; it is their expertise and training that keeps thousands of lives safe in the air on a daily basis.

The Good News

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos179.htm), job growth within the aircraft mechanics and technicians is expected to increase by 10% during the period between 2006 and 2016. Retiring mechanics will be the source of the majority of these new jobs. Also, job opportunities should experience growth due to the smaller amount of students entering aviation mechanics schools. There are about 170 FAA certified schools for aviation mechanics, so there is ample opportunity to get proper training, and enter this growing, in-demand job force.

Once employed, advancement opportunities in the A & P field abound. After three years of experience, mechanics can gain an aircraft inspector's license, leading to positions as lead mechanic, crew chief, inspector, and more. Applying to an A & P or Avionics school to get hands on training today is the best way to enter this challenging and rewarding industry.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Aircraft Mechanic Schools

Aircraft Mechanic Schools

Aircrafts are being designed in better and technologically advanced ways, but these machines need proper attention and care for its effective functioning. Hence periodic check up of these aircraft becomes necessary, and has given rise to a new career option of an aircraft mechanic.

An aircraft mechanic is a professional who services and repairs the aircraft and its engines. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and dependability of these airplanes. Routine maintenance and inspections of all the aircraft need to be done by these aircraft mechanics. The FAA has approved many maintenance plans for various aircraft, which need to be followed by all the airline operators. These maintenance schedules have to be made after certain number of flying hours, or after certain number of days, or cycles of flight operation or a combination of all the above-mentioned methods, depending on the type of the aircraft and its age.

Many aircraft mechanic schools provide professional courses to students who wish to make a career as aircraft mechanics. These courses include certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelors' degrees in aircraft mechanics. The duration and training for these courses generally ranges from two to three years. Students are given information about turbine engines, aviation electronics, and the way to use different tools and equipment. Students are advised to check whether FAA, has certified their school in order to work as a certified aircraft mechanic.

Some courses are available during high school that directly prepares students, to enter in an aircraft mechanic college. These courses specifically include studying four years of English language, three years of math, three years of social sciences, and two years of science. While some colleges also require two years of study of a second language.

The FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] certifies all the qualified aircraft mechanics and need a graduation from any FAA- approved school or alternatively aircraft mechanics with at least 18 months of relevant work experience can apply.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Aircraft Mechanic Schools Offer Certification

Aircraft Mechanic Schools Offer Certification

If the thought of repairing airplanes, helicopters and jets sounds like an exciting profession, you should look into aircraft mechanic schools. You could be a certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) in less than two years, with training from an FAA-approved aircraft mechanic school.

Professional aircraft mechanics need expert aviation technology training to perform inspections, repair, and maintenance on airliners, helicopters jets, and other aircraft. Aircraft mechanic schools offer extensive, hands-on experience that will lead to professional certification. Within two years, you could be qualified to inspect and repair engines, brakes, landing gear, electrical systems and aircraft structures. You will become familiar with all the ins-and-outs of airframe, piston engines, turbine engines, propellers, rigging, control surfaces, instrumentation, warning systems, and environmental systems. If you desire, you can specialize in repairing only specific parts of the aircraft, such as hydraulic systems or electrical components.

Aircraft mechanic courses can include a wide variety of topics. Some typical classes might be Aircraft Airframe and Engine Inspections, Introduction to Aviation, Basic Electricity and Airframe Electricity, Aircraft Instrument Systems, Aircraft Fuel and Propeller Systems, Aircraft Materials and Processes, Aircraft Sheet Metal Structures, Aircraft Reciprocating Engines, Aircraft Turbine Engines, Aircraft Engine Electrical Systems, Aviation Technology, Aircraft Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, Aircraft Composite Structures, and Aviation Math and Science.

Once you have obtained a certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology, you can confidently apply for exciting jobs such as regional and commuter airline technician, aviation mechanic, airframe and powerplant technician (A & P), airplane/helicopter manufacturing technician, helicopter operations, or domestic or foreign airline technician. Your credentials will qualify you for employment with aircraft manufacturers, general aviation, international and national airlines, and aerospace companies. And, if you continue your education, you can work your way up to become a designated FAA inspector.

So, if you think that aircraft mechanic training is the right choice for you, take a moment to make sure your chosen school is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Schools endorsed by the FAA are highly regarded by those in the industry because FAA-approval ensures that students will receive comprehensive and thorough training. With training from an accredited school and an A&P license, you can soon be on your way to the career of your dreams!

To learn more about Aircraft Mechanic Schools we invite you to visit our website, where you will be able to choose from numerous schools eager to hear from you.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

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