Aircraft Mechanic.

[Wright Air CEO]

I was wondering if theres a course that teaches like the basic of aircraft mechanic. I hope to own my own aircraft someday, and when I do I would like to be able to work on it myself. I already work on my own car in my father's garage. And I really like working with my hands when it comes to engines. I know that aircrafts are more complicated than cars, so I was wondering if theres like a course that can help me.

[jcmissionary]

If you want to do more than preventative maintanence, you'll need to get your FAA (or JAA or CAA or wherever) A&P licenses, as well.

[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/im...UM_HOWELL.jpg]
PPL-ASEL
Instrument Rated
CPL student

"As employees, pilots are a difficult lot. They are masters of their vessels, answerable to no one for as long as the engines are running. Airline presidents have the power to control entire fleets, to decide where and when every plane shall fly. But once those decisions are made, no one tells the pilot how, or even whether, to fly."

[lnuss]

Schools such as the Westwood College in Broomfield, CO and Spartan in Oklahoma offer courses in aircraft mechanics. After a year or 18 months you come away with your A&P ticket.

Without that ticket, you are limited to oil changes, tire and spark plug changes, and a few other minor chores. Remember, you can't just pull off the side of the road if you've goofed in the maintenance or used non-approved parts. And you need to learn about all the paperwork (lots of it), as well as the mechanic work itself.

The exception would be on homebuilt aircraft that YOU personally have built, where you can do MOST of the work.

[threeholer]

There is also the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA). It is a well known and respected school in the field of aircraft maintanence.

[Aarinu]

Regarding the Homebuilt aspect. They are correct that if you do most of the work, then you don't need to be an A&P to work on it. The important thing to remember in building is to take pictures during the building process. Document everything. To get an Airworthiness Certificate, they will want a lot of information. Without it, plan on a good struggle to get that certificate :)

[Garrovick]

You can check with your local Technical School. They can give you info on any schools in your area. You'll need to get an Airframe and Powerplant License. Schools are about two or three years long. The hardest part was getting the sheet metal courses done. Some times being a little artistic helps.

Or...

You can join the Air Force. I spent eight years performing Flight-line and Phase inspections on Cessna 337s (O-2As) at Shaw AFB, 4507th CAMS, back in the 1990s. I can still field strip that little "Duck" in my sleep. Before that is was F-4s and then A-10s.

When ever that 337 payware gets released, I'm getting it.

[ladamson]

>Regarding the Homebuilt aspect. They are correct that if
>you do most of the work, then you don't need to be an A&P to
>work on it. The important thing to remember in building is
>to take pictures during the building process. Document
>everything. To get an Airworthiness Certificate, they will
>want a lot of information. Without it, plan on a good
>struggle to get that certificate :)

And more info.....

I built a Van's RV6A "kitplane" homebuilt, but my engine is a certified Lycoming 0360 & the prop is a certified Hartzell constant speed. In order to keep these items certified & essentially worth more, I do have to have A&P's do any required work. They've already done an AD on the engine, which was to remove all cylinders & check for faulty wrist pins. The pins were the "correct" ones.

Ladamson

[beana5]

Knowing what makes the thing works,how different things inter react,systems,and general knowledge regarding any machine is a definite plus for the user. I believe Chuck Yeager once remarked his mechanical experience growing up,(hunting too) was an important skill to have.Weather in combat,or pleasure.Its good to know what your hearing/seeing.I think all of us who own planes ,may have a rag hanging out of our back pocket. I read every thing I can lay my hands on regarding my plane.(same with these computers)Its good to poke around,to see what the dry words are/mean.Today ,many are so used to sitting in the waiting room for problems being repaired, and the bill. Now I don't advocating doing all work yourself without proper credentials. But you can look over shoulders,get the coffee,make yourself helpful when talking to friendly mechanics.Hang around the hanger. You will learn a lot.Preventive maintains is one of the most important things a pilot can do.Once you can identify a problem,your more apt to get it fixed.Its better than flying fat ,dumb, and lazy without a clue as to what makes this bunch of pieces,metal, rag,wires,nuts/bolts fly.The neck you save may be your own. (now avionics, well don't even think it.) sounds to me your on the rite track.
GOOD LUCK TO YA VIN;-)