I work on an Avionics crew at the Tulsa heavy maintenance facility and there is no way I would want to work at a line station. I have big respect for the line station mechanics, the fast paced environment of the line is not for everyone not to mention the constant pressure that management puts on you to fix discrepancies as quickly as possible to get the aircraft back in the air which I have ZERO TOLERANCE for from anybody because that’s when mistakes happen. And for you younger mechanics that are just getting started…anytime a supervisor or manager tries to pressure you into doing something that you know or suspect is a deviation from standard procedures…tell him you want it in writing and signed with his employee and/or certification # and then take it to your local FAA inspector and see what he has to say about it and I can promise you that shit will stop immediately. Anyways, from a fellow mechanic keep up the good work Stig! Always honor the airman’s creed and do us proud!
Thank you so much sir, I appreciate everything that you just said. And I 100% agree with you. I’ll be down in Tulsa in late March for a training, hopefully I’ll get to meet you.
Hey I'm seriously considering a&p and/or avionics. My school has both, I'll be there all day though if I take both. If you had to pick one? Is it more day shift/ indoor in Avionics?. Avionics seems cool I hear they want a&p usually. You like the career? I'm considering this or electrician. Tulsa would be preference too. Id go to Tulsa tech if that helps there. Thanks for any help
@@qigongkylar944 I’ll try and address your questions in order…1. If I had to pick one? A&P for sure because that’s what most major carriers(American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, etc) are going to require of you to become an AMT and if you decide to go into avionics the company you work for will provide you with the additional fleet specific avionics training you’ll need. To the best of my knowledge, major carriers do not require you to hold any avionics certifications from a school, just an A&P. 2. Is it more day shift/ indoor for avionics? That is going to be very dependent on whether you work in a hangar or on the line at an airport and which company you work for. I work primarily in a hangar but there are times where I have to be outside on the ramp to do communication tests, weather radar sweeps, WiFi antenna tests or assisting the test pilots during their ground runs but 95% of the time I’m in the hangar. 3. Do I like the career? Yes, absolutely. In Avionics, we get to do something new almost everyday and we don’t usually get too dirty which is nice. I don’t know what to tell you on the electrician thing…I would try to scope out some good companies to work for, see what they pay and whether or not they have a union. I don’t know what electricians make but the average pay for AMT’s who work for a major carrier is around $120,000/year $58-$60/hr topped out on the pay scale. Starting pay will be somewhere around $28-$32/hr and that’s always subject to change in the future of course. If Tulsa is your preference, I would apply for a job now because American Airlines is hiring and Tulsa is the biggest heavy maintenance facility in the world. I worked midnights and went to Tulsa tech full time during the day…it was a rough 18 months but totally worth it in the end. Hope that helps you out!
Thank you for your input man. I have a start date for Tulsa on Oct 28 and I was wondering how do you get into the avionics crew? This is going to be my first job as an A&P and I'm looking forward to doing avionics.
I'd like to mention hanger maintenance for an airline is vastly different than hanger maintenance for a 3rd party. 3rd party every task has a time limit as to allow what the customer paid for. Can also be very stressful
I remember standing in the wheel well of a G-650 and being blown away with the tubing, wiring and all the components. The level of engineering that goes into these machines is astounding!
If you get assigned a job on a 737 nine times out of ten you're gonna be in the wheel well at some point. Seems like everything on that plane ends up there and it is one nasty, filthy place. wear a Tyvek suit. lol
Now retired, I had 52-years in military and air transport category aircraft maintenance and was given the Charles Taylor Award by the FAA. Line maintenance midnight shift at a large airline is the more interesting job if the mechanic likes troubleshooting systems and getting to know how the aircraft actually works. Hanger maintenance, most of which is done by third party contractors these days, is a lot of repetitive work cards and not very interesting from my viewpoint. If the mechanic is interested in nuts and bolts jobs like replacing landing gear, flaps/slats, engines, etc, then heavy maintenance might be appealing. Line maintenance mechanic compensation is far superior than what is paid to hangar mechanics at third party contractors.
First of all I salute you for attaining the Highest Honor amongst our maintenance community. The coveted Charles Taylor Award is very sacred for us. I hope to earn it myself one day (25 more years to go 😅) and you are absolutely correct on line vs Hangar differences.
@@shaza6880 The cons of line maintenance at a big airline are shift work, working weekends and holidays, working outdoors in cold and wet weather. Large airlines provide financial compensation for some of the above mentioned cons. When I worked as a line mechanic my kids were young. I'd come off midnight shift as they were getting ready for school. I'd sleep and get up when they arrived home. Then I would leave for work as they were getting ready for bed. Days off are determined by seniority. The junior mechanics tend to have middle of the week days off.
I liked the engine shop maintenance environment but also worked the D checks later on. Now retired, but working in the airline environment is exciting and rewarding (when the economy is right)
One way I describe to people the difference between Line and Hanger maintenance is: Line is like a hospital emergency room where a sick plane comes in and is diagnosed and treated quickly then sent back out, whereas the Hanger is like a hospital ward where routine surgeries are carried out with more time.
I would go one step further and say that hangar maintenance is very much like a hospital room. The minute you block the aircraft in the bay, they’re screaming for you to get it fixed and out, just like a hospital room. Additionally, hangar maintenance at a non-heavy check facility does the lions share of troubleshooting. Big airlines need gate space. If an aircraft can’t be troubleshot down to a fix within an hour, the aircraft usually goes to the hangar, especially chronic birds.
More like a "sick" plane gets shuffled off to a waiting room and replaced because if it can't be fixed by a reset or deferral it's going to have to RON and wait for midnight shift to come in. Day and swing line mechs rarely treat a sick plane, especially domestic because there simply isn't any time. International they might have 4 or 5 hours so it's different.
I never knew you guys had to go through lots of aircraft, pre-fight and even starting up. I’m working on my private right now, planning to go to commercial ATP pilot. You guys are insane. Thank you for what you do to keep pilots safe.
Thank you Stig Aviation for posting this video. You explained all of the A,B,C,D, & E checks in a way that I could follow along. Have been a lifelong aviation fan, working as a ramper, baggage, gate, ticket counter, and operations. Really liked how you described the pace of learning at the hangar vs on the line.
Well done my friend, I'm a tin basher in Canada, mechanic and structure are separate careers up here. Used this video to explain what I do for a living. Best marriage is a nurse and a aircraft mechanic, 24/7 weekends... you get it.
This video is so great. During my apprenticeship, I started out with both line and hangar just to grab every knowledge and information necessary for my aircraft maintenance career. I ended up loving hangar maintenance more coz of the in-depth knowledge of aircraft mechanics but still capable of doing line. I specialized in engines & airframes and currently comfortable with both line and hangar for versatility. I love your presentation and now you have a new subscriber
Thank you for being here Peter. I appreciate you and I’m glad to see you are so well versed in your skills. Having knowledge of line and hangar is very beneficial
I work for an aircraft dismantling facility in the UK. This video is a great insight and explanation for anyone wanting to understand aviation maintenence
I wanted to get into aircraft mechanics leaving the automotive industry in mid ‘70’s but Teterboro school told me I’d never get hired as guys returning from Vietnam military will get placed first. Same as pilot… I couldn’t compete with their background. Thank you. Fascinating seeing it all & TY for keeping us safe.
Just passed my Powerplant written, and will be taking my O&P for Powerplant to finish up my licenses next week. Eager to get into the field and start wrenching! Great video, keep it up.
I wanna tell you the biggest congratulations because you ever achieve something very incredible that very few people are capable of doing. You are now embarking on a great journey into Aviation. I wish you the best of success my friend.
Great video. When i was their, we were intimidated from youtube or social media. However, i think its great because the general public will never see this behind the scenes. The line maintenance is much heavier outside of Tulsa. So the checks depend on the station. The majority will not see a c or d check . So, theres to operations.
I’m glad I can share with the world of what goes on in the aircraft maintenance world. I want people to understand how safe these beautiful aircraft are.
Wow this is best Aircraft Maintenance focus channel I have ever come across. Thank you so much for the quality contents allowing us see things in real life.
