Studying to become a LAME

[Bubbleboy]

Hi all...hoping some one with some LAME training under their belt can give me some advice?

 

I dont want negative comments and people telling me I cant do it, just the facts please!

 

Being a LAME has always interested me and it still sits in the back of my mind. Can you study part time and do individual subjects? I have a family so can not dedicate a full time scenario. If so what Uni's offer these courses?

 

Is it the same basic training to be a Heli LAME compared to fixed wing or a complete different set of rules?

 

Thanks again for any advice.

 

Scotty :confused:

 

 

[Ultralights]

The quickest way is to do an airframe mechanics apprenticeship, and when studying the subjects for that trade, you can do the relevant LAME Licence subject at the same time. You come out with trade quals, your Licence subjects and exam passes, then it's only a matter of getting the hours in the log book (trade journal)

 

 

[Bubbleboy]

So what is involved in doing an airframe mechanics apprenticeship? Is it a full time gig?

 

Scotty

 

 

[dazza 38]

Hi Scotty, you can do a 38 week full time at Aviation Australia.That will get you to AME.There is information at their site.www.aviationaustralia.aero

 

 

[Ryanm]

Hi Scotty

 

 

There are a few options. The best way would be to complete an apprenticeship. Mine was full time for 4 years. You go to "Trade school" every few weeks and have the opportunity to sit the AME exam relevant to what you are studying. You walk away with an AME trade certificate. During your 4 years you would be logging all the tasks you do and eventually you will have enough time/experience to apply for a licence.

 

 

Another option is to "self study" the AME exams. How-ever this WILL NOT give you Cert IV (trade certificate), but with all relevant exams completed, you could become a LAME. You will need to log and show evidence that you have a certain amount of hours doing certain tasks on each aircraft system. This takes a long time as a lot of work isn’t routine maintenance tasks.

 

 

The system is changing (may have already changed in the two years since I finished). The self study route was planned on being removed.

 

 

You might also want to think about you options... Airframe/Engine or Avionics. Also the type of aircraft... Bug smashers or "Group 20" being basically the airliners.

 

 

Good Luck.

 

 

 

[loro]

Check out Australiasian Pacific Aeronautical College www.apaccollege.com - they used to be at Tamworth.

 

 

[Bubbleboy]

Hi Guys...thank you all for your help. A full time gig for me is out of the question due to family etc. Looks like I may have to miss it

 

I was hoping there could be a distance way to do it and then find a local LAME to do some practical with.

 

Scotty

 

 

[Chird65]

Scotty,

 

try CASA http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/ame/guide/careerguide.pdf page 15 for links to training. the whole book covers what is a LAME and how to get there.

 

Actually I looked closer and could not find a part time course. Try http://cricos.deewr.gov.au/Course/CourseSearch.aspx I found 196 AME type courses, but did not read all of them.

 

Chris

 

 

[icebob]

Hi Bubbleboy,

 

There are some TAFE that do elements of the AME course part time(maths, physics, basic electrical principles and others).

 

Someone I worked with got his LAME that way. He did as many modules as he could part time at TAFE then applied for a trainee ship and eventually got one, got the hours up and got the LAME he now works in Dubai. Some of the Uni courses have modules that are on the open learning system so can be done at home(computer) - from memory Basic Aircraft Structures is one.

 

Bob.

 

 

[Bubbleboy]

Thanks Chris and Bob!...a flame of hope is still flickering! I will look in to this as it is something I have always wanted to do. Actually we had a Xmas party at home last night and one of my wifes friends Husbands is a LAME after a chat! Apparently there is a chap who does instrument repairs at our local airport that is lookig for some one. I am a Trade Certified Watchmaker among other things and I remember the old fellow who taught me said I could go on to do Aircraft instrument work so there may be a door!

 

I am going to do some further research as ideally if I could knock as many of them over part time, that suits me better financially at the moment having a young family to support.

 

Thanks guys I appreciate all your advice!

 

Scotty

 

 

[Guest Toally87]

you can study the exams yourself sit the exams pass them then all you need is SOE (shedule of experience), might take a while, and some hard studying and dedication, but it is definately possible.

 

have a look in fridays "australian" aviation section or the aviation trader and when there is exams coming up they'll be advertised

 

there is the new EASA (european) system coming in apparently which is more of a competency based system i believe.

 

It is definately possible with the time and effort, and a good LAME that will be willing to work with you (often showing you are competent and reliable helps).

 

Toally