1.> Are aircraft mechanics required to ride on an airplane after they repaired it? (answered by: FlyYakker and Flying Blue Eagle)

next question:

Is it worth it to be an aircraft mechanic? the experience, the late night shifts, the benefits (would you prefer to change to another job? or it's your passion and your gonna stick to it) < if there is a similar post please send me a link. thanks

FlyYakker

No. Consider the dozens of mechanics for, say, an airliner. It would not be economically practical to put them all on the plane. Further, engines may be pulled off one plane, worked on, and shipped somewhere else for installation on another plane
And, of course, there is the issue of single-seat planes.

Flying Blue Eagle

SIRLOINSTK- THE above answers are very good, the only mech. that would ride a aircraft would be one that is a instrument or electrical mech .then only when the items can be evalueated in flight, a possible cause can be found on the problem in flight , OR the item can only be checked out durning flight;; Have a great day and GOD BLESS :: F.B.E.
PS on the c123, c130 b-47 jet bomber this was done

SirloinStk

nobody in the aviation department knows the answer for #2?

Lowtax4eva

You mean is it worth it? Depends where you are. I have an aircraft maintenance degree but starting salary is like 20,000 in Canada (while your an apprentice) and 38,000 once you are done your apprenticeship.

I chose not to work in that field as I make more in my current job, international transport

Fr_Chuck

It is a fairly good carrer if you like being a mechanic, no job is good unless you like it.

You have the mechanic that may be a one or two man shop at a small city airport, mechanics that work for a crop dusting company that may travel around with the crews.

Most I know work a regular shift and it is just a job

Flying Blue Eagle

SIRloinSTK - I think both LOWTAX4eva ANDF FR_CHUCK gave a good answer,WHY?:: #1
IF YOU REALLY LIKE THE JOB YOU ARE DOING ,THEN you are more apt to stay at that job ,Even if you could get a higher paying job some where you would not really like what you are doing::: #2 - FR_CHUCK HAS A GOOD POINT< AND THERE ARE A LOT OF FIXED BASE OPERATORS <AT AIRPORTS THAT DONT HAVE A MECH> ANY WHERE VERY CLOSE:: GOOD A ND SAFE (FLYING AND KEEP IT BETWEEN THE CLOUDS GOD BLESS ::F.B.E.

dayslug24

It depends on the airlines policy - we are required to be on test flights after the airplane leaves heavy (c check) as an insurance policy for the flight crew and to diagnose any issues that may arise. Depending on the type of check, this check flight is required before it can get an airworthiness release and be put back into service.
Sometimes we may ride to diagnose or ops check a discrepancy found during routine service of the airplane, but not that often as most ops checks and diagnosis can be performed/proven ok on the ground.

dayslug24

I did not see answer 2 --
I have found that if money is the only reason to be at a job, you will be miserable all the time. There is a middle ground that most people find to tolerate a job and still make enough to support themselves or family.
I feel I am very fortunate because I love and take pride in what I do while earning a very comfortable living at the same time.
I guess I am a nerd for aircraft, but It is all worth it for me. Yes, most mx goes on overnight, so 3rd shift is very common, as well as 36 hour "hero" shifts and road trips to exotic places, such as Chicago at 3am to change a tire outside in -20deg. temps.
When you are trusted to handle a 20million dollar jet and the safety of all who will travel on it, stress can begin to add up on you, but myself and those I work with still love our job.

SirloinStk

Thank you dayslug24, Flying Blue Eagle, Fr_Chuck,Lowtax4eva in your opinion(s) to #2


: out of curiosity :: you may choose not to answer :
What is your work in "international transport"?