I work line mx in Dfw with fedex and we do “A” checks as well as engine changes on the line . We also do service checks and troubleshoot mel’s . In addition we also do EO’s , Ea’s and hanger work cards . They keep us busy at fedex line DFW . And like you mentioned everything from the lav to the wheels . We do as much work on daily ground time as possible , our planes usually layover during the day and fly at night . Great video explaining it all Stay safe and work smart fellow mechanics .
I salute you Albert, thank you for your hard work and diligence to aircraft maintenance. I have many good friends that work for FedEx, top-notch mechanics they are. Stay safe, stay diligent and keep on pushing that purple metal my friend.
Awesome video! Great content. I remember going with my dad to SFO when I was much younger to watch a United DC-8 freighter being torn down and rebuilt on a C check. My dad worked for McDonnell Douglas. I have always loved aviation but unfortunately never got to pursue a career in aviation. Keep up the great videos! Cheers my friend!!
@@StigAviation Your enthusiasm shines through! Love the videos. I was interested to see a D Check on a BA747 at Cardiff a few years back. When everything was out or opened up, they found some structural cracks and were able to deal with them before they became serious.
Hola amigos, fui técnico aeronáutico en Colombia ,TLA que es el equivalente a la A&P, por mas de 19 años en equipos B 727, B 737-800, DC9, MD-81 y Embraer ERJ 190. Gran experiencia de vida dedicada a los aviones. Admiro mucho a los amigos que aún continuan dando lo mejor a esas grandes maquinas del aire...👏💪
The things you guys do is more important than the pilots who are trained to fly these magnificent machines. These things cannot fly without your expertise. I HOPE the airlines pay you what you’re worth. I believe you are equal to a pilot in pay. 💯👏🏾👏🏾
We all have our roll to play.. and you are right on the fact without Us maintenance.. that aircraft is as good as a paperweight. On the ground we are the final authority when it comes to airworthiness and safety. But the way society works is that the pilots (with all due respect) are in the public eye and will always get compensated more than us. But I’m still happy with my salary, no complaints here. I love my job
Thank God I have experience in both, line and hangar. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 August 2019-December 2023. Been in school for my A&P since May 2024. I'll be at the airlines making 6 figures when I'm done. 💪🏽💪🏽
I had the chance to tour a United maintenance station a few years back and got to see a 737 undergoing a D-check. All interior fittings and paneling were completely removed besides some of the center floor panels, revealing the former/bulkhead/stringer structure in all its glory. Really put into perspective the effort it takes to keep these machines flying!
@@StigAviation How do you keep track of all the parts, fasteners, everything? With so much complexity, does stuff go missing or get re-installed incorrectly?
I am a retired A&P and and have worked line, and hanger maintenance as a mechanic, and a crew chief /lead mechanic ,in both positions ,was also a inspector in both positions, and spent a little time in maintenance control . I really like the job always learning new things , The only downside is its a 24-7 365 day job, and working the line in the winter was interesting at times ,but line MTX as a mechanic was my favorite . I liked the hands on and troubleshooting aspects of line MTX. Inspection and lead positions paid a little more, but much more paperwork . Hanger MTX is steady work and the day goes buy fast but not so much troubleshooting .
Took the words right out of my mouth. I worked UAL in the same capacity and also for some other outfits when I was laid off from UAL after 18 years. I miss the work but not the insecurity of job.
@@Mess447 I went to Aviation High School in NY and that’s where I received my A&P. You will to see what schools are available where you live. EMBRY RIDDLE is a great school in Florida and you can also get a degree. But you would have to live in Florida. Every city for the most part has schools. You have to see what they offer, the cost and also most importantly, Job Placement. In NY , Vaughn College was also good and Tulsa Oklahoma, Spartan School of Aeronautics. In Miami, George T. Baker to name a flew. It all depends where you live. Good luck and welcome to a great field.
I am sure there are many of them I went to Portland Community College in Portland Oregon in 1984-86 it was a two year course. I now live in Tucson AZ and Pima County community college has a program here to get your A&P . I hope this helps its a great career.@@Mess447
Wow great video it looks great seeing all the different part all stripped down . I was a vehicle technician. But these machines are wow so complicated. Thanks Stig for showing us
Thank you for what you do keeping these planes safely, admire folks that love their job. Been watching your videos for the past 2+ months very informative with functions of sensors and components I was not even aware about.
Very interesting and you managed to cram a lot in but made it easy to understand. Also I am in the process of putting my recent trip up. So excited to be flying again and have to admit I was a little emotional (4 years since I last flew before covid) but so worth it. I did think about the videos that you put up that I watched and I have never felt so much at ease knowing what goes on behind the scenes from a passenger's point of view even though I was flying Air New Zealand domestically. I just want to say thank you.
I’m happy you’re gonna fly again. It’s a beautiful feeling. I’m sure you will have a fantastic trip. Thank you for all your kind words. I appreciate you
10:00 it threw me off initially when I saw the APU eye level in the video, I thought the airframe was on the floor 😂😂 Loving this long video, nice work and thanks.
Thanks for this amazing video. As always, you have a wealth of knowledge to share. It is indeed quite amazing to see how these things work. Most people would just see a nice shiny aircraft soaring through the skies, not knowing how much is behind the scenes, to make our air travel possible in a safe manner...
Glad you enjoyed it! And you are absolutely right. It takes an army of people to move this metal. I take great pride in watching my aircraft fly after I worked it.
Interesting to see how the different checks are done. They’re similar, completing each other, but the duration of the checks make the difference. It was great to acknowledge all those. Thank you.
Atig, i am absolutely blown away by your knowledge and professionalism. I thi k that is an awesome career xhoice, assuming they pay you the buckets of mobey your mechanics DESERVE for keeping those ships flying safely. This level of detail described in your videos is actually quite motivating. It makes me want to redouble my focus on my own profession (Project Manager). I would definitely recommend that younger folks take a good serious look at this career if you have a mechanical aptitude.
I just don't know how you don't have more subs. I've got TH-cam recommendation few days ago, I don't know why I didn't get it sooner. You make my day with every video!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate you being here. I don’t focus on the numbers of subs. I’m just happy I can share my adventures with people like you.
@@StigAviation it's not just for subs per se, I'd like for people to see (and appreciate and learn from) what you do. Especially nervous flyiers, engineers, pilots and others that love this area. Seriously, more people need to see your videos. You are doing a great job at being a teacher. And P.S. I remembered you today when I listened to Thunderstruck from AC/DC :D
This gives me confidence to fly AAL. Thanks for the in depth look behind the scenes 🙏 Can clearly tell you are passionate and highly professional. Quite inspiring.
Really love all your content, and as an AA EP I'm proud to keep flying American. Have you contacted them about content and the YT ch? As an Av geek I've seen too many pilot/airport staff member YT channels get shut down. Your content deserves proper support from AA on behalf of the brand/the hard working folks on the ground nationwide. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for being here and enjoying it. I’m blessed to be in an amazing company such as our. Makes me proud to produce a safe aircraft for our flying public. As for AA , they are very aware of what I post.. but as for supporting it publicly.. I don’t know if they are willing or have time for me. But I’ll keep trying to show and educate new and upcoming techs as well as all people who are interested in the aviation industry, especially from the aircraft maintenance standpoint. I will always push the positive within our industry because it has given me so much.. it’s only right I give back.
@@StigAviationThat's pretty amazing that AA doesn't mind you making content. Like the other poster said, many channels come and go and sometimes I've seen the employee get fired. I know the few airlines I've worked for in the past, you weren't allowed to take a picture and don't dare think about taking a video. Haven't worked on aircraft in a while due to adopting a special needs child, but I got lucky and started off in line mx on dc-8's, then 727-200, 727-200F, L-1011, 737-800NG, 747-300F and DC-9. Got to be a flight mechanic/tech rep for a teeny-tiny bit and develop 747-200F avionics/line mx troubleshooting classes. If I went back to work tomorrow, I'd probably be a bit lost with everything being glass cockpit these days. Only plane I worked like that was the 737-800NG, but the darn thing barely ever broke. Regarding hangar guys, I couldn't work in the hangar - it was boring and mundane doing the same thing all the time unlike the line.
