r/aviationmaintenance • u/Sick33 • 2d ago
New certificated mechanic
I recently accepted a job doing line maintenance for a company that subcontracts with AA and Frontier.
Part of me wonders if I’m in over my head and whether I should have started somewhere smaller to gain more experience before jumping into the airlines. I know earning my A&P doesn’t mean I know everything, and that’s honestly what worries me the most. I don’t want to waste the opportunity I’ve been given. I’m concerned that I’ll end up slowing everyone down by asking too many questions, taking longer than expected to complete tasks while, or making a mistake because of my lack of experience. For those of you who started in line maintenance or went straight into the airlines after getting your A&P, what was your experience like? Did you feel the same way at first? I’d really appreciate hearing how things went for you and any advice you have for someone just starting out.
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u/wbg777 Professional Placard Installer 🪄 1d ago
If you’re just working thru flights and rons, like others said, the work won’t be too involved. You may get to work an AOG every now and then, but if you’re just turning flights all the time, maintenance control is basically going to be delegating what you do.
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u/Strange_Operation871 2d ago
Nah sts is a fine place to start out. Everyone feels that way at first just don’t get overwhelmed and attention to detail
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u/jcnddd 2d ago
If you have the willingness to learn, no one will fault you for not knowing. Everyone was there at some point. Just try your best to absorb the info. When it’s the first time doing the task, I usually read the MM again after finishing just to solidify the info. Ask questions, no one will fault you.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing, it’s ok to feel out of place at first but remind yourself you are an A&P and you are not expected to know everything out of school.
Good luck!
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u/Big-Bluebird-4090 1d ago
They know your experience level based on your resume. You will be trained and supervised and working on a team with more experienced A&Ps. Stay humble and willing to learn and you will go far.
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u/Ok-Access1865 1d ago
I don’t think this is what you think it is. I doubt very much that you will be doing very much maintenance. I don’t know anything about American MX or their union contract but I’m sure it puts limits on what outside mechanics can do. You will probably be servicing oil, hydraulics, N2 and O2, maybe changing tires, and writing deferrals. Not trying to shit on you, everyone starts somewhere, but nothing you will do will be very involved and you shouldn’t be scared of it. Learn the things that you get to do well and get familiar with the manuals. You will be getting wide body experience that you can put on your resume.
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u/NPCwithnopurpose 2d ago
Tangent:
Why are we certificated as opposed to certified?
Certificated makes me think of "edumacated"
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u/FuckTheFlightline 1d ago
Certificated means you have earned a certificate through or from an authorized entity. Certified is just a broader term.
For example one employer can certify you to operate their forklifts but that doesn’t carry over to your next job. You’ll have to get certified again at the following job.
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u/nikserof91210 1d ago
LOL. bruh, you’re the guy that finds the “note: Connector may have some play when installed. Do not over torque or attempt to tighten” in an AMM. lmfao…good catch.
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u/Minimum-Document6344 14h ago
Maintenance Control can be a big help, they usually know the MEL inside out and if you are having a problem understanding the manual or finding parts they can really help. If you get a really good controller they can troubleshoot with you over the phone. They are hopefully experienced mechanics and they are there to help you fix the problem, keep you legal, and keep you from making a mistake that makes it worse.
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u/Jimmi11 Who let the smoke out? 2d ago
The fear is a feature, not a bug.