Real Deal Warbird AP/IA Career Position

[Chris]

I'm sure you'll find someone Eric. Don't give up hope. I work full time for UPS but still find time to Maintain P-51, Staggerwing, T-6, Beech Baron and Lancair. Had to bring in help though on the Baron. It was closer to a restoration than an annual. The owner of these wonderful planes pays me pretty well but the real payoff is all the maintenance flights. Ya just hafta take it around the pattern to make sure that new dzus fastener stays in place. The hardest part is like everyone else has already said and that's finding someone with round engine experience. Even airline retirees nowdays are almost exclusively jet guys. Good Luck though

[astixjr]

For anybody considering making an application for this position or if you know somebody that would be a good fit, I could not more highly recommend this opportunity. I've watched Eric's collection go from a Bonanza to it's present and growing population in less than six years. His shop is very well outfitted. Everything is first class and there's no need or desire to cut corners, particularly when it comes to safety. Need a tool? go buy it. Need a part? go buy it. I've watched Eric and Tina spend their money freely but with considerable wisdom. If I had the money to "play warbird", this is how I would do it. Hard working people, but they know how to have fun with airplanes!

[JDK]

Hard working people, but they know how to have fun with airplanes!

Except for the swapping part serial numbers with their friends bit. Actually, that clearly adds to the appeal.

[EDowning]

JDK Wrote:

Except for the swapping part serial numbers with their friends bit. Actually, that clearly adds to the appeal

Maybe I can buy an rare old project and trade serial #s in lieu of payment for mait. Would probably be tough to deduct on my taxes. Although I find serial #s worthless, some find them invaluable. Guess I would just need to find the right accountant and a anorak IRS agent to make it all work.

[JBrawner]

ive seen the skyraider up close, at TOM 06' when i was crew on the prowler.. beautiful plane. being around all the warbirds during the 6 month long tour is what pushed me to go and finally go to school to get my A&P. ive been working off and on for the past 10 yrs on the B17. its really what i want to get into instead of working for an airlineor other shop.... id rather restore and maintain the classics. so if anyone out there is going to have a job in summer of 09 open.. keep me in mind please....lol. everyone associated at the school says its one fo the top A&P schools int he country ... especially with the avionics department. most of the instructors we have are ex-military so they are fun to listen to and sswap stories with.

[Ryan Keough]

I have decided to hire a full time Mechanic/Manager for my warbird collection. If you are interested or know someone that might be right for this position email, PM or call me at 314-494-5824. This is a career position that requires a person, with experience and industry contacts, that can represent Midwest Wild Relics Refuge properly and can coordinate all mechanical and logistical aspects of maintaining multiple warbirds. Compensation will be very competitive.

Currently I have a Skyraider, T6, NA-64 and a Bonanza. I plan to add a multi-engine in the very near future and a fighter (or maybe a project) down the road. Midwest Wild Relics Refuge is located in the Saint Louis area at Creve Couer Airport (1H0).

WWW.WILDRELICS.COM

Eric, do you mind if I post this to some of the other forums and bulletin boards as well?

[Shay]

Hey Eric,

Need a "Shit Hot" Jack-Of-Trades Electronics Technician???


No probalbly not .....besides you'ld most likely have to get used to saying "Hey Dumbass!!!,....how many times do I have to tell you to stay out of the cockpits"

Any hints as to the Multi-engine, fighter and/or projects you spoke of?


I too like your automotive section of your Wild Relic Refuge. Some very nice rides. I really like the Indian and Cadilliac.

I know what your Refuge is missing though. GOATS.......Yep you need some Goats, of the Pontiac variety. And perferrably a specimen of the "Judge" persuasion. I'm a "caretaker" of GTOs and I gotta tell ya, they're the best "fast" fun I've had on 4 wheels. Great investments too.


Good Luck

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[EDowning]

Ryan Wrote:

Eric, do you mind if I post this to some of the other forums and bulletin boards as well?

Please do, I am very serious about finding a quality person for this position. Thanks.

[EDowning]

No interest, so far.

[marine air]

It sounds like a great job for the right person. I know of one such arrangement where the guys found a young DC-3 mechanic that had been working on salary for first one, then three DC-3s around the clock and sometimes outside in the winter. He was glad to get something that didn't "suck." He learned the bigger radials pretty easily.
My suggestion would be to look around/ advertise in the fire fighting community, ie the P2V Neptunes.

[muddyboots]

Eric, I know how to bang a hammer in my truck starter to break it free when it sticks. Do I qualify?

[Greg87]

Maybe just find someone to take the job for a couple of years... I'm just finishing my first semester of college for AMT, only 3 semesters left, then just over 2 years of apprenticeship and then I'll have my AME license and I'll apply!

Hope you find someone, that's the sort of thing that falls under the "dream job" category for me, maybe some day. Good luck!

[EDowning]

Muddy Boots wrote:

Eric, I know how to bang a hammer in my truck starter to break it free when it sticks. Do I qualify?

I could hire you as my "starter banger", but it's a specialty position that doesn't pay that well. It It pays $500 per hour, but I only need you @ 2 minutes a year.

[muddyboots]

in three seconf intervals? I can handle that!

[EDowning]

Just to bump it up in case someone else is interested and missed it the first time.