aircraft engineers in america?

[angleterre7]

Has anyone ever gone to work in the states with just an A+C or JAR66 licence? is there anything open to someone without having an A+P?

[Clanad]

Check this site for FAA requirements in U.S.

There are many mechanics that work under the supervision of A & P's, especially in Certificated Repair Stations, until achieving their own certification.

http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/mechanicbasic.cfm

Good luck!

[angleterre7]

What about the pay I hear even as a licenced engineer pay in the US is about half of what I can earn here

[Clanad]

Depends... airline mechanics usually are very well paid... unionized and all.  General Aviation mechanics don't fare as well, but many own their own facility.  BTW, A & P not required to paint aircraft, unless controls removed and balanced. Most A & P's with experience also posses inspection authority (IA), which enables them to sign off inspections...

[angleterre7]

can you give any rough figures for pay in the US for A+P mech's with/without insp. app.

[Clanad]

General Aviation pays least... a good size shop doing engine and airframe work, including overhauls and hot sections probably pays about $25 to $40 per hour usually plus benefits such as insurance, etc.  A three to five year employee at a moderate size airline doing A,B and C checks can make $45,000 to $55,000 per year.  the problem is that most maintenance facilities for airlines tend to be in larger cities that are usually more expensive to live in.  It really varies and depends a great deal on what part of the country one wants to live... Most large airlines are cutting back, but the smaller ones are hiring... I read a figure recently that indicated 40% of the mechanic force in airline service is approaching retirement age...

[angleterre7]

Clanad, thanks for all the info you have been very helpful. I am possibly looking at the Santa Monica area so LAX/BUR or even as far as San Diego or Santa Barbara. Within about a years time. Have to do JAR exams to convert my restricted B1 to full B1 then onto A+P's but I suppose experience will count for nothing. I have heavy and line experience on narrow body jets. I cant believe that the US is one of the only countries that your national licence does not convert and you have to start from scratch. Thanks again.

[simple]

Don't know but a mate in a similar situation contacted a company called Work Experience UK (www.workexperienceuk.com) and they helped.  I don't know exactly how, I just know he (mate) is working in the USA now doing his 'thing'.

Hope it helps