questions on keeping my A+P current without a job

[bax101]

So i was just wondering about how i can keep my A+P current even though i cant seem to find a job right now. And i was wondering that if i was to volunteer for a museum or local restoration group helping out does that keep my A+P current? Even though i do not sign off on anything during the process of a restoration?

Ive tried to contact the Tri-State museum but the phone number on the website is disconnected. To see if i can help out. And i know there is a local guy here where i live in Lexington, KY that restores Wacos and Stinsons, but i haven't got the guts yet to go ask the guy if he needs help.

If anyone has any other information i would appericate it. I have tons of free time since being laid off in Dec and being a fresh A+P with only 7 months experience in the GA field its been tough to find another job in the aircraft industry. thank you-Jon

[Cubs]

I don't think you have to sign anything off to meet the requirements of current. I think you just need to prove your activity somehow. I don't have the regs here. I'm not sure working for a museum would count unless it was to maintain airworthy aircraft. That might be a good question for the local FSDO. Personally, I'd accept working on display aircraft as A&P work.

Go ask the person that restores the vintage planes! Sounds like that could be educational and fun.

[Matt Gunsch]

there is no reporting requirement, that only applies to IAs for currency to keep the IA active.

it is a honor system,

[Cubs]

Matt is correct. I was thinking of a prospective employer. Most don't care. But, some corporate businesses do check into these things. The FAA does not oversee A&P currency like Matt mentioned. It really only comes to light if you worked on an airplane and something goes wrong, then you get a visit from the Friendly Aviation Administration.

[Pat]

Are there in fact any currency requirements for an A&P license? I realize there are for an Inspection Authorization. I was under the impression that an A&P license is valid until surrendered, suspended or revoked. I may have slept through that part of my FAR's class.

-Pat

[Matt Gunsch]

§ 65.83 Recent experience requirements.
A certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of his certificate and rating unless, within the preceding 24 months—

(a) The Administrator has found that he is able to do that work; or

(b) He has, for at least 6 months—

(1) Served as a mechanic under his certificate and rating;

(2) Technically supervised other mechanics;

(3) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance or alteration of aircraft; or

(4) Been engaged in any combination of paragraph (b) (1), (2), or (3) of this section

I hold a A&P, IA and Private pilot certs, try keeping all of those straight,,,,,

[Enemy Ace]

I have never heard of anyone being asked if they were "current" with an A&P. It's really not an issue. Use this downtime to learn new skills, do you really know how to weld? run a lathe? Mill? can you get some NDT or avionics training? etc. etc. even using your multimeter and brushing up on your basic skills is a good idea.
If you are serious about working you need to realize you will have to be mobile and go where the jobs are. travelling is not optional if you want to make a good living as an A&P.
Get on JSFirm.Com and go to it...

[Cubs]

I've been asked once (about my A&P recencey) during a surprise visit. Like I said; it usually only comes to light if something goes wrong. Really, it's just a good business practice to document what a person does as a mechanic and to stay current. Including photocopies of logbook entries and times when you advised an owner of "such and such" situation with his plane. I'm glad that Jon is concerned about compliance with the FARs. In my opinion, if one plays by the rules they are better off. I concur with enemyace, use this time to learn an additional skill. (Wish I had thought of that).

[Matt Gunsch]

Cubs, While photo copies are good, electronic copies are better. I made all my mechanics do logbooks entries on the computer, printed them out on a sticker sheet, and then put it into the logbooks. It has paid off several times. I am having to rebuild some logs for a customer who's logbooks were lost by a flight school he had the plane on leaseback with.
Another time I had a customer call and accuse us of messing up the heater on his Baron. I asked him to read me the logbook entry, as I said I did not have his in front of me, Which of course, I did. He started reading the logbook entry that did not match what I had put in the books, I read him the entry that was really in his logbook, he did not say a word and hung up, never to be heard from again.

[Matt Gunsch]

You never know where one of your logbook entries will show up,
This is one I did on a 172,

11/4/03 CESSNA N296SP SER #172S9481, AIRFRAME ENTRY
TACH:25.1 TTAF:25.1
OPENED AIRFRAME, CHECKED TENSIONS AND TRAVELS, LUBED FLIGHT CONTROLS, INSPECTED ELT IAW 91.207(d), BATTERY DUE 6/05, CHECKED WHEELS AND BRAKES, CLOSED AIRFRAME, CW AD01-06-17 FUEL FLOW BY CHECKING FOR IDLE CUT OFF RISE,


JERRY LEA, , A&P
I HAVE INSPECTED THIS AIRCRAFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A ANNUAL INSPECTION AND DETERMINED IT TO BE IN AIRWORTHY CONDITION AT THIS TIME, ALL ADs CHECKED THRU 2003-21


MATTHEW T. GUNSCH, 2694968,IA


and here is where it showed up



You might recognise the shadow


Martha King, of the King School videos, They used my entry in one of thier A&P training videos.

[Enemy Ace]

That should be good for 1 free King Schools video set, Matt.
I use an "AMT Logbook" that I bought from ASA.That really helps when all of the airplanes are painted the same and you're working on multiple identical aircraft every day. I also make notes in it of part #'s, and ways to do things better next time.
This book lives in my toolbox so it's also a handy reference if I need to confirm something that was done before, like for trend monitoring. (i.e. same thing keeps breaking)

[bax101]

thanks for the info guys. As a younger A+P with no tie downs i am willing to go anywhere to get a job. The only reason i asked about the A+P SSR deal is b/c i had a friend who had to Surrender his A+P license b/c he did not use it in a 3 year period. I was concerned about having stopped signing logbook entries that the FAA can somehow know that i haven't used it since then. But i guess that is not the case unless you are an IA.

I do have a resume on JSfirm.com they are a good website i just wish some of the headhunters from planetechs on that site would pick up there phones.

[Matt Gunsch]

Even if your a IA, and do nothing for the 2 yrs between renewals, you can renew it by doing the training. ie, 8hr per yr, of which, 2 most be regulatory in nature,

You A&P is a for life certificate.

it is dull reading, but to know what you are allowed to do, and about your cert you need to read FAR 65, and 43.