r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

Weekly Questions Thread. Please post your School, A&P Certification and Job/Career related questions here.

1 Upvotes

Weekly questions & casual conversation thread

Afraid to ask a stupid question? You can do it here! Feel free to ask any aviation question and we’ll try to help!

Please use this space to ask any questions about attending schools, A&P Certifications (to include test and the oral and practical process) and the job field.

Whether you're a pilot, outsider, student, too embarrassed to ask face-to-face, concerned about safety, or just want clarification.

Please be polite to those who provide useful answers and follow up if their advice has helped when applied. These threads will be archived for future reference so the more details we can include the better.

If a question gets asked repeatedly it will get added to a FAQ. This is a judgment-free zone. We all had to start somewhere. Be civil.

Past Weekly Questions Thread Archives- All Threads


r/aviationmaintenance • • Jul 25 '22

A library of resources to help the world learn

788 Upvotes

Hello all you mechanics, technicians and maintenance personnel out there,

I've recently finished AMT School and gotten my A&P Certification, currently still in school for to get my GROL & AET Certification. But in the nearly two years I've been in school, I've amassed quite a large library of study guides, notebooks and reference material. You can find it here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Alf4AQNY3cyaRiNg6MKeZy2eJgybeZN2?usp=sharing

A contents breakdown:

  • Block Notes: PowerPoints of every subject I studied in school
  • Additional Certification: AET & GROL studies
  • Advisory Circulars of note in training
  • Avionics studies
  • E-books: A library of textbooks across the industry
  • FARs
  • IA Study guide
  • King Audio/Video: Video lectures on nearly every subject, and mp3s of those to listen when you can’t watch
  • Notebooks: my notebooks, from school, scanned into PDF
  • Study Guides: this is the big folder - Audio and Written study guides for all three written tests and the Oral exam
  • TCDS relevant to my schooling
  • Tool catalogues - because we all need tools
  • And a mac & cheese recipe (because you can't study on an empty stomach)

I've built this to be used by the students at my school, but there's a whole helluva lot useful to anyone studying for an A&P, or any other Certification. I maintain it on the regular and update occasionally, when I get through a significant portion of schooling enough to upload something new. So one day you might check it and be like "Ah! He's gotten on to studying for his IA! Cool." And these resources are for everyone. I ask no compensation for it, some men just want to watch the world learn.

So my pitch to the mods was: sticky this link on the sidebar of the subreddit, so those who are looking for guidance on how to get an A&P can be directed there.

I figured putting it there would be better - since it wouldn't need to be stickied to the top of the feed or just keep getting posted.

Take a look at the Drive and see what you think. Be advised, the technical manuals and reference materials were really what was used for our school and are posted there -FOR REFERENCE ONLY-. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS refer to current and applicable manufacturers maintenance manuals or other approved data for real-world maintenance. And if there's something out there that you think would be useful to add to it, message me here on reddit or shaunthesailor87@gmail(dot)com and we'll put heads together to see what we can come up with.

I'm often one to quote wiser men than I am so I'll leave you all with one from Bruce Lee:

"Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own."


r/aviationmaintenance • • 12h ago

Passed my General!

Post image
53 Upvotes

Greatest achievement of my life


r/aviationmaintenance • • 20h ago

Okay, who did this?

Thumbnail
gallery
109 Upvotes

r/aviationmaintenance • • 14h ago

Aog tools

Thumbnail
gallery
12 Upvotes

I got my new case for AO. G for CRJ platforms. I am wondering if there is anything else i might be missing or recommendation to fill it


r/aviationmaintenance • • 15h ago

How long do I have to do night shift ?

8 Upvotes

I’m a current A&P student at Vaughn in nyc expected to graduate in may 27. I heard a lot of different rumors for what it’s like in the industry. The ideal goal is to start at a major and stay there forever. I mainly wanted to know is it even likely to start at a major in nyc? And when I do get in one how long until I have enough seniority to not have to do night shifts ? Please give actually helpful info, just saying “it’s gonna suck a lot” is never helpful.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 21h ago

Mobile. airlinetechs.com

Post image
23 Upvotes

Will she be down for good? RIP quick Resets.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Passed my generals today!

Post image
189 Upvotes

Moving into airframe now. Let’s go!


r/aviationmaintenance • • 23h ago

Transitioning from lab electronics radar work to avionics.

4 Upvotes

Good morning friends,

Just trying to get some advice. Ive been working for the dod contractor for about 8 years. I work on IFF radars on ground systems/boats.(For those that dont know IFF radars talk to aircraft transponders) I recently got a job offer for avionics technician which im really excited/nervous about. I do not have military experience or a&p working directly on aircraft. Have you seen this before or been in a position like this. How did it turn out? Regardless im going to work on my a&p while working this job.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Well I did it!

Post image
44 Upvotes

I feel very accomplished but also slightly disappointed I didn’t get a higher score, I guess a pass is a pass. Just worried about my orals I guess, even though that’s a bit away for me😮‍💨


r/aviationmaintenance • • 17h ago

Would an AME-focused community be useful?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about how fragmented AME-related discussions can be, especially for students preparing for DGCA/EASA exams, OJT, licensing, aircraft systems, and career-related questions.

I’ve started a separate community focused specifically on AME students, licensed AMEs, and aviation maintenance professionals, with the aim of creating a space for discussions, study resources, experiences, and career guidance.

I’d be interested to know if others here feel there’s a need for a dedicated AME-focused community as well.

If you’re interested in joining or would like to know more, feel free to DM me.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Biobor treatment and draining water are not optional...