Excellent and comprehensive video that covered about everything of aircraft maintenance, I appreciate your efforts in making this excellent material; my self is a retired aircraft maintenance professional who worked in hanger and line maintenance on B737, L1011 and B747, I did have aircraft taxi and run up licensel along with troubleshooting experience, finally I joined MCC Maintenance Control Center which depends on previous aircraft maintenance knowledge and experience.
I do miss working on L1011s and 747. They were special to me. And that’s amazing that you moved into MCC. They are another group of unsung heroes in the background.. working hard to troubleshoot and dispatch aircraft. Thank you for all your hard work
Wow. Thats is amazing. The amount of pipes and wiring that is revealed when the covers are removed is astounding. Thanks Stig. The scale and breadth of knowledge needed is very impressive. Cool that you get to drive one around also. Very much appreciate you taking the time and effort to post a skin back walk around view of the aircraft.
This video was so interesting. I loved it. I am so intrigued and fascinated with all aspects of commercial aviation. I would love to work amongst commercial aircraft doing almost anything. This video was great; probably my favorite you tube video ever.
Great story! Retired AAer and ex-Navy here. 35 yrs with AA/Sabre and 7 years at ORD in passenger, ramp and flight services. I still feel AA has the best mechanics in the industry. Biggest regret is not having pursued airframe/powerplant maintenance in Navy, instead of electronics. I get goosebumps anytime I see the superb work that goes on at M&E TUL. Keep 'em flying and thanks for the video.
The Tulsa mechanics are some of the best mechanics I’ve seen in the world. They are literally miracle workers ripping a whole airplane to pieces and putting it back together and watching it fly again is absolutely phenomenal.
As a former hanger mechanic now aircraft engine mechanic you're definitely right about going to the hanger first. My second aviation job was in a hanger at ATL and MCN airports it really helped shape my experience and knowledge. Now I'm working in an aviation engine manufacturer to see this side of aviation.
I absolutely love this video! Super informative and fun. I’m currently in the Navy and work in Aviation as well and this is definitely one of the careers I want to pursue when I get out. Thank you so much for this!
@@SyncytheShredESP usually the same as A&P but there are places where they don’t require it, and you would work under the MRO or overhaul facility certification.
I just recently left the business after 30+ years. I would agree with Stig on his comments about starting your career in Heavy Maintenance. It taught me so much about where components were and how to get to them quickly later in my career when I worked Line Maintenance. My career started with Overnight Maintenance, then later to Day and Night Shift Heavy Maintenance. A little later I was tasked with being an On-Site Representative for aircraft that were offsite being worked on at a MRO. This also included the overseeing of the Repainting of our aircraft. My career at the airline ended with being tasked with being the On-Site Representative over seeing the Lease Returns of our aircraft after the airline was purchased by American Airlines. My final 20 years were spent at a Manufactures MRO assigned with multiple different tasks and projects. A brief return post Covid had me working Contract Line Maintenance supporting 3 different Airlines. In the end I look back to a lot of great memories, a lot of great trips, I got to see a lot of this country and assigned to alot of great projects.
Thank you so much for the words of wisdom, Michael, it is much needed for our young generation to listen to our seniors in regards to this industry. Your words are gold and should be taught at every school.
I enjoyed watching your videos you remind me what i use to do is the same job am also FAA License A&P since mid 90s wishing you all the best love your spirits Keep it up God Bless you
Thank you sir beautifully done ✅. Retired aircraft technician Pan American World Airways , Tower Air and finished career with United Airlines! Let the public see what it takes to keep these birds safe in the air day in day out ! Public should never take flying for granted!
Hey man I really like this channel a lot because I’m an Apprentice mechanic and pilot . Stings got a great style of videography! You should make more of this stuff.
At AA I worked in a hanger at DFW. We did in between maint. Such as engine and gear changes. We were on a time schedule. It could get stressful. We were between line and phase checks. We would pick up aircraft from the line and bring them into our hanger. We repaired we would return them to the line. I worked in the R.R. Engine shop at AFW.
Yup I know that feeling because I work in LAX .. not as heavy as DFW or DWH but we get the work done and move the metal. Thank you for all your hard work
Glad to how the step-by-step process is accomplished. THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR JOB WELL TO KEEP AIRCRAFT OPERATING SAFELY AND IN TURN KEEPING US SAFE! SUBSCRIBED.
Great video awesome job I take my hat off to all staff working at the airport who help keep us all safe in the air while on the Plane god bless you all❤😊
I spent 26 yrs working hanger maintenance for AA at KAFW. I was on the crew that opened the base and on the crew that closed it down. Loved doing the work there and learned something everyday.
I just learned a lot about aircraft maintenance amazing video. Question I forgot to ask. Why does the inside window have a little hole in it? Is that for pressure?
Hello Sir. I am a beginner from Korea. I am really nervous for my first job in Canada. Thank you for sharing ur great experience and tips. Hopefully, I wanna be great a great maintenance like u in the future.
God bless everybody: from the designers and engineers to the people repairing, maintaining and making sure that everything will be fine during the flight. The more I see these aviation reviews; the more I get convinced that I made the right decision.
Great information thanks for making the video my son is in college to be an aeronautical engineer but if that doesn’t work out I always told him about getting an a and P because there’s great money to be made and it is a good job maybe you can make a video commenting on what the pay scale is for these hard-working jobs
The pay scale varies between airlines. Some pay more than others… but a good general idea of pay for a starting technician is usually around 25-33 per hour. After 5-9 years of service the top out is usually around 50-60 per hour… this also includes union contract negotiations which level up pay to keep up with cost of living. I can go into more details about this but I would have to talk to your son about it. If you wish tell him or you can message me on instagram and I’ll explain in detail. Hope this helps. Keep encouraging your son to study hard and aim high. The future of the aviation industry needs smart and capable people.
One thing true about hangar maintenance is that, the more senior you get, the more safty critical and difficult jobs you will be assigned to. Like removal and installation of APU/Engines, control surfaces alignment. But at the line, the jobs get much easier.
As someone that has done both, Line Mntc in ORD & BNA and Hangar Mntc in TUL, I would say Line is better for younger AMTS and us older people would prefer Hangar Mntc.. Either way you can’t go wrong and both are Great.. Great Video as usual.. Keep them Flying at AA..
Started with United in late 80's and we were doing section 41 mods on the 747's. That was some crazy maintenance, the entire cockpit plus E&E bay had to come completely out followed by a month of structural work strengthening the fuselage. All in all it took about 90 days. As an R&E I learned all about troubleshooting because we had to find every wire bundle the sheet metal guys drilled through. All systems had to be checked and often it took multiple test flights to get it back in service. Retired after 34 years, did everything from hangar to line, I guess my favorite was special routes, kind of one foot in each camp and not as lonely as working the terminal plus without the constant danger of getting run over by a bag smasher in a tug.
You my good sir are a jack of all trades. I aspire to be the same. I myself have spent time in hangar and now line. But after 25 years of fixing I still have a lot more to learn. Thank you for all your hard work and keeping the beauties airworthy.
@@StigAviation You're doing a great job of showing how rewarding a career like this and the skills learned can be. After retiring I picked up a 1946 GC-1B Globe Swift. It's a basket case that last flew in 1964 but if I can pull it off restoring it will be my legacy.
This would be a great intro video to people starting work at airframer customer support sites as an engineer. Boeing, Airbus, UTAS (or Collins or Raytheon), Spirit, Embraer, etc. Keep up the great work!
It's easy to forget how cool our jobs really are, and how fascinating these machines still are to everyone that doesn't get to work on them every night! Top moment of my mx career... using the giant forklift to bring a USD $1M+ CF680C2 motor up to the #2 pylon during an MD11 engine change. Waaaay cool!
It really is an amazing job. I love it. 25 years in it and I can’t see myself doing anything else. I never got a chance to work the MD11 but I did get to change the #2 on many L1011s and B727. Miss those birds.
