how to get into warbird restoration?

[henry]

hi, i am thinking of a career change and was wondering what is the best way to get into aircraft restoration. i know it won't be an overnight thing and i'm prepared to spend a number of years aquiring the skills needed to be employed in this field.

i was thinking of starting by doing an apprenticeship as a GA LAME. is this the right way to go? are there any speciality areas that would be better to study over others?

currently from an outsiders perspective my personal interests are directed to the airframe and mechanical systems side of things over radio's, instruments and electrical systems. i enjoy working on engines but as i have an inbuilt desire to modify them for added performance i don't think this is the best area for me.

i would find a project to volunteer on but i doubt there are any within 450+ km. having a young family plus a morgage means i can't move to where there are interesting aircraft/projects at the moment.

any suggestions welcome.

henry.

[Tom Crawford]

It's most unfortunate you would have to travel so far to break into aircraft restoration. After I read your post, I "google earthed" Armidale NSW.
Looks a nice part of Australia. I would guess there is nothing in the way of
restoration going on at your local airport. They surely have someone in the business of aircraft repair, possibly re-painting or maybe upholstery, something you could just volunteer to help just to cut your teeth on. If you could at least do that then maybe it would turnout to be a stepping stone to something else.

I would think you should concentrate on getting your Air Frame and Power Plant certification or the Australian equivalent . I'm sure that could be obtained while "working hands" weekend & evenings locally and with support from the internet. That would provide you with a financial means to support your family and so you could maybe relocate to Brisbane or Sidney in the future to continue the pursuit of your ultimate goal of restoration.

Being a young married with a family and a mortgage is something most of us have had to deal with in our lives, so you're not alone. I have my own "non-aviation" business that occupies the majority of my time so I volunteer when I can and twist wrenches on warbirds and work airshows.
I really enjoy the comradeship with the other volunteers by I still have to drive about 130 Km for that privilege.

Good luck and don't site of your goal,
Tom