Thumbnail
gallery
81 Upvotes

otherwise your tank might end up like this. Pic 1 is borescope inspection of the feeder tank, Pic 2 is a sample of the water/contaminated fuel mixture that we got out of the tank during pressure cleaning.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Suspended License

29 Upvotes

Unfortunately I drove a vehicle (not mine) without insurance and rear ended someone. Might get my DL suspended. Would the major airline I work at fire me??


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Any tips on removing 172 panel studs?

Post image
7 Upvotes

Most of the studs had a nut on the back, but a few are riveted somehow. Do I have to drill out the back or is there a better way?


r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

What is it like working at a major airline

Post image
92 Upvotes

Hey guys I currently work for a corporate charter company and the pay is pretty good. But man is the job extremely boring… I know that's an odd thing to complain about but I truly enjoy being a mechanic and want to be good at my job. I come from a very fast paced environment being a mechanic and crew chief on Blackhawks in the army. So I guess I’m just not used to being lazy all day with nothing to do. What is it like working for the airlines is it worth leaving where I am at now. I also live in Florida and don’t really wanna move but not completely opposed

Pic I took yesterday (Still in the national Guard)


r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

Does every shop have one of these guys?

Post image
89 Upvotes

r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Please I am seeking for advise..

0 Upvotes

Hello Guys, Please Advise me if you are really has an experience in the field and as well experience in the life.
I am a mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from overseas when I came to states I working on my Bachelor’s Evaluation and because my Bachelor’s was from US Accredited university I did my US degree Evaluation.
Now, I have too many paths one is to go for the license (Whatever school 145 or Apprenticeship). The other paths as Engineer in any company maybe related to the aviation industry maybe no.
The third path is to go with my research as PhD student for a new technology which is I had experience in this way too,

Actually guys I prefer to work with my hands and I knew it (This career as Aviation technician will not be replaced with AI or any of this sort)

Please advise me guys and don’t narrow it with oh you are engineer vs technician because I don’y give any consideration for the titles…


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

How do you handle task card sign-offs and audit prep at your shop?

0 Upvotes

Curious how this works in practice. Paper cards, spreadsheets, or an MRO system?

When an auditor asks you to prove a step was done, by whom, against which manual revision, how painful is it to pull together? And how much time goes into chasing down referenced documents mid-task?

Would love to hear what works and what doesn't, especially from smaller shops.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

Decal or stencil?

2 Upvotes

Good day all, im a lurker here, but theres the time i need to ask something. Mostly to the guys that handles airbus

How can you differentiate if an external marking in airnavx is a decal or painted using stencil reliably?

Airbus shows description of placards, in mechanical drawing of the marking it says placards/label.

But my higher up says the drawing looks like a painted because theres no background or edge, so it is not a decal.

But in searching of airnavx there are some sections that states alternative part .stencil under the .placard description with an added 41Dxxxx on the partnumber.

Thankyou all.


r/aviationmaintenance • • 1d ago

Just a reminder, the “day” between two night shifts is just a nap with a deadline… also don’t spend that $0.50 shift differential all in one place 🥴

0 Upvotes

r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

$3,000 doorstop

Post image
36 Upvotes

r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

How easy is the transition from military to airlines in the UK?

3 Upvotes

So I’m considering my next steps after school and I’m interested in joining the air force as an avionics tech, specifically the RAF as I’m in the UK. I’ve spoken to serving avi techs at recruitment events and they’ve said that it is fairly easy to go straight into the airlines after you’ve left the military as the experience is highly desirable, however as far as I know you don’t get a B2 license in most cases whilst in the RAF and I do take what they say with a pinch of salt as they are recruiters after all. Does anyone know how easy the transition is, and whether you can go straight into a high paying job, or would you need to get extra qualifications and training and settle for lower wage whilst you gain airline experience? Any information/advice is appreciated, as I’m struggling to find much about this online, especially for avionics techs which may be a bit more of a niche specialisation. Thanks in advance! :)


r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

Tulsa AA Base Tour?

6 Upvotes

My Dad will be retiring from the Tulsa maintenance base at the end of the year after 43 years of service!

In these 43 years, I have NOT ONCE seen where he actually works despite years of my wondering what it's like and asking him to arrange something.

Now, I'm sure clearances are involved, red tape, etc. is it impossible?

TLDR; Is there anyone who could point me in the right direction for a tour of the AA Tulsa maintenance base?


r/aviationmaintenance • • 2d ago

Eyesight

2 Upvotes

Hello!

Just wantes to pop in and ask, since I've seen conflicting posts elsewhere.

In the UK, to be a B1/B2 mechanic for an airline, do you need full colour eyesight? I'm red/green colourblind, however I can distinguish between red & green [and different shades], and it doesn't affect my day to day life at all. Was thinking of an apprenticeship after A Levels.

Thank you!


r/aviationmaintenance • • 3d ago

747-400 - searching for technician guidance

7 Upvotes

Hey all!
I am searching for technicians who have experience or contact with 747-400 maintenance. I am refurbishing a 744-flightdeck for an entertainment simulator customer to build an entertainment flight simulator out of it. The shell is OEM, but the electrics where taken out before. The shell was cut below the connecting linkage for rudder and yoke, so most flight deck related mechanics are actually intact.
My main point currently are two pedestal items: autothrottle motors and trim indicator motors. They were removed and I can not seem to find out where they should be mounted / how to access that. Therefore, if any 744 tech might be able to check:
-where are the autothrottle motors mounted
-what mount they are (NEMA motors? What shaft diameter?)
-where are the trim indicator drives mounted, how can I get to them? I do not trust myself to take the pedestal far apart without AMM access, but I would love to get the trim indicators properly working...
If you have any sketches, advice, or perhaps even a screenshot of the AMM/MTM for these areas, I would be extremly grateful!