Not an A&P but spent 12 years building my plane. About 14,000 rivets, some aluminum, a 180 horse Lycoming and a whole lot of work allows me cruise through the sky at 180 knots (207mph). Been flying two years with no problems so I guess I'm an airplane wrench turner. Working on a '40 Ford Pickup now. The main difference is the plane is new and spotless while the truck is old and dirty. At least it was. I was debating the Chevy/Ford engine conflict and finally decided on a Ford in a Ford. The Chevy may be easier but the thought of a Government Motors engine in there just wasn't working for me. Steve in CA
I am a "retired" composite specialist. I traveled around doing AOG repairs and extractions. Also spent a good amount of time doing a-d heavy checks. Best move i ever made was to leave.
Wrenched on F-102 fighters '66 - '70 thought I'd do that for a living then found out a few million other guys had the same idea back then.
Had mine since '89............ Worked aircraft since '81....... USAF jet engine mech., on F-4's, and F-16's. Still doing it today, for a major airline, doing sheetmetal repair...............Rivets......Rivets....Rivets!!!!!
Hello , I am glad that I checked the H.A.M.B. this morning ,regarding aircraft engines.I have a Continental C85,on a airboat, it has serious blowby as oil is blown out the crankcase breather. My ?s, what should the comp. be on this engine? can a 0200 cylinder and piston be used as c85 are hard to find I will try anything , and best bet to find such parts.Please help me thanks Jim in Fl
I'm an A&P here in KTOL. I've got 10 years on old DC8s. Also have worked on 747, 767,727, L1011, and DC9s. I work in our shop repairing P&W JT-3s and CFM56 turbofan engine now. Nice to see some fellow a&p wrenches are here on the HAMB!
Not an A&P holder but was an aircraft machinist for 14 years. Worked on air driven accessories mostly but did CNC machining on hour glass cases for jet engines. All military stuff. Cooling turbines, anti-icing valves, hydraulic actuators, etc. CB_Chief
Still working on military A/C. Started in '65 for the USMC (Univ of Science, Music and Culture). Nuthin' beats the "Sound of Round"...R-3350 ansd R-4360 in particular. Licensed A&P since '83.
Started working on aircraft when I joined the navy in '84. A-4's, A-6's F-14's, F-18's. Mostly doing engine R & R's on base. I currently hold a Repairmans' Certificate for aircraft turbocharger systems for small aircraft. People who own airplanes usually have lot's of disposable income, so I stay busy even in this economy.
Not an A&P yet but workin on it by logging the hours I spend restoring a '46 Champ and maintaining my '46 Cessna 120. Do have to say it sure feels good to wrench on the 49 Chevy without the friendly FAA looking over my shoulder.
I've been working on/building experimentals for a while, and helping others with resto work, especially on Navions. I've often wanted to try for an A/P. I've taken and passed the sample written tests with no problem, but I just don't have the 30 months of pay stubs that the FAA requires to take the test. Many A/P's have told me not to bother, that it isn't much of a lucrative career anymore, so I don't know what to think about that? Here is an older Pitts Special C model that I am slowly bringing back to life--- This is a Pitts S1T new build that I'm trying to get finished---
I am an A&P, I was a Black Hawk Helicopter Mechanic/Crew Chief , Boeing 107 Vertol Mechanic, Now I do Custom EMS Helicopter interiors. Good to know I am not alone out there.
Ex-NWA tech from Atlanta. Spent a few in Minni after Atl hanger closing and took lay-off before shit hit the fan!!!!!!!! Now at Airtran Airways in Atlanta since 2003. Industry is in the tank, tell your kids to get into mortision school or something that the economy, fuel prices, war, sars or bird flu, terrorist threats, etc doesnt effect!!!! LMAO!!!
had mine since 1989 , wrenched for 3+ years and moved on to high line cars ..... (Hotrodhabit) love the pitts my fav by far , theres no way to exsplain what those are about they always leave me speachless ......
ether, you are absolutely correct. it sucks going in to work just about every day wondering if you are going to still have a job.
A&P since 94. I did the two year classroom, college degree program at a local community college. Don't do it anymore for a living, but the theory and background transfers over to anything I build in automotive area. Sound procedures and design are universal.
Yeah -that's what I thought I'd do, enrolled in a school and found out that they said to forget all I knew about military jets - plus all the guys that were thinking the same thing.
LOTS of talent and experience here at H.A.M.B. Wings and wheels. LOTS of info shared. So, who has an A&P? Got mine in 60. IA followed in 65. Added DAR with various functions thereafter. Long time EAA and IAC member. Built nine from plans. Pitts, Skybolts and Cuby. Sorta a mix of my business and my hobby.