A&P Prep Schools

Many of you military experienced applicants are considering going to one of these A&P prep schools that are scattered around the country. They have their advantages, I agree. When you go, you are kind of force-fed the material, and not distracted by family, dogs and cats, etc. The other thing is that they advertise that you might be reimbursed by the GI bill too.

The disadvantages of this are: You probably will have to take time off from work, and of course, the expense of travel and lodging etc. You could save time and money by doing it the Seabreeze way no matter where you live. You can order the ASA prepware through me, and I will have it drop-shipped right to your door. There is probably a Laser-Grade or CATS testing center near you, or sometimes you can test for free on military bases. (check with your education office)
I also do a one-day prep class that is specifically designed for military applicants, but I do some things that the prep schools don't do. I also prepare you for the oral questions with my email attachments and Seabreeze Airframe and Powerplant Facebook page.

Either way, you will get your A&P certificate, and either way the VA or GI bill will reimburse you if you save your receipts. Give me a call and I will tell you more.

Back to Blogging

Hey there everyone, I think that I should use this blog page for longer rants and stuff that won't fit on the Seabreeze Airframe and Powerplant facebook page.

Another New A&P

Hey A&P Dudes,

Here is the latest sucessful applicant from Seabreeze A&P. His name is John Dent, and he owns his own Cessna 150, and also a Quicksilver ultralight. John came to me with extensive experience with both military and general aviation aircraft. He had no problems with his practical projects or his oral questions. The FAA inspectors from Birmingham were here observing John's exam, but he was unflappable. He was even grilled by one of them to make sure I wasn't hand-picking the easy questions. He still didn't have any problems. Both John and the FAA went away happy. The FAA inspectors were here to observe me, and offered suggestions how I can improve the testing process. We all have nothing to fear from the FAA if we are doing our jobs right, and I do my best. Stay tuned.

Today's new A&P

Congrats go out to Patrick Shaw currently of Jacksonville FL. Patrick is a U.S. Navy veteran, and is an experienced turbine engine mechanic. He is also currently working on a Bachelor's degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As of today, he is also a newly-minted A&P mechanic. Give me a call or an email if I can help you get your certification.

Why choose me?

Hi everyone, I am back from vacation, and ready to accept new A&P applicants.

I have been doing some on-line research to see what other A&P prep schools and DME's are charging these days. Pretty interesting stuff. One outfit charges $1750.00 for the whole thing. That is tuition, written and DME testing. Other places charge $1350.00 for everything but the DME. One school advertises $750.00 but that includes no testing. Do some web searches yourself; you'll see the same thing. Most DME's charge $250.00 for each exam, or $750.00 (gen, af, & pp)

So why choose me? I can be much cheaper because I have no overhead. I do everything at my home. I charge $850.00 for the prep course. (12 hours) which includes the DME services. (about 12 hrs.) If you do the math, I make about $35.00 per hour for my trouble. I figure that's good enough for a part-time job.

So you're thinking that perhaps you will get a better education at some of these other prep schools. I doubt it. I have been an A&P instructor and DME for something like 20 years. I know what I'm talking about in other words. You will leave me knowing lots of things about airplanes that you didn't know, plus you'll have a new, shiny, A&P ticket. I take pride in that.

Last but not least. I live on Navarre Beach, Florida. Who wants to go to some dusty airport in Texas, or some other boring place like that? Ask your wife where she would rather spend a week. Show her Navarre Beach on you tube and let her decide. (if the price alone is not enough information)

Newest A&P

Hey A&P fans,

Congratulations to the newest A&P mechanic from Seabreeze. His name is Ronald Neuschwanger and he is a recently retire USAF Smsgt. He also recently moved to this area from California, because his wife "just loves it here". Well, she has good taste. Ronald took my prep class, and breezed through his exam with no problems. Atta Boy, Ron.

Who Needs a Prep Course?

Many A&P applicants are unsure if they should spend the extra money for an oral and practical exam preparation class of some kind. Here's my take on it: If you are a recent graduate of a FAR 147 A&P school, you probably don't need a prep class. If you scored in the high 90's on your written exams you might be OK to take the O&P cold as well. However, if your aircraft maintenance background is mostly military, you probably need some kind of prep class such as the one I (and others) offer. I was in the USAF, for four years, and went through the usual tech schools and CDC's, JOTS, and all that stuff to become a 5 level mechanic. But I knew nothing about reciprocating engines, sheet metal work, weldng, painting, dope and fabric and all the stuff that an A&P is supposed to know. You are simply not exposed to all the core subject areas in the military that you are in a FAR 147 school. Let's be honest; anyone can pass the written exams simply by rote memorization. This is not true with the oral and practical exams. Practically all the FAR 65 applicants know this, and choose the prep class option. At least all the ones that pass do. Ask anyone who has an A&P ticket, and you will probably get the same advice.