Career advice please

[machina]

Hi all,

Hoping to get some advice from those in the know.

Despite a lifelong interest in aircraft, I’ve somehow always managed to avoid pursuing a career or hobby in aviation.
I’m sick of this state of affairs so now considering a career change to remedy it and I’m thinking about becoming an AME.

I’ve looked at the different pathways and civilian seems the most realistic option for me. I see that this entails the 9 month pre-qual course at AirNZ followed by an apprenticeship for a couple of years.
There’s a few things to weigh up though to determine if this is feasible as I have to support a young family. My questions to those who’ve done it are:

- I’m 37 and this would likely happen in a couple of years if it were to go ahead. Am I too old? Is it a young man’s game only?

- How long does it typically take to become a LAME after completing an apprenticeship?

- What are the possible career pathways after becoming a LAME/supervisor?

- Who should I target for completing the apprenticeship with? The Christchurch Engine Centre appeals to me but is that too narrow a focus if I’m wanting to advance my career?

- what’s the work/life balance actually like? Is it always shift work at odd hours? Are you always missing birthdays/Easter/Christmas etc?

- What’s the money really like once at LAME level and above? Who pays the worst/best? While I’m not earning megabucks at the moment the potential exists for me to earn 150+ k in a few years, which I need to factor in (unfortunately). I’m okay with earning less that that as I’ll enjoy my work but it can’t be miles below as I have obligations.

- Does anyone have experience overseas, particularly the UK/Europe?

That’s it for now - any and all advice gratefully received!

[oj]

Whew, this is a big topic with many variables.
I have been an LAME since 1970.
In order to answer some of your questions I need to know what is your existing trade or employment?
This will indicate to me whether you are seeking to become an Avionic or Mechanical LAME, and those categories sub-divide further into a raft of careers.
Migration from an existing related trade (e.g. automotive mechanic) can make it an easier and quicker path.
I presume you have researched the NZ CAA website regarding licence requirements?

[machina]

Jan 2, 2024 19:56:38 GMT 12 oj said:

Whew, this is a big topic with many variables.
I have been an LAME since 1970.
In order to answer some of your questions I need to know what is your existing trade or employment?
This will indicate to me whether you are seeking to become an Avionic or Mechanical LAME, and those categories sub-divide further into a raft of careers.
Migration from an existing related trade (e.g. automotive mechanic) can make it an easier and quicker path.
I presume you have researched the NZ CAA website regarding licence requirements?

Hi oj, thanks for the response.

I work in construction as a quantity surveyor, so not any kind of engineer/mechanic. Engineering is a bit like aviation though, I’ve always been interested in it but stupidly managed to avoid it!
In terms of what might be transferable from my current career, since I deal with pricing and procurement I assume it might help lead to any sort of equivalent role in the longer run (if a pathway from AME to that kind of role exists).

I’m most interested in working on engines but curious about avionics as well.

I have briefly looked at the license requirements.

[oj]

This has to be brief and to the point, so sorry if I sound a bit blunt here.
1. The road to becoming an LAME will pay considerably less than your typical QS position (maybe less than half of your existing salary). You should not attempt this if you have family commitments.
2. Nothing really transferable for your QS role. The emphasis is on Maintenance Engineer, maintaining aircraft systems and components.
3. Your QS experience would only be useful if you were in a planning or project manager role for aircraft manufacturing or major modification programmes (e.g. RNZAF Project Kahu) for which AME Licensing is not required, so flag that away.
4. There is a big difference between the mechanical and avionic trades other than a few core basic engineering subjects.
5. You need to look really thoroughly at the licence requirements and all the exam subjects you will have to pass in the respective licence categories (typically you will have to sit about 20 CAA Exam Subjects). You may be able to look at typical exam papers so you know what to expect.
If you are still determined, we should discuss by PM or direct email or a phone call can save a lot of typing time!
OJ

[machina]

Thanks oj, will come back to you via PM.

To everyone else: still interested to hear from others with knowledge/experience as well.