Airframe and powerplant degree

[Energi2er]

I have been thinking about training to be a helicopter mechanic and obtaining an A&P degree from a local tech school. I eventually would like to be a pilot but the cost of school, and my weight being 250 right now its much easier to become a mechanic first then in the future obtain a PPL and eventually CFI and beyond.

 

I am not really interested in fixed wing aircraft, just helicopters, and I would like to specialize in helicopters. My question is is there a difference between a Fixed wing A&P mechanic and a Helicopter mechanic or is it the same degree? Do airplanes and Helicopters have the sdame engines?

[67november]

I am not really interested in fixed wing aircraft, just helicopters, and I would like to specialize in helicopters. My question is is there a difference between a Fixed wing A&P mechanic and a Helicopter mechanic or is it the same degree? Do airplanes and Helicopters have the sdame engines?

 

An A&P license is an FAA license not a degree, it covers all aircraft, if you want to work on helicopters only you'll need to find a helo company that's in need of a mechanic, you'll probably need to go to the factory schools as well this will help in getting in the door of said company.

 

good luck in your venture.

 

there's lots of info on this site, just use the search function to find it.

Edited December 13, 2006 by 67november

[apiaguy]

There is no difference between an airplane and helicopter mechanic (a&p) rating as far as the FAA is concerned. The experience learned in a&p school is invaluable for maintaining any aircraft as there are lots of aviation basics covered besides the actual wrenching that takes place on aircraft. When you are at school it will be your responsibility to educate yourself with as many aircraft as possible. Some schools are offering a "helicopter course" to try and attract students interested in helicopters specifically, but you will find them brief at best. Do your own study during school.. that means reading manuals, service bulletins/instructions, airworthiness information, etc... In order to qualify for an a&p license at a part 147 school you will be subjected to mostly airplane stuff... that is ok, the most important thing you'll learn is the basics. After you get out if you have money you can go to a factory school, but if you want to get a job most companies will send you to the school if you show them you want to stay with them. Last part of your question... yes, airplanes and helicopters have the same engines.

[PhotoFlyer]

Not to nit pick, but airframe & powerplant licenses are certificates...

[apiaguy]

actually you are "nit picking" because if you look at FAR 65.73 you will see that the certificate is "mechanic" and the ratings are "airframe" and "powerplant". Also, if you look on the back of your license you will see part 7 (XII) ratings: mechanic: airframe powerplant.

I really can't believe that you were trying to nit pick this point out of what I said.

[Guest pokey]

funny how in some instances "license" & "certificate" can be interchanged & in other cases NOT :

 

birth license?

hunting certificate?

stock license?

fishing certificate?

license of deposit?

dog certificate?

gift license?

drivers certificate?

licensed mechanic?

certificated mechanic?

licensed pilot?

certificated pilot?

licensed inspector?

certificated inspector?

authorized inspector?---holy c0w ! (a new one)

inspection authorization?

marriage license?

marriage certificate?

certificate plate?

airworthiness license?

 

dunno about the rest of you, but to me the only ones that sound ok interchanging are the pilot & mechanic ones.

 

And yes, i agree that it is a good idea to get your A&P mechanic lic\\\cert\\\\ ( the piece of paper that says its okey dokey to work on flying machines) from our FriendlyAviationAssociates