Tool Talk

Mechanics Log: The Backbone of a Great A&P Mechanic? Your Toolbox.

Build Your A&P Legacy: Start with the Right Toolbox

Upgrade Your Toolbox, Upgrade Your Life and Don’t Break the Bank

The Backbone of a Great A&P Mechanic? Your Toolbox.

If you’re a newly certified A&P mechanic fresh out of school, chances are you’ve been handed a basic starter kit—a plastic toolbox stuffed with just enough half-broken tools to get by. But that tote-around box won’t cut it in the big leagues, it’ll just make your back hurt. You’re stepping into professional aviation, and your tools need a proper home. It’s time to cancel your chiropractor appointment and buy a rollaway toolbox.

Why a Rollaway Toolbox?

A rollaway toolbox is more than just storage; it’s an investment in your career. It provides:

• Storage: Enough room for all your tools, with space to grow.

• Organization: Keep tools easy to find and ready to use.

• Mobility: Castor wheels and brakes let you move it around the hangar.

• Workspace: A sturdy tabletop for small repairs or organizing parts.

How to Choose the Right Rollaway

Start by laying out all your tools to assess how much space you need. Then, factor in extra room for more down the road. When selecting a rollaway, look for:

• Drawers: A mix of tall and short drawers for your most used tools and annoying PPE. 

• Durable Castor Wheels: Wheels that roll smoother than a freshly lubed flight control. 

• Work Surface: A tabletop for minor tasks without feeling cramped.

Budget-Friendly Options

You’ve just barely started earning those sweet aviation smackaroos, so there’s no need to break the bank. Here’s how to get a quality toolbox without spending thousands:

1. Big Box Stores: Brands like Husky and US General offer reliable, functional toolboxes that won’t empty your wallet. These can be found at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and yes, Harbor Freight for a few hundred bucks.

2. Secondhand Deals: Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Mechanics often sell used toolboxes at a fraction of the cost. You can find basic, reliable boxes or high-end models that mechanics simply don’t need anymore.

Pro Tip: Avoid the super expensive brands like Snap-On when first getting started. Many brands offer lifetime warranties—even for secondhand purchases. Snap-On will make your paycheck disappear. So, stay cheap, and invest your dollars down the road.

Start Now

Your tools deserve a home that works as hard as you are underpaid. Start shopping for a rollaway toolbox that fits your needs, leaves room for growth, and stays within your budget. Whether you go new or used, remember: it’s about function over flash. Why blow a grand on a shiny new box when a solid used one gets the job done just as well? Save your cash for tools, not bragging rights. 

With the right toolbox, you’re not just organizing your tools—you’re building your career. Now, go spend a little and make a lot.

Ready to take the next step? Visit your local hardware store or browse online to find the perfect toolbox. Already have a setup you love? Share it with us—we’d love to feature them in the next issue!

News

Boom Achieves Supersonic Flight

What’s going on: The Boom Supersonic demonstrator aircraft X1-B, passed the sound barrier for the first time this week! This comes as a major breakthrough for the Colorado-based company toward its goal of developing commercial supersonic flight. This was the first civil supersonic jet made in America to ever pass the sound barrier. Its maximum speed was Mach 1.12, or about 660 knots true airspeed.

Tell me more: Boom supersonic is using the X1-B demonstrator as a test bed for the Overture, a 80 person, mach 1.7 commercial airliner. Boom has raised over $600 million in investments and has recently finished building it’s Overture super factory in Greensboro, North Carolina. Boom intends to finish FAA certification of the Overture in 2030 and has already secured 130 pre-orders for the aircraft.

Related links: The Symphony engine, The Starlink Connection: XB-1, Overture Superfactory Construction Progression

Advice

Mechanics Log: The $10,000 Lesson

Because sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

Let’s get one thing straight: You get what you negotiate for—even if you don’t “deserve” it. Seriously.

Too many of us in the hangar spend hours perfecting safety checks and troubleshooting engine issues but forget one of the most critical career skills: negotiation. And no, I’m not talking about a hostage situation (save that for the movies). Negotiation done right is the opposite of strong-arming. It’s respectful, honest, and—if you’re lucky—lucrative.

Meet Andrew

A buddy of mine—let’s call him Andrew—was working an entry-level mechanic apprentice job at about $22 an hour. Nice gig, but he had six years of military experience maintaining 12 helicopters and leading a team of 50. Not exactly rookie status.

Andrew was frustrated that his pay didn’t reflect the value he brought to the hangar. Even though he was technically an apprentice, he still had mountains of real-world leadership and maintenance know-how. But guess what? His boss had no clue about his background. Andrew’s resume was bare, with just two sentences about his time in the military.

The Master Plan

After hearing Andrew’s story, I took a look at his resume and asked a bunch of questions:

• What did you actually do day to day?

• How did you create value within your team?

• What leadership challenges did you face (and conquer)?

I recorded his answers and plugged them into ChatGPT, along with his existing resume, to help summarize his skills in plain English. ChatGPT spit out a draft, which we tweaked to sound more like Andrew—fewer buzzwords, more authenticity.

Within 45 minutes, we had a brand-new resume and a compelling email explaining why Andrew’s background made him worth more than $22 an hour. Then he hit “send.”

The Raise

A few days later, the boss replied: Andrew was getting a $5 bump. That’s roughly $10,000 a year just for asking. Let that sink in—ten grand, just like that.

Of course, the hangar gossip mill kicked into high gear. Some folks insisted Andrew didn’t “deserve” that raise. After all, he was still new to the A&P world, still learning on the job, the same as everyone else.

But that’s the beauty of negotiation: it’s not always about “deserve.” It’s about clearly stating your value—politely, confidently, and in terms that your boss understands.

The Big Takeaway

If negotiating for a raise feels more nerve-racking than running an engine test at night in the rain, try this mental hack:

“Wouldn’t it be funny if I just asked for more money?”

As long as you’re respectful and not holding anyone hostage (seriously, don’t do that), the worst you’ll hear is “no.” Even then, management now knows you’re a motivated mechanic who isn’t afraid to speak up. Believe it or not, bosses love initiative like that.

So, if you’re reading this in the break room, ask yourself:

• Am I missing out on opportunities to earn more money?

• Why won’t I ask for more money?

If the answer’s no, do yourself (and your bank account) a favor: negotiate. The difference between your current paycheck and what you could be earning might be a simple question away.

Stay curious, stay safe, and remember: in this industry—and in life—you get what you negotiate for.

Product Recommendations 🔧 

Take a look at the toolboxes we recommend for new mechanics that won’t steal all of your money:

• U.S. General - $600

• Husky - $650

• Craftsman - $540

• Kobalt - $500

Why do you want a cheap entry toolbox? Because you DON’T need anything else to get started. You can spend your money later…

Subscriber Spotlight

Meet: Photographer David Dale

David is a hobbyist photographer and Colorado local that enjoys a Western view of the Rockies from his home. When he’s not shooting wildlife, David sits on his balcony and takes beautiful shots of planes flying by at just the perfect moments. Check out David J Dale on your favorite social media platforms and tell him we sent you his way.

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