This was fantastic!!!! I'm such a fan of your channel! Question i thought i heard the narrowbody fleet were getting the seatback IFE screens back. Is that true? If so have you seen them showing up yet in the hangar or on the line?
Haven’t heard of them getting the screens back. Most all narrow body fleets are going into wireless IFE and allows you to use your own personal devices.
I used to love doing 'tow & stow' of aircraft on night shift, until as a young apprentice mechanic I was the only person on board an old 747-200 Freighter and right as we started to cross the active runway an electrical fire broke out from the throttle quadrant filling the cockpit with the most toxic smoke. I was able to drop the APU generators off line to stop the fire but i got a lung full of that smoke, took me a few weeks to fully recover. Blood tests showed I had cyanide and other nasty chemicals in my blood. Aircraft maintenance can be a really hazardous environment. 🇦🇺
Indeed it is a very hazardous environment to work in, but good thing you and professionals like us get properly trained on how to react hastily and safely on situations such as yours. Glad you made it out of there without further hard to you.
Stig I just saw this. This is a very good explanation of the system and all the checks. Do they test fly the plane after a deep check. I’m going to watch this again. Great advice about ramp or hangar. Much better idea if you’re brand new. That’s was very good logic.
Great videos. It brings back the good time I had in the Air Force from 1966 to 1990. I started on EC-121D and moved on A-1 Skyraiders at NKP Thailand than on to Andrews, where if it had an oilly reciprocating engine on it, we worked on it. Then it was off to Udorn on T-28's. By 1972, they were running out of reciprocating engine aircraft, so I was sent Beale AFB to learn to work on B-52G's, and luckily became a crewchief on KC-135Q'S aircraft that was used to refueled the SR-71. Wherever the SR-71 was needed, we traveled. I sent the last 10 years at Castle AFB. The Air National Guard is still flying some of the aircraft I worked on. Do you watch any of Juan Browne's videos? He's a first officer for American. Well, keep up the good work, Merry Christmas, Tommy
lol I started the line after 6 months in the APU shop, let me tell ya the line is incredibly fast pace. It was a huge wake up call but I like the challenge. Also it “usually” takes 2-5 years to make a good line mechanic. But you learn a lot and learn to be efficient and timely. I’ve heard many people say if you wanna move up the line is the place to be. Also a lot more freedom. If you prefer steady pace the hangar or shops are probably good.
I consider myself fortunate to have worked in both the heavy and line maintenance environments and in both GA and the airlines. As I've told people, I've worked on aircraft from a Cessna A152 to an Airbus A380.
7 on 7 off 12 hr graveyards. Hated line maintenance. Small crew 20 planes. Tire and brake extravaganza in neg 40C weather. Hanger maintenance and heavy maintenance for a major airline was the way to go. Had really good times...less stress.
Line maintenance is not for everybody, it’s not a easy environment. But it’s very rewarding, I can only speak on my behalf, I have done both and I enjoy both.
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it. And as for retirement.. you can always come back into it. Industry always needs mechanics, especially ones with knowledge and experience. You could be a trainer
Fascinating to see just how complex an aircraft is. It's always scary (and sad) when we hear reports of a stowaway who has hidden in a wheel well. There is so much hydraulics and electronics in them, and so little space for someone to ride in there. They must cause a bit (a lot?) of damage - grabbing or stepping on things. I hope you have not been witness to a dead body in a wheel well. Thank you Stig, for your excellent, well-explained, videos 👍
Very few cases of stowaways like that and very few make it alive. I have witnessed such events and no damage to aircraft only damage to the person that tried it.
That’s awesome, keep up the good studies and don’t forget to ask questions. I’m here to help. And sorry for the late response, I’m trying to catch up with the comments.
You're unsung heroes, thanks for working so hard and keeping us safe.
It’s my pleasure. Thank you for being here and watching.
I work on an Avionics crew at the Tulsa heavy maintenance facility and there is no way I would want to work at a line station. I have big respect for the line station mechanics, the fast paced environment of the line is not for everyone not to mention the constant pressure that management puts on you to fix discrepancies as quickly as possible to get the aircraft back in the air which I have ZERO TOLERANCE for from anybody because that’s when mistakes happen.
And for you younger mechanics that are just getting started…anytime a supervisor or manager tries to pressure you into doing something that you know or suspect is a deviation from standard procedures…tell him you want it in writing and signed with his employee and/or certification # and then take it to your local FAA inspector and see what he has to say about it and I can promise you that shit will stop immediately.
Anyways, from a fellow mechanic keep up the good work Stig! Always honor the airman’s creed and do us proud!
Thank you so much sir, I appreciate everything that you just said. And I 100% agree with you. I’ll be down in Tulsa in late March for a training, hopefully I’ll get to meet you.
Hey I'm seriously considering a&p and/or avionics. My school has both, I'll be there all day though if I take both. If you had to pick one? Is it more day shift/ indoor in Avionics?. Avionics seems cool I hear they want a&p usually. You like the career? I'm considering this or electrician. Tulsa would be preference too. Id go to Tulsa tech if that helps there. Thanks for any help
@@qigongkylar944 I’ll try and address your questions in order…1. If I had to pick one? A&P for sure because that’s what most major carriers(American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, etc) are going to require of you to become an AMT and if you decide to go into avionics the company you work for will provide you with the additional fleet specific avionics training you’ll need. To the best of my knowledge, major carriers do not require you to hold any avionics certifications from a school, just an A&P. 2. Is it more day shift/ indoor for avionics? That is going to be very dependent on whether you work in a hangar or on the line at an airport and which company you work for. I work primarily in a hangar but there are times where I have to be outside on the ramp to do communication tests, weather radar sweeps, WiFi antenna tests or assisting the test pilots during their ground runs but 95% of the time I’m in the hangar. 3. Do I like the career? Yes, absolutely. In Avionics, we get to do something new almost everyday and we don’t usually get too dirty which is nice. I don’t know what to tell you on the electrician thing…I would try to scope out some good companies to work for, see what they pay and whether or not they have a union. I don’t know what electricians make but the average pay for AMT’s who work for a major carrier is around $120,000/year $58-$60/hr topped out on the pay scale. Starting pay will be somewhere around $28-$32/hr and that’s always subject to change in the future of course. If Tulsa is your preference, I would apply for a job now because American Airlines is hiring and Tulsa is the biggest heavy maintenance facility in the world. I worked midnights and went to Tulsa tech full time during the day…it was a rough 18 months but totally worth it in the end. Hope that helps you out!
Thanks for the advice bro. Some of sups pressured us to get shit done instead of helping us. Shout out from PSA
Thank you for your input man. I have a start date for Tulsa on Oct 28 and I was wondering how do you get into the avionics crew? This is going to be my first job as an A&P and I'm looking forward to doing avionics.
This is part of why flying is such a safe form of travel. Great work
Thank you and you are absolutely correct 👍
I'd like to mention hanger maintenance for an airline is vastly different than hanger maintenance for a 3rd party. 3rd party every task has a time limit as to allow what the customer paid for. Can also be very stressful
Yup it’s kinda like line u just get to explore more
You are very correct. 3rd party is on a budget and limited timeframe. So it does become stressful there.
Hangar*
@@laweety Yes, attention to detail is important.
I remember standing in the wheel well of a G-650 and being blown away with the tubing, wiring and all the components. The level of engineering that goes into these machines is astounding!
Indeed it is. It looks like a mess but everything is placed in a very strategic location for its functionality.
Nothing about designing a modern aircraft is easy. Concept to first delivery can run about 10-years and involve thousands of suppliers.
If you get assigned a job on a 737 nine times out of ten you're gonna be in the wheel well at some point. Seems like everything on that plane ends up there and it is one nasty, filthy place. wear a Tyvek suit. lol
Now retired, I had 52-years in military and air transport category aircraft maintenance and was given the Charles Taylor Award by the FAA. Line maintenance midnight shift at a large airline is the more interesting job if the mechanic likes troubleshooting systems and getting to know how the aircraft actually works. Hanger maintenance, most of which is done by third party contractors these days, is a lot of repetitive work cards and not very interesting from my viewpoint. If the mechanic is interested in nuts and bolts jobs like replacing landing gear, flaps/slats, engines, etc, then heavy maintenance might be appealing. Line maintenance mechanic compensation is far superior than what is paid to hangar mechanics at third party contractors.
