Does anyone here work in aircraft maintenance/engineering?

[GSF]

Was wondering if any KBers worked in the aviation industry, specifically in the maintenance/engineering field.

I'm 22 and trying to figure out my career, when I was at school I really didn't give a fuck about what was ahead of me and just wagged a lot, didn't get very good results. Spent all my time being a snotty-nosed punk really.
I got myself a motorbike once I was out of school and working and managed to get a job in bike shop for about 2 years, it involved classic and racing bikes which is when I realised I wanted to seriously work in an engineering field, especially around bikes or cars - then I started remember all the many happy days spent with my dad at airshows and such when I was a young child watching the warbirds.

I've been thinking very seriously about going into aircraft maintenance now. I would love to learn to work on smaller fixed wingers and choppers. Deal was pretty much sealed when I went to have a geez at the De Havilland Mosquito at Avspecs and the hangar at the Ardmore Warbirds Club. One day I want to turn a spanner on a Corsair or Mustang, that would be my ultimate goal, paid or unpaid.

If anyone works in these fields I would love to hear from you. Where did you study, what did you learn and what do you do in your day to day job, any info would be great.

[Edbear]

Have a chat to Keith at Great Barrier Airlines. He may be able to offer some advice. They are in Dairy Flat.

[GSF]

Cheers, will do. I see their Trislanders passing over my place coupla times a day

[PrincessBandit]

My hubby (Balu) started out at Air New Zealand in aircraft engineering and is still with the company over 30 years later. I'll ask him if he has any suggestions.

[Edbear]

Cheers, will do. I see their Trislanders passing over my place coupla times a day

Very interesting to spend time in their workshop! This is mechanical engineering at its most basic and fascinating.

[Edbear]

My hubby (Balu) started out at Air New Zealand in aircraft engineering and is still with the company over 30 years later. I'll ask him if he has any suggestions.

That's impressive! Must be a great place to work.

[FJRider]

Join the Air Force ......

[neels]

Go and have a chat with Air New Zealand, they have a trainee/apprenticeship program for aircraft engineers.

Best bet would be work for them and volunteer your time at an aircraft museum, you'll probably find the smaller aircraft outfits and aero clubs don't have a big budget for paying their mechanics.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You'll be wanting to get some good math results if you want to get your foot in the door.

[superman]

My brother didn't have great results through school, he just got a job as an apprentice at a helicopter maintenance firm. And you do exams etc as you go, on a shitty wage no doubt. But gets your foot in the door of that kind of career.

[GSF]

Join the Air Force ......

I had thought about that but I just hate the idea of joining the forces. I have big respect for anyone in any service but it's just not for me.

Still remember the time I got buzzed by a Skyhawk doing a low pass at speed while taking a piss on the side of the Desert Road years ago - that paused me mid-stream!

[Scruffygit]

I learnt my trade in the RAF a looonnng time ago so really can't comment on what the training situation is here in NZ but I do know that NMIT do courses:

http://www.nmit.ac.nz/courses/areaof.../aviation.aspx

[GSF]

I learnt my trade in the RAF a looonnng time ago so really can't comment on what the training situation is here in NZ but I do know that NMIT do courses:

http://www.nmit.ac.nz/courses/areaof.../aviation.aspx

Yeah, this is one option I've looked at. I've spoken to a few people in the industry already who have recommended NMIT. Would be nice to spend some time in the South Island too, good riding country

[nosebleed]

You'll be wanting to get some good math results if you want to get your foot in the door.

This.
When I looked at this as career back in the day it was "aeronautical engineer"
Pre-requisite then was Sixth Form Certificate in Maths, Science, English and Physics.

Of course, things will have changed from an employers point of view but I doubt the science of flight has, meaning you'd better be prepared for some studying

[GSF]

This.
When I looked at this as career back in the day it was "aeronautical engineer"
Pre-requisite then was Sixth Form Certificate in Maths, Science, English and Physics.

Of course, things will have changed from an employers point of view but I doubt the science of flight has, meaning you'd better be prepared for some studying

Yep, I'm fully prepared for that. I did well up to Sixth Form, with Science, Maths and English, I also did a bit of electronics as well so I have some basic knowledge of that.
Wasn't until Seventh Form/Level 3 that the wheels fell off, I have no problem with doing remedial study if it's required. I couldn't be arsed then because I didn't have a strong motivation, which I've got now.
My dad was a pilot long time back and I have had an interest in aircraft since I was a kid so I have some knowledge of the physics of flight and the way aircraft are designed and operate.