Aircraft Mechanics the "HEART" of Airplanes ?

Hey dear aviators ! How you doing ? Thank you all once more for checking in. I'm so thankful to each and everyone of you for being my best audience. February 2018 marks my last flight in the Philippines. It wasn't an easy task for me, saying goodbye to my baby Cessna's and fantastic mechanics there. On this blog, I would like to appreciate and write up on experience I shared along with fellow aircraft mechanics. So lets get started !

Written by : Rhevin Magendran ( Malaysian )

Sources / info : Ma'm Ana Jean T. Alcorin ( Filipino )

( 1. Former AMT Instructor in University of Perpetual Help System Dalta)
( 2. Currently being a Supervisor { Training Management Department } )

Aircraft Mechanics heart of an Aircraft !

Flying small airplanes has been a big part of my life for the year 2017 and 2018. I've made new friends, flew hundreds of miles and even carried passengers. And lets not forget the hundreds of flying and group selfie videos I posted on my social channels. I have seen things I never thought I would see. I have developed skills and had experiences that have made me a proficient Pilot today. There are many more flying activities that I will get exposed in the future for me to bring such feeling of freedom and accomplishment than that of mastering the art of flying.

When I buckle up the seat belt and put on my headset, an interesting experience occurs in my mind. I start to see things that are associated with my flight. It's almost as If I become transported telepathically to a tiny theater in my mind where flight simulator games are played. Haha ! As I begin preparing for the flight, I can feel those pulleys, bellcranks and pushrods moving through the components of the engine. As I peer out of the window during my flight control check, I can watch the actual ailerons, elevators and rudders moving. I keenly aware of all the components associated with the system that is operating during my enroute flight.

With my honest opinion, I would say that aircraft mechanics have the best bonding with the aircrafts. Why do I say that ?. I m actually proud of having a little background of an aviation mechanic. I was just 17 and half when I started my Bachelors Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. I was an alumni of University Of Perpetual Help System Dalta (Philippines). The knowledge and experience I had during my entire course, shows me how actually mechanical things work on an airplane engines and systems. I had no idea how vitally important this career would be until I got my hands on it. The real effect of this career towards the airplanes had made me realize the importance of aircraft mechanics to the aviation industry.

A & P Certificate

The A & P Certificate entitles the holder to perform a wide range of work on an aircraft. Some mechanics specialize and work in a very narrow window and become an expert at what they do. And others develop much more broad range of skills. They also gain a unique ability to understand systems and how they all work together.

Do you know, it's not unusual for aircraft mechanics doing an annual checks on a Cessna 152 and 172 ? Experience matters guys !. During their first  on job training, usually they are exposed to small aircraft parts and services. Knowing your basics counts. Moreover their work never seems to be the same and remains interesting because of its diversity. The mechanics, over time learns to be versatile and proficient. 

These abilities give greater value to customers which relies on their mechanics to not only be able to inspect and repair their aircraft, but also consult them on matters that can affect the safety and reliability of their aircraft for future flights. Furthermore, aircraft mechanics becomes an invaluable source of authority to find cost effective solutions for the ongoing maintenance issues that come up. 

Right TOOLS makes a good JOB !

If you have the right tools, you will eventually be good at your job. You could beat the book times and increase your working skills eventually. It didn't take me a long time for me to realize that airplanes are all about wrenches, screwdrivers, electricity, pistons and gears. Obviously working on airplanes would be very different than working on Cars! Haha!. 

It's much more tedious, labor, intensive and the atmosphere will be more methodical guys. All in all, I am happy with the way my career started out. I sat around others who were experienced and taught "tricks of the trade". I also associate myself with Pilots and Flight Instructors who were great resources for my additional learning. 

Worth being an Aircraft Mechanic ?

So what happens when you finally get the piece of paper that proves you are now worthy to work on an aircraft ?. I bet you don't have to worry!. The options are wide and varied. Each with it's own advantages. Airlines offer good pay benefits and a future for those who apply themselves toward becoming an aircraft mechanic. 

I have a friend of mine, who was recently hired by a major airline as an entry level mechanic and I was surprised when he told me what his starting salary was. And they promised him with a good pay after 6 months on the job. That includes with health insurance, a US$ 401 K and benefits make an appealing opportunity. The growth potential in an organization like that, is something worth considering. What you say ? :)

Final Thoughts on Being An Aircraft Mechanic

The truth is, I find great satisfaction and pride in being an A & P and also a CPL License holder. If I had to give up on one of those licenses, I am not sure which would damage me the most. Haha!. The two ratings go hand in hand on my mind and each feeds and supports the other. Being an A & P makes me a better Pilot and being a Pilot makes me a better
A & P. 

No job I know is a pleasant and fun everyday. Problems come up and stress levels increase. I think when the stakes are high, we as humans rise to the challenge. We adapt to what is necessary for our situation. The days that I find myself impatient and frustrated because I'm overwhelmed, stumped or uncertain to solve the problem I'm dealing with, I feel the futile feelings of failure. Often I will take a break from it for a few minutes or days and then come back with a fresh outlook and energy. Trust me guys, It works lot more better for me.

As per my knowledge I would say, persistence and patience are the keys to success. Figuring things out, overcoming the obstacles, learning systems, finding and fixing the problems brings high levels of satisfaction. It is the hard things that make it all worthwhile in the end. Thank you guys for your time. Hope you had a good read on my blog for today. 

I will release more blogs and I'm working on exciting new projects that I can't wait to share with all of you. You guys have all been my inspiration. Keep the questions coming in and I m extremely happy to share my knowledge with the help of fellow aviation experts.


Happy and blue skies all the way dear aviators !!!!!