First of all I salute you for attaining the Highest Honor amongst our maintenance community. The coveted Charles Taylor Award is very sacred for us. I hope to earn it myself one day (25 more years to go 😅) and you are absolutely correct on line vs Hangar differences.
Excellent!! I am sure every job has pros and cons, likes and dislikes. Are there any cons and dislikes you can address about this type of job?
@@shaza6880 The cons of line maintenance at a big airline are shift work, working weekends and holidays, working outdoors in cold and wet weather. Large airlines provide financial compensation for some of the above mentioned cons. When I worked as a line mechanic my kids were young. I'd come off midnight shift as they were getting ready for school. I'd sleep and get up when they arrived home. Then I would leave for work as they were getting ready for bed. Days off are determined by seniority. The junior mechanics tend to have middle of the week days off.
I liked the engine shop maintenance environment but also worked the D checks later on. Now retired, but working in the airline environment is exciting and rewarding (when the economy is right)
Hit the nail on the head, never was much of a hanger tech. Always will be a line guy
One way I describe to people the difference between Line and Hanger maintenance is: Line is like a hospital emergency room where a sick plane comes in and is diagnosed and treated quickly then sent back out, whereas the Hanger is like a hospital ward where routine surgeries are carried out with more time.
That’s actually an amazing analogy. Perfectly said John. Thank you
But you have to work in terrible conditions
@@staxbeeburner4757 someone has to do the job. That’s the way it is.
I would go one step further and say that hangar maintenance is very much like a hospital room. The minute you block the aircraft in the bay, they’re screaming for you to get it fixed and out, just like a hospital room. Additionally, hangar maintenance at a non-heavy check facility does the lions share of troubleshooting. Big airlines need gate space. If an aircraft can’t be troubleshot down to a fix within an hour, the aircraft usually goes to the hangar, especially chronic birds.
More like a "sick" plane gets shuffled off to a waiting room and replaced because if it can't be fixed by a reset or deferral it's going to have to RON and wait for midnight shift to come in. Day and swing line mechs rarely treat a sick plane, especially domestic because there simply isn't any time. International they might have 4 or 5 hours so it's different.
I never knew you guys had to go through lots of aircraft, pre-fight and even starting up. I’m working on my private right now, planning to go to commercial ATP pilot. You guys are insane. Thank you for what you do to keep pilots safe.
We Fix You Fly 👍. Best of luck to you on your ATP. Who knows.. you might be flying the what I fix one day 🤙
Thank you Stig Aviation for posting this video. You explained all of the A,B,C,D, & E checks in a way that I could follow along. Have been a lifelong aviation fan, working as a ramper, baggage, gate, ticket counter, and operations. Really liked how you described the pace of learning at the hangar vs on the line.
Appreciate you! Glad it was helpful for you.
Next time I fly, I will think of all the hard and highly technical work you guys and gals do. Thanks for keeping us safe.
Thank you very much for thinking of us.
Well done my friend, I'm a tin basher in Canada, mechanic and structure are separate careers up here. Used this video to explain what I do for a living. Best marriage is a nurse and a aircraft mechanic, 24/7 weekends... you get it.
Yup. I know exactly what you mean my friend. I appreciate you being here and keep up the amazing work. Cheers from LAX 🤙
This channel is the best. Glad to be graced with professionals like yourself looking after our airplanes.
I appreciate you being here and enjoying it all. Thank you
Huge respect for all aircraft mechanics you guys keep it save for us. Thanks for your talent and excellence.
It’s our pleasure and an honor to keep these beautiful aircraft airworthy. Thank you for watching.
This video is so great. During my apprenticeship, I started out with both line and hangar just to grab every knowledge and information necessary for my aircraft maintenance career. I ended up loving hangar maintenance more coz of the in-depth knowledge of aircraft mechanics but still capable of doing line. I specialized in engines & airframes and currently comfortable with both line and hangar for versatility. I love your presentation and now you have a new subscriber
Thank you for being here Peter. I appreciate you and I’m glad to see you are so well versed in your skills. Having knowledge of line and hangar is very beneficial
@@StigAviation thanks much. Your videos have me on addiction already 👍🏾👍🏾😂😂
I work for an aircraft dismantling facility in the UK. This video is a great insight and explanation for anyone wanting to understand aviation maintenence
Thank you very much. I appreciate that
I wanted to get into aircraft mechanics leaving the automotive industry in mid ‘70’s but Teterboro school told me I’d never get hired as guys returning from Vietnam military will get placed first. Same as pilot… I couldn’t compete with their background. Thank you. Fascinating seeing it all & TY for keeping us safe.
Thank you for being here Jeff. I appreciate your time and enthusiasm.
Just passed my Powerplant written, and will be taking my O&P for Powerplant to finish up my licenses next week. Eager to get into the field and start wrenching! Great video, keep it up.
I wanna tell you the biggest congratulations because you ever achieve something very incredible that very few people are capable of doing. You are now embarking on a great journey into Aviation. I wish you the best of success my friend.
@@StigAviation Thank you! I appreciate it truly.
Great video. When i was their, we were intimidated from youtube or social media. However, i think its great because the general public will never see this behind the scenes. The line maintenance is much heavier outside of Tulsa. So the checks depend on the station. The majority will not see a c or d check . So, theres to operations.
I’m glad I can share with the world of what goes on in the aircraft maintenance world. I want people to understand how safe these beautiful aircraft are.
Wow this is best Aircraft Maintenance focus channel I have ever come across. Thank you so much for the quality contents allowing us see things in real life.
Thank you so much for being here and enjoying
Thanks! Very interesting and we'll done.
Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
I work line mx in Dfw with fedex and we do “A” checks as well as engine changes on the line . We also do service checks and troubleshoot mel’s . In addition we also do EO’s , Ea’s and hanger work cards . They keep us busy at fedex line DFW . And like you mentioned everything from the lav to the wheels . We do as much work on daily ground time as possible , our planes usually layover during the day and fly at night . Great video explaining it all Stay safe and work smart fellow mechanics .
I salute you Albert, thank you for your hard work and diligence to aircraft maintenance. I have many good friends that work for FedEx, top-notch mechanics they are. Stay safe, stay diligent and keep on pushing that purple metal my friend.
Awesome video! Great content. I remember going with my dad to SFO when I was much younger to watch a United DC-8 freighter being torn down and rebuilt on a C check. My dad worked for McDonnell Douglas. I have always loved aviation but unfortunately never got to pursue a career in aviation. Keep up the great videos! Cheers my friend!!
You got to see something very special with that DC8. A part of history. I appreciate you being here and enjoying the aviation experience to this day.
Great video Stig, thank you for the full story and information you’ve shared with us. It’s a fascinating career you have, with big responsibilities.
My pleasure! And yes indeed a lot of responsibility comes with the career, but I love every single aspect of it.
@@StigAviation Your enthusiasm shines through! Love the videos. I was interested to see a D Check on a BA747 at Cardiff a few years back. When everything was out or opened up, they found some structural cracks and were able to deal with them before they became serious.
Hola amigos, fui técnico aeronáutico en Colombia ,TLA que es el equivalente a la A&P, por mas de 19 años en equipos B 727, B 737-800, DC9, MD-81 y Embraer ERJ 190. Gran experiencia de vida dedicada a los aviones.
Admiro mucho a los amigos que aún continuan dando lo mejor a esas grandes maquinas del aire...👏💪
Thank you so much Jose, sending you greetings from LAX. Keep up the amazing work.
