Hello! I’m new to this forum but wanted to post to get some insight from people more experienced in the industry. I’m currently enrolled in a 12 month A&P course and am planning on finding work for an airline after graduating, then work on gaining flight hours during off time while doing A&P work. My goal is to eventually fly/maintenance for corporate airlines and am wondering how viable of a plan is this. Also curious as I’ve heard conflicting views on how much value an A&P license adds to a pilot.
Given each path (A&P/pilot) requires time and experience to be proficient at, the corporate side usually looks at people who are good at one or the other skill set. Depends on the type operation and specific company whether having both work to your advantage. However, if you fly 1000 hrs a year for a commercial ops that doesn't leave you much time to work on the aircraft under the current rules.
Commercial Flight pay tops out well above the A&P salary. You'll be forever trying too earn enough to pay for flying lessons on top of living expenses. Unless you're incredibly proficient at wrenching, forget wrenching and concentrate on flying. Borrow if you must and as much as you can to get all your licenses and ratings as quickly as possible. Once you're a CFI you can get paid to fly and really rack up the hours. Good luck
I would think that having the added experience of your A&P would have to be a resume' enhancement. I also think having the ability to earn some money while completing your training is a very good way to go. Balancing work and training is not going to leave you much room for anything else in your life for a year or two but I worked all the way through the completion of my masters while going to school and It made me even more employable when I finished.
The only employers that cared about my A&P we either ag jobs or helicopters. No one else cared. On the other hand I have benefited greatly from having the experience.
