Aircraft Maintenance Professionals

[vandy]

Hello.

Are there any aviation maintenance professionals on this site who can give me some insghts and advice?

I amd a FAA A&P mechanic and am thinking about taking a job as an aircraft inspector in Singapore and have a few questions.

1. What would be a good starting salary for this position?
2. Can I expect a housing allloance and other expat benefits?
3. Where is a good, relatively inexpensive place to live that is an easy commute to the airport?

Thanks!

[QualityMana]

Hi Vandy,
1. Depends on your years of experience and what types of aircraft, powerplant or systems you've worked on. You can try ST Aerospace or Singapore Airlines. Their HR department would be able to advice you.

2. Housing allowances is usually for short term (<3 mths) till you settle down. You can negotiate as part of your salary package.

3. That will depend on which company you finally settle with. For SIA, you will probably want to live nearer Changi Airport. For ST Aerospace, you'll likely live nearer to Seletar Airport.

There are a lot of locals having FAA A&P. There is a greater demand (and higher bargaining power) for ICAO Type II licenced people, such as EASA 66 licence.

Hope this helps.

[vandy]

Thanks for the input. Actually, I am working with a recruiter who is acting as a go between. I am not actually sure yet who the eventual employer will be.

As to the demand for ICAO licenses, I am curious as to why there seems to be a higher demand. I believe the rest of the world modeled their aviation industries after the US. Not to mention that the best aircraft in the world are US built. I would have thought that US techs would be more highly thought of.

Are you in aviation?

[QualityMana]

Strange. Your recruiter should have been the best source to advice you of the market rate. Make them work for you. They are taking a cut not just for being mail boys.

As for A&P vs ICAO licence, it has nothing to do with where the a/c are built. ICAO licences are in demand simply because many countries' authorities have their regulations modeled after the British from the colonial days. They have since evolved to be modeled after the EASA. It does not help that the FAA accepts the ICAO licences outside of the US, for work on N reg. a/c.

Anyway, you are obviously being considered for your experience on a particular Boeing a/c. So focus on that.

Rgds

[vandy]

Actually and unfortunately as well, the recruiter works for the employer so she is not too forthcoming with advice on how much to ask for.

I see what you mean in regards to the licenses. What do you do?