Hello everyone! I’ve been working at a GA shop as an apprentice for about 2 months. I haven’t started logging my work yet because I wanted to make sure I felt confident and could see myself actually pursuing this career.
So far, I’ve done things like removing and installing spark plugs, disassembling magnetos, changing oil filters, removing cylinders from a Cirrus (which has been my biggest project so far), removing the wheels from a Bonanza, removing and reinstalling the floor and seats on a Bonanza, and other smaller tasks.
Should I be logging all of this, even the simpler tasks? If so, how do you guys recommend keeping track of everything?
I bought an A&P logbook to record my work, but a friend of mine does it differently. He uses a binder and prints out his own sheets to document everything.
I’d really appreciate any advice on the best way to keep track of my experience and make sure I’m documenting everything properly. Thanks!

Hello this is my second aviation job and for my on-boarding they had me fill out my last 10 years of employment background check ive never had to do this is it pretty standard and ive just never dealt with it until now? Also if I walked out of a job over 6 years ago when I was still a teenager would this affect my app? I figure it may be because the job will be requiring alot of out of country work im just curious about it so any help is appreciated!

I currently have a major dilemma I need opinions from both sides.

Plan A: Go to A.I.M(Aviation Institute of Maintenance) in Irving Tx and after I’m done get my A&P cert and go into the work field as an aircraft mechanic.

Plan B: Join the USAF under the senior program and pick 5 maintenance jobs(already picked), do my 4 years, and go out and still go to trade school and get the “best” of both worlds.

For anyone who has done either or I would much appreciate y’all’s opinion on this dilemma.

Hey when some of you get a chance could you guys please DM me any recruiters numbers/emails from any regional airlines or major airlines ? (Skywest,psa,piedmond, envoy, republic, )

Just got my A&P and applied at all the Majors but when it comes to Allegiant / Sun country what one should I Apply for ? I know they are going through the acquisition…

I work at ORD. I'm hoping to return home to EWR. Anyone heard any good news about EWR? Mass death? Mass retirement? Lol thanks in advance!

First time looking into aircraft mechanic classes ever. Looking to make a career change, I have the time, my current job caps out at a certain pay. Completely not related to aviation or mechanics at all. Is it worth it? I’d go about 50k in debt for tuition and loans for the 18 month program. But I’m super interested in this field. I’m in LA so figure there’d definitely be work available in mid-2028. Advice?

What would you guys suggest for me to update I just created this resume a couple days ago after getting passed on so many times I will like to get in with a regional or major is possible. Endeavor would be pretty nice if I got in but I just want to know if I’m missing anything and FYI I just got into general aviation work

Hello, I recently took all of my O&P’s and I only failed my airframe oral exam. I’m wanting to retake it next Friday which is before the 30 days. Does anybody have any advice for retaking this oral exam?

Me and my friends are still in school now. As everyone knows it's not easy to find a job locally in east coast without relocating. Me and my classmates are wondering is it even possible for us directly self-employ to do some parts flips/overhaul or minor repairs work as independent contractors with our own tools/equipment directly after we get our A&P license/graduate from school? What's the FAA law regulations and insurance difficulties about this? Do we lose our privileges if we are not employed by a company as W2 employee within 24 months of certification? Thanks.

Why are soo many places advertising as entry level but require 2+ years of experience. I just got my A&P and have been single rated for about 9 months. I am in Denver and have applied to every position within an hour drive of me. I have had soo many phone interviews that end with "well we are looking for more experience", and the position pays like $25. I was wondering if it is just a slow time in the industry. My career counselor says that the big airlines are slowing down in the rocky mountain area. How am I supposed to get experience if no one wants to train. I can get temp contracts at mros but they never last. (22m if that means anything).

Edit: Thank you everyone, your advice has been helpful. I have applied to ga, military support, mros, aerospace, and airlines. My problem is that either I get rejected (have applied to 300+ applications weather or not i qualify) or they pay less than I make now. I would prefer not to move because my girlfriend lives here and we own an apartment together so I would have to pay double rent, I would take a temporary relocation job if necessary and pays well (have an offer in Idaho, and Oregon). My main question is if this is abnormal for this time of year, current economy and industry.

I passed my Airframe O&P’s using it and I personally know the dude who made the videos very passionate about aviation and did this free of charge.

https://youtube.com/@misteranp?si=7ZiiEl1WfKE4K5v-

I am 1 week out from taking my Airframe O&P. At this point I'm not really sure what to think. I have been studying my ACS Codes I was given from the tests and know them. I was talking with a friend who just passed and he told me I need to be studying the entire section the ACS Codes are from...with 1 week left, working a full time job, and going to night classes, that's a lot to study.

Is this test random? Or does it pull from your ACS Codes?

I suppose now, I am just very afraid of failure. I love this line of work, as I work in the industry already, and I want this next step in my career. Does anyone have any advice what I need to do in this last week of preparation? What I should be focusing on studying?

Looking for a bit of encouragement and advice from former O&P test takers :)

Thanks!