Thanks Stig, youre video is a fantastic exemple of our fantastic job
Thank you very much 👍
The things you guys do is more important than the pilots who are trained to fly these magnificent machines. These things cannot fly without your expertise. I HOPE the airlines pay you what you’re worth. I believe you are equal to a pilot in pay. 💯👏🏾👏🏾
We all have our roll to play.. and you are right on the fact without Us maintenance.. that aircraft is as good as a paperweight. On the ground we are the final authority when it comes to airworthiness and safety. But the way society works is that the pilots (with all due respect) are in the public eye and will always get compensated more than us. But I’m still happy with my salary, no complaints here. I love my job
@@StigAviation That’s great to hear! As a retired teacher, I’M UNION STRONG! 🇺🇸
Thank God I have experience in both, line and hangar. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 August 2019-December 2023. Been in school for my A&P since May 2024. I'll be at the airlines making 6 figures when I'm done. 💪🏽💪🏽
Wishing you nothing but the best my friend. You are gonna do amazing 🤙
I had the chance to tour a United maintenance station a few years back and got to see a 737 undergoing a D-check. All interior fittings and paneling were completely removed besides some of the center floor panels, revealing the former/bulkhead/stringer structure in all its glory. Really put into perspective the effort it takes to keep these machines flying!
Quite an amazing thing to see and experience. The fact of how it all gets put back together is an achievement in itself.
@@StigAviation How do you keep track of all the parts, fasteners, everything? With so much complexity, does stuff go missing or get re-installed incorrectly?
@harrikangur parts bags and inspectors, and most importantly a lot hands to help
I am a retired A&P and and have worked line, and hanger maintenance as a mechanic, and a crew chief /lead mechanic ,in both positions ,was also a inspector in both positions, and spent a little time in maintenance control . I really like the job always learning new things , The only downside is its a 24-7 365 day job, and working the line in the winter was interesting at times ,but line MTX as a mechanic was my favorite . I liked the hands on and troubleshooting aspects of line MTX. Inspection and lead positions paid a little more, but much more paperwork . Hanger MTX is steady work and the day goes buy fast but not so much troubleshooting .
Perfectly explained sir. Thank you for your years of hard work and keeping the metal moving
Took the words right out of my mouth. I worked UAL in the same capacity and also for some other outfits when I was laid off from UAL after 18 years. I miss the work but not the insecurity of job.
Ey would u plz tell me
Which would be the best college to learn aircraft maintenance course to get A&P in usa
@@Mess447 I went to Aviation High School in NY and that’s where I received my A&P. You will to see what schools are available where you live. EMBRY RIDDLE is a great school in Florida and you can also get a degree. But you would have to live in Florida. Every city for the most part has schools. You have to see what they offer, the cost and also most importantly, Job Placement. In NY , Vaughn College was also good and Tulsa Oklahoma, Spartan School of Aeronautics. In Miami, George T. Baker to name a flew. It all depends where you live. Good luck and welcome to a great field.
I am sure there are many of them I went to Portland Community College in Portland Oregon in 1984-86 it was a two year course. I now live in Tucson AZ and Pima County community college has a program here to get your A&P . I hope this helps its a great career.@@Mess447
Wow great video it looks great seeing all the different part all stripped down . I was a vehicle technician. But these machines are wow so complicated. Thanks Stig for showing us
I am very happy you enjoyed it. Thank you so much, Jeff.
Thank you for what you do keeping these planes safely, admire folks that love their job. Been watching your videos for the past 2+ months very informative with functions of sensors and components I was not even aware about.
I am very happy you’re enjoying it all and thank you for watching
Very interesting and you managed to cram a lot in but made it easy to understand. Also I am in the process of putting my recent trip up. So excited to be flying again and have to admit I was a little emotional (4 years since I last flew before covid) but so worth it. I did think about the videos that you put up that I watched and I have never felt so much at ease knowing what goes on behind the scenes from a passenger's point of view even though I was flying Air New Zealand domestically. I just want to say thank you.
I’m happy you’re gonna fly again. It’s a beautiful feeling. I’m sure you will have a fantastic trip. Thank you for all your kind words. I appreciate you
10:00 it threw me off initially when I saw the APU eye level in the video, I thought the airframe was on the floor 😂😂 Loving this long video, nice work and thanks.
A little optical illusion for you there 😅. And thank you. Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for this amazing video. As always, you have a wealth of knowledge to share. It is indeed quite amazing to see how these things work. Most people would just see a nice shiny aircraft soaring through the skies, not knowing how much is behind the scenes, to make our air travel possible in a safe manner...
Glad you enjoyed it! And you are absolutely right. It takes an army of people to move this metal. I take great pride in watching my aircraft fly after I worked it.
@StigAviation good stuff my friend. Truly an eye opener
Probably the best video on TH-cam out of anything I’ve ever seen. I absolutely love this channel. Maybe I missed my calling.
Thank you for the kind words Robert
Interesting to see how the different checks are done. They’re similar, completing each other, but the duration of the checks make the difference. It was great to acknowledge all those. Thank you.
I am very happy you enjoyed it, thank you for watching
Atig, i am absolutely blown away by your knowledge and professionalism. I thi k that is an awesome career xhoice, assuming they pay you the buckets of mobey your mechanics DESERVE for keeping those ships flying safely.
This level of detail described in your videos is actually quite motivating. It makes me want to redouble my focus on my own profession (Project Manager). I would definitely recommend that younger folks take a good serious look at this career if you have a mechanical aptitude.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words and for being here. I’m happy I can share my passion for my craft with all
I just don't know how you don't have more subs. I've got TH-cam recommendation few days ago, I don't know why I didn't get it sooner. You make my day with every video!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate you being here. I don’t focus on the numbers of subs. I’m just happy I can share my adventures with people like you.
@@StigAviation it's not just for subs per se, I'd like for people to see (and appreciate and learn from) what you do. Especially nervous flyiers, engineers, pilots and others that love this area. Seriously, more people need to see your videos. You are doing a great job at being a teacher. And P.S. I remembered you today when I listened to Thunderstruck from AC/DC :D
This gives me confidence to fly AAL. Thanks for the in depth look behind the scenes 🙏 Can clearly tell you are passionate and highly professional. Quite inspiring.
I appreciate that! Thank you very much for the kind words
Really love all your content, and as an AA EP I'm proud to keep flying American. Have you contacted them about content and the YT ch? As an Av geek I've seen too many pilot/airport staff member YT channels get shut down. Your content deserves proper support from AA on behalf of the brand/the hard working folks on the ground nationwide. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for being here and enjoying it. I’m blessed to be in an amazing company such as our. Makes me proud to produce a safe aircraft for our flying public. As for AA , they are very aware of what I post.. but as for supporting it publicly.. I don’t know if they are willing or have time for me. But I’ll keep trying to show and educate new and upcoming techs as well as all people who are interested in the aviation industry, especially from the aircraft maintenance standpoint. I will always push the positive within our industry because it has given me so much.. it’s only right I give back.
@@StigAviationThat's pretty amazing that AA doesn't mind you making content. Like the other poster said, many channels come and go and sometimes I've seen the employee get fired.
I know the few airlines I've worked for in the past, you weren't allowed to take a picture and don't dare think about taking a video. Haven't worked on aircraft in a while due to adopting a special needs child, but I got lucky and started off in line mx on dc-8's, then 727-200, 727-200F, L-1011, 737-800NG, 747-300F and DC-9. Got to be a flight mechanic/tech rep for a teeny-tiny bit and develop 747-200F avionics/line mx troubleshooting classes. If I went back to work tomorrow, I'd probably be a bit lost with everything being glass cockpit these days. Only plane I worked like that was the 737-800NG, but the darn thing barely ever broke.
Regarding hangar guys, I couldn't work in the hangar - it was boring and mundane doing the same thing all the time unlike the line.
Excellent and comprehensive video that covered about everything of aircraft maintenance, I appreciate your efforts in making this excellent material; my self is a retired aircraft maintenance professional who worked in hanger and line maintenance on B737, L1011 and B747, I did have aircraft taxi and run up licensel along with troubleshooting experience, finally I joined MCC Maintenance Control Center which depends on previous aircraft maintenance knowledge and experience.
I do miss working on L1011s and 747. They were special to me. And that’s amazing that you moved into MCC. They are another group of unsung heroes in the background.. working hard to troubleshoot and dispatch aircraft. Thank you for all your hard work
Great video! Aircraft Technician 33 yrs. Recommend new hires to start in the hanger and learn the airplane without time constraints.
