AME apprenticeship questions

[. ._]

Hi folks!

I was wondering about how people become AMEs.

Specifically- if it is like the way I got my General Machinist ticket. When I started at a company, I had almost ZERO knowledge about making stuff out of steel. Never even took shop in high school. Then I worked for the required amount of hours and took the appropriate classes in night school at the college. Wrote my government test, and bingo! One General Machinist Certification. However, I know some people that took machine shop in college and were credited a certain amount of work hours needed and didn't have to take the first year or two of the night classes.

Theoretically, if you know some guy who was an AME and had a shop, could you start off as an apprentice knowing diddley squat, then just go to school as needed, get your stuff signed off and presto- you're an AME?

I've always wondered exactly how that works with you guys and just never got around to having an in-depth conversation about the details.

I couldn't find any thread in here about "how to become an AME".

Thanks for any info you could give me.

-istp

[iflyforpie]

Yes, you can show up at a shop knowing diddely squat. Lots of guys I know started out as general labourers (cleaners, parts washers, hanger sweepers) and then took the ICS correspondence course and started their apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship needs to be under the employment of a maintenance shop as an apprentice full-time for 48 months (no crediting your labourer time). In addition, you need to fill out 70% of the applicable tasks in your AME logbook. This means that you have performed or actively participated in the task (some simply require more than one person to do, but you should have a thorough understanding of it) and have it signed off by a qualified AME.

Also, you have a bunch of examinations to do. When I did my licenses their were 10, but I believe there are only four now, CARs being the biggie.


Most AME hopefuls (like I was) go to an accredited course for two year. It gives you the advantage of being exposed to a wider range of aircraft, and you are also allowed to credit your time to your apprenticeship.

[Ballsssssss]

In addition to what Pie said, there is an AME program at Stevenson College in Southport MB that is along the lines of a traditional trade apprenticeship where you get a job and then go to school 9 weeks a year while completing your 48 months.

[Cyborg]

Not trying to go offtopic here, but I have looked into the ICS course, one of the people I work with took this course about 6 years ago. Anyone know if it is still TC accredited? I can't seem to find any exact wording on their website that says they are, only that "The ICS Aircraft Mechanics Program meets Transport Canada's basic training requirements for the AME License "M" Rating." - Is that enough?

Next question - I am happy at the shop I am in, so if I take this course, and don't get/find an apprentice job for say another two years, can the schooling time out? Is there any time limits from school completion to job starting?

[madcapmagition]

the schooling from ICS does not really time out. But if you go to a school that awards you accreditation of X time then you have eight years to complete your apprenticeship. Otherwise it becomes void and you have to do the full 48 months.

[duramaxguy]

ICS is still TC accredited. I took it, however, I wouldn't recommend it (it all depends what kind of learner you are). I started my apprenticeship with ZERO experience, and did ICS over a year and a bit. If your the kind of person that can read a book and retain the info, then ICS would be ok for you. Myself personally, I am a hands on learner or I need to at least watch a video and see it being done. Reading it and trying to visualize it in my head, then remembering it afterwards, is not my cup of tea. If I could do it again I would do the stevenson college thing in Manitoba. Go to school 9 weeks a year then work the rest. Another thing that I had a tough time with while doing the ICS course was actually doing the course while working 10-12 hour days and still living life.. I was definately procrastinating. Once your done your ICS you have to go to transport to write your 3 tech exams which arent included as part of the course (if you go to school, you do the tech exams as part of your course)

There are some up sides to ICS as well.

1. its cheap (good if your on a tight budget) $900 i believe
2. You can work full time and still make a living while completeing your course.

Again, personally, im a visual and hands on learner. I need to do the task in order to retain the info for more than a week. If i did it again I would choose Stevenson.



cheers,

TM

[jsmetalbashers]

I don't recommend ICS unless you are very mechanically inclined and pick things up quickly and efficiently or you are already in the industry and working in aviation in another capacity. If I was interested in doing my M i would look at Stevenson or Northern Lights. Both have good reputations.

[Cyclenut]

Try here:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/s ... nu-533.htm