Aviation BS and Photo Thread

Has anyone earned their A&P via logged hours recently? Lot's of hearsay on the topic online, trying to figure out if anyone has done it recently and what they had to document to get the sign off. I've got a friendly IA helping me along, I've got about 250hrs logged since late 2018, still a ways to go. I'm not trying to have a career change, just looking to get the certificate at some point as it's helpful to have as an airplane owner.

 

I wish I logged all the time I spent working in the maintenance shop during high school....I’m sure I could have qualified for the A&P by now. It sure does make owning a plane so much easier

 

My dad got his A&P so his maintenance costs were lowered during his years of aircraft ownership. Over the course of his lifetime he had a PT-19, Aztec, Ercoupe, and D-17.

 

Did you ever get to enjoy the thrills of flying in the Ercoupe?

 

That's one plane I definitely want some time in. My school had one, but sold it before I ever got any time in it. Hoping I get a few hours in one someday.

 

Totally awesome weather this evening!

 

Awesome Pictures!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IH1evQLyeD8

 

When you find out the paper airplane you made as a child is real.

Never seen a longeasy before

 

Those are fast!

 

Yes they are I was impressed

 

It's a fun little airplane. I was fortunate enough to get 160ish hours in one simply for the price of fuel. I loved rolling the window down and hanging my arm out. "Drive it like a car."

 

This is an often confused and misunderstood process. 14 CFR 65.77 explicitly states "at least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes, or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought; or at least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings." In fact, right on the 8610-2 form in section II the first box to check is "CIVIL EXPERIENCE". No where on that form does it specify an hours of experience requirement.

Say it with me now, 30 MONTHS! No where in that regulation does it say hours required for the OJT/ apprenticeship route.

However, if the candidate desires to earn the certificate by attending a part 147 college program - then yes, you need to satisfy hourly requirements due to the school's curriculum. Hence, why those graduates can earn it faster than 30 months.

The best thing you can do is talk to the local PMI or duty inspector at your FSDO and find out what they want to see. Ultimately they are the ones you have to impress enough to get your 8610 signed. Getting that form signed is what will allow you to sit for the written/ oral & practicals.

 

Thanks, that makes sense. I have seen people (like AOPA and EAA) interpret that as meaning 30 months at 40 hrs a week so you end up around 4500. Seems like a lot. I’ll try to get some clarification from the FSDO, although if it’s like anything else at the FAA, every time you ask you get a different answer. Lol

 

Just started flying finally this week! Thanks all for the input prior.

I like the program I’m in. We get to fly high and low wing, taildragger and tricycle gear, motor gliders and tow gliders, etc. Lots of variety and experience. Thanks again!

 

That seems like a lot of types for a new student pilot. If you can master it all that's pretty good but focusing on trikes, high and low wing should be enough. Good luck and enjoy it all.

 

Its over a two year associates program, so it’s not a lot of jumping back and forth.

We’re mostly in an old cub and later a 172. The only reason I flew the 172 early is the wind was really high and they were having a hard time taxiing the taildragger.

What’s interesting to me is how much they have us overlapping the A&P guys with Recip Engine Theory work. It’s been cool to learn a new world of power plants.

 

Beautiful 54° in Eagle, CO. A wonderful aroma of camp fire fills the air, although it’s unfortunate the amount of terrain being burned. Natural progression I guess, time for new growth.

 

That was my stomping ground for four years. Did line service and A&P work in Eagle, Instrument training out of Eagle, skydiving flying out of Glenwood Springs. I miss the area, I don't miss the number of people.

 

I love this area. It’s too bad I don’t live here, but I’m very thankful that I get to visit!