Well said sir. I agree with you 100%
You rarely have a choice, they normally just dump you where there's a missing body and that will be the place nobody wants to bid for.
Wow. Thats is amazing. The amount of pipes and wiring that is revealed when the covers are removed is astounding. Thanks Stig. The scale and breadth of knowledge needed is very impressive. Cool that you get to drive one around also. Very much appreciate you taking the time and effort to post a skin back walk around view of the aircraft.
My pleasure! I’m very happy you enjoyed it and see the amazing work that goes into making these beauties fly. Thank you for being here.
Thanks!
Many thanks Mr Johnson. I appreciate your generosity and you being here.
This video was so interesting. I loved it. I am so intrigued and fascinated with all aspects of commercial aviation. I would love to work amongst commercial aircraft doing almost anything. This video was great; probably my favorite you tube video ever.
Thank you so much for the kind words, and I hope you get the opportunity to work alongside aircraft. There are many opportunities out there.
Great story! Retired AAer and ex-Navy here. 35 yrs with AA/Sabre and 7 years at ORD in passenger, ramp and flight services. I still feel AA has the best mechanics in the industry. Biggest regret is not having pursued airframe/powerplant maintenance in Navy, instead of electronics. I get goosebumps anytime I see the superb work that goes on at M&E TUL. Keep 'em flying and thanks for the video.
The Tulsa mechanics are some of the best mechanics I’ve seen in the world. They are literally miracle workers ripping a whole airplane to pieces and putting it back together and watching it fly again is absolutely phenomenal.
Good video, this is exactly how it happens, I too have been involved in hanger and the line in UK.
Thank you for your hard work. I appreciate you
Thank you. Great seeing and learning maintenance schedules and plans. Very cool and makes me feel more secure about aircraft.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for being here and watching.
Great video! I'm a welder at the Tulsa maintenance base, and it's cool to get a view of line maintenance .
@@ericdoswell8115 i appreciate all your hard work at TUL brother
Great video Stig, interesting to see the different maintenance facilities
Thank you my friend. Glad you enjoyed it
When I see your videos I feel good when I fly. Thanks for your job and the videos❤
It’s my pleasure. Safe travels. We fix you Fly 👍
As a former hanger mechanic now aircraft engine mechanic you're definitely right about going to the hanger first. My second aviation job was in a hanger at ATL and MCN airports it really helped shape my experience and knowledge. Now I'm working in an aviation engine manufacturer to see this side of aviation.
There’s so much to learn in a Hanger environment and the beauty of it all is you have the time to learn it.
@@StigAviation Yes that is true.
What about your knowledge of the spelling of "Hangar"? ✌️
I absolutely love this video! Super informative and fun. I’m currently in the Navy and work in Aviation as well and this is definitely one of the careers I want to pursue when I get out. Thank you so much for this!
Definitely get your A&P license when you get out of the navy. Airlines need good mechanics and they love military personnel.
@@StigAviation Are Painters separate from mechanics or they both the same thing as well?
@@SyncytheShredESP usually the same as A&P but there are places where they don’t require it, and you would work under the MRO or overhaul facility certification.
I just recently left the business after 30+ years. I would agree with Stig on his comments about starting your career in Heavy Maintenance. It taught me so much about where components were and how to get to them quickly later in my career when I worked Line Maintenance. My career started with Overnight Maintenance, then later to Day and Night Shift Heavy Maintenance. A little later I was tasked with being an On-Site Representative for aircraft that were offsite being worked on at a MRO. This also included the overseeing of the Repainting of our aircraft. My career at the airline ended with being tasked with being the On-Site Representative over seeing the Lease Returns of our aircraft after the airline was purchased by American Airlines. My final 20 years were spent at a Manufactures MRO assigned with multiple different tasks and projects. A brief return post Covid had me working Contract Line Maintenance supporting 3 different Airlines. In the end I look back to a lot of great memories, a lot of great trips, I got to see a lot of this country and assigned to alot of great projects.
Thank you so much for the words of wisdom, Michael, it is much needed for our young generation to listen to our seniors in regards to this industry. Your words are gold and should be taught at every school.
I enjoyed watching your videos you remind me what i use to do is the same job am also FAA License A&P since mid 90s
wishing you all the best love your spirits Keep it up
God Bless you
Thank you very much Jefry. It’s a pleasure to have you here.
🙏🙏🙏@@StigAviation
Thank you sir beautifully done ✅. Retired aircraft technician Pan American World Airways , Tower Air and finished career with United Airlines! Let the public see what it takes to keep these birds safe in the air day in day out ! Public should never take flying for granted!
Beautifully said sir. Thank you for all your dedication and hard work throughout your career.
Hey man I really like this channel a lot because I’m an Apprentice mechanic and pilot .
Stings got a great style of videography! You should make more of this stuff.
Definitely will do more, it’s just me doing this, so it takes time to put it all together. But I’ll get some more stuff out there.
At AA I worked in a hanger at DFW. We did in between maint. Such as engine and gear changes. We were on a time schedule. It could get stressful. We were between line and phase checks. We would pick up aircraft from the line and bring them into our hanger. We repaired we would return them to the line. I worked in the R.R. Engine shop at AFW.
Yup I know that feeling because I work in LAX .. not as heavy as DFW or DWH but we get the work done and move the metal. Thank you for all your hard work
I worked at DWH for a good while. It was busy. Helped launch one the last MD80s headed to Roswell.
39 years and I enjoyed inside and outside . It was great for me.
The Aviation blood flows through you, it’s the best job in the world.
Glad to how the step-by-step process is accomplished. THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR JOB WELL TO KEEP AIRCRAFT OPERATING SAFELY AND IN TURN KEEPING US SAFE! SUBSCRIBED.
Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to have you here
Great video awesome job I take my hat off to all staff working at the airport who help keep us all safe in the air while on the Plane god bless you all❤😊
Well said! And thank you for the kind words.
I spent 26 yrs working hanger maintenance for AA at KAFW. I was on the crew that opened the base and on the crew that closed it down. Loved doing the work there and learned something everyday.
That’s absolutely incredible, thank you for all your dedication and hard work. You made them airworthy
Educational 🏆👑🙏🏿
Thank you
I just learned a lot about aircraft maintenance amazing video. Question I forgot to ask. Why does the inside window have a little hole in it? Is that for pressure?
Yes exactly, the inside window is basically to protect the outside window from damage, if there was no hole air would be trapped and it could explode
@@golfkid333 sweet. Thank you
Correct 👌. Better known as a “bleed hole”
@@StigAviation nice! Priciate it.
Hello Sir. I am a beginner from Korea. I am really nervous for my first job in Canada. Thank you for sharing ur great experience and tips. Hopefully, I wanna be great a great maintenance like u in the future.
I wish you all the best, and thank you for being here, don’t be nervous when you are at your first job, apply yourself and stay positive
God bless everybody: from the designers and engineers to the people repairing, maintaining and making sure that everything will be fine during the flight.
The more I see these aviation reviews; the more I get convinced that I made the right decision.
Thank you so much Carlos.
This is a great channel. Thank you Mr. Stig
Glad you enjoy it!
Great information thanks for making the video my son is in college to be an aeronautical engineer but if that doesn’t work out I always told him about getting an a and P because there’s great money to be made and it is a good job maybe you can make a video commenting on what the pay scale is for these hard-working jobs
The pay scale varies between airlines. Some pay more than others… but a good general idea of pay for a starting technician is usually around 25-33 per hour. After 5-9 years of service the top out is usually around 50-60 per hour… this also includes union contract negotiations which level up pay to keep up with cost of living. I can go into more details about this but I would have to talk to your son about it. If you wish tell him or you can message me on instagram and I’ll explain in detail. Hope this helps. Keep encouraging your son to study hard and aim high. The future of the aviation industry needs smart and capable people.
One thing true about hangar maintenance is that, the more senior you get, the more safty critical and difficult jobs you will be assigned to. Like removal and installation of APU/Engines, control surfaces alignment. But at the line, the jobs get much easier.
