Two New Aircraft Mechanics

If you've read our previous posts you are aware I'm an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (in the economy of acronyms, a DME). Normally I administer eight to twelve mechanic oral and practical exams a year to applicants who qualify for mechanic testing through civil or military aircraft maintenance experience. Because of my normal duties at MMS, I try to not schedule more than a couple mechanic exams in a month.

Last week I tested two of our MMS fellows who recently met the experience requirement. They first had to apply at the FAA office in Columbus, Ohio and then pass the general, airframe and powerplant "written" tests. (Written tests are taken at a computer equipped testing center.) Then they came for the oral and practical exams that take about eleven hours to complete.

The goal is achieved! I hand David his temporary A&P mechanic certificate.

I tested David Mozombite on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I played "catch-up" at my office desk and spent some time in the afternoon with Dad and older brother who were visiting from Kentucky. Thursday was spent at MMS in a group meeting, answering e-mails and preparing for another Mechanic exam.

Friday morning I began Gertjan Kamphorst's oral and practical. This test was observed by my Principal Inspector from the FAA, which seems a bit unfair to the one taking the test, but regulations require an FAA Inspector to observe a DME administering an exam twice each year. In spite of that, Gertjan did very well under the added pressure. We finished his exam at noon on Saturday.

Gertjan checks the internal timing of an aircraft engine magneto, one of many practical projects he completed during the test.

It was a full week, and a good one.