I would 100% agree with you.
As someone that has done both, Line Mntc in ORD & BNA and Hangar Mntc in TUL, I would say Line is better for younger AMTS and us older people would prefer Hangar Mntc.. Either way you can’t go wrong and both are Great.. Great Video as usual.. Keep them Flying at AA..
Yes indeed sir. Both are a fantastic place to learn. Thank you very much for watching and being here. I appreciate you.
Started with United in late 80's and we were doing section 41 mods on the 747's. That was some crazy maintenance, the entire cockpit plus E&E bay had to come completely out followed by a month of structural work strengthening the fuselage. All in all it took about 90 days. As an R&E I learned all about troubleshooting because we had to find every wire bundle the sheet metal guys drilled through. All systems had to be checked and often it took multiple test flights to get it back in service. Retired after 34 years, did everything from hangar to line, I guess my favorite was special routes, kind of one foot in each camp and not as lonely as working the terminal plus without the constant danger of getting run over by a bag smasher in a tug.
You my good sir are a jack of all trades. I aspire to be the same. I myself have spent time in hangar and now line. But after 25 years of fixing I still have a lot more to learn. Thank you for all your hard work and keeping the beauties airworthy.
@@StigAviation You're doing a great job of showing how rewarding a career like this and the skills learned can be. After retiring I picked up a 1946 GC-1B Globe Swift. It's a basket case that last flew in 1964 but if I can pull it off restoring it will be my legacy.
Awesome video, Stig. Thanks for sharing. 😎🤙
Glad you enjoyed it 🤙
This would be a great intro video to people starting work at airframer customer support sites as an engineer. Boeing, Airbus, UTAS (or Collins or Raytheon), Spirit, Embraer, etc. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Tim
Another great video that is very educational and in a short amount of time!
Glad it was helpful! I try my best to break it down in a simple manner
It's easy to forget how cool our jobs really are, and how fascinating these machines still are to everyone that doesn't get to work on them every night! Top moment of my mx career... using the giant forklift to bring a USD $1M+ CF680C2 motor up to the #2 pylon during an MD11 engine change. Waaaay cool!
It really is an amazing job. I love it. 25 years in it and I can’t see myself doing anything else. I never got a chance to work the MD11 but I did get to change the #2 on many L1011s and B727. Miss those birds.
12:22 is that an APU?
Yes. It is 👍
Thank you ! This has to be one of the attention to detail type jobs also spare parts must be on stanby and plentiful
Indeed it is. And we take it very seriously when it comes to safety of flight
This was fantastic!!!! I'm such a fan of your channel! Question i thought i heard the narrowbody fleet were getting the seatback IFE screens back. Is that true? If so have you seen them showing up yet in the hangar or on the line?
Haven’t heard of them getting the screens back. Most all narrow body fleets are going into wireless IFE and allows you to use your own personal devices.
I used to love doing 'tow & stow' of aircraft on night shift, until as a young apprentice mechanic I was the only person on board an old 747-200 Freighter and right as we started to cross the active runway an electrical fire broke out from the throttle quadrant filling the cockpit with the most toxic smoke.
I was able to drop the APU generators off line to stop the fire but i got a lung full of that smoke, took me a few weeks to fully recover.
Blood tests showed I had cyanide and other nasty chemicals in my blood.
Aircraft maintenance can be a really hazardous environment. 🇦🇺
Indeed it is a very hazardous environment to work in, but good thing you and professionals like us get properly trained on how to react hastily and safely on situations such as yours. Glad you made it out of there without further hard to you.
awesome video super informative and a look
behind the curtain👍🏼
Glad you liked it!!
Stig I just saw this. This is a very good explanation of the system and all the checks. Do they test fly the plane after a deep check. I’m going to watch this again. Great advice about ramp or hangar. Much better idea if you’re brand new. That’s was very good logic.
Yes indeed they do perform a test flight before putting the aircraft back into service. And thank you for watching
Great videos. It brings back the good time I had in the Air Force from 1966 to 1990. I started on EC-121D and moved on A-1 Skyraiders at NKP Thailand than on to Andrews, where if it had an oilly reciprocating engine on it, we worked on it. Then it was off to Udorn on T-28's. By 1972, they were running out of reciprocating engine aircraft, so I was sent Beale AFB to learn to work on B-52G's, and luckily became a crewchief on KC-135Q'S aircraft that was used to refueled the SR-71. Wherever the SR-71 was needed, we traveled. I sent the last 10 years at Castle AFB. The Air National Guard is still flying some of the aircraft I worked on.
Do you watch any of Juan Browne's videos? He's a first officer for American.
Well, keep up the good work, Merry Christmas, Tommy
I love hearing stories like this. It’s like looking back into history. Thank you for sharing that Tom. And Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
This is a beautiful job and carrier.
I enjoy it very much 👍
lol I started the line after 6 months in the APU shop, let me tell ya the line is incredibly fast pace. It was a huge wake up call but I like the challenge. Also it “usually” takes 2-5 years to make a good line mechanic. But you learn a lot and learn to be efficient and timely. I’ve heard many people say if you wanna move up the line is the place to be. Also a lot more freedom. If you prefer steady pace the hangar or shops are probably good.
You said it perfectly 👌 that’s exactly how it is.
Amazing video!!! Extremely informative! Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you very much Bruno I’m very happy you enjoyed it.
You have a great thing going man, keep it up!
Thank you Ben. I appreciate you being here.
Thank you for the explanation..
Now i really understand about aircraft maintenance 🙏
Thank you for watching
I consider myself fortunate to have worked in both the heavy and line maintenance environments and in both GA and the airlines. As I've told people, I've worked on aircraft from a Cessna A152 to an Airbus A380.
Now that’s what I call a wide range of experience. Well done sir , I bet you are a wealth of knowledge.
Me too only it's J3 to 787
7 on 7 off 12 hr graveyards. Hated line maintenance. Small crew 20 planes. Tire and brake extravaganza in neg 40C weather. Hanger maintenance and heavy maintenance for a major airline was the way to go. Had really good times...less stress.
Line maintenance is not for everybody, it’s not a easy environment. But it’s very rewarding, I can only speak on my behalf, I have done both and I enjoy both.
As an R&E on the line sometimes you're the Maytag repairman and sometimes you're a Fireman and you never know at start of shift what it's going to be.
Brilliant video. Brings back great memories of a previous job (more like a way of life). Did I take retirement too early???
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it. And as for retirement.. you can always come back into it. Industry always needs mechanics, especially ones with knowledge and experience. You could be a trainer
Fascinating to see just how complex an aircraft is. It's always scary (and sad) when we hear reports of a stowaway who has hidden in a wheel well. There is so much hydraulics and electronics in them, and so little space for someone to ride in there. They must cause a bit (a lot?) of damage - grabbing or stepping on things. I hope you have not been witness to a dead body in a wheel well. Thank you Stig, for your excellent, well-explained, videos 👍
Very few cases of stowaways like that and very few make it alive. I have witnessed such events and no damage to aircraft only damage to the person that tried it.
Excellent video. Thanks for your hard work.
Many thanks!
So cool. Just started school for my a&p!
That’s awesome, keep up the good studies and don’t forget to ask questions. I’m here to help. And sorry for the late response, I’m trying to catch up with the comments.
Love your videos Stig!!! I’m glad you got to come to TULE. I wrk in the valve shop. Man I’d love to meet ya if your ever back in Tulsa😊
I’ll be back in March for training for AMC. Let me know and I’ll come visit your shop 🤙
Hello, it was great, I personally like the flight line more because you experience excitement and unexpected events and new people.
I also enjoy the line very much. But it takes time and experience to be proficient when working on the line.
As usual, perfectly explained, thanks👍
Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching
You have such a cool job. Keep up the good content would love to see more!
Thank you. Got plenty of fun videos. Enjoy them till the next new one 👍
Great video Stig!
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Once again fantastic video! Thanks.
Thank you Roger I appreciate you watching.
How long does it take to take a part a plane and a simble it back together?
That would be a D check, takes about 1 month to complete