What’s in a Name?
One of the most controversial topics I run in to is what we should call ourselves. If I use the term mechanic in an article, I have some say the term is degrading, reminiscent of the Lowell Mather character on Wings. They would say “technician” is a more professional title.
But not everybody agrees with that. To many, “technician” is a demeaning title. To them a technician refers to someone with a very specific skill – a lab technician for example. Technicians go through very specialized training on a very limited scale to do a very specific job. The argument those readers give is that we are mechanics according to the FAA. Well, technically speaking that is correct. It says so right on our certificate. It doesn’t say “Technician, Airframe & Powerplant.”
Then you have those wanting to be called engineers. But are we really engineers? Does two years of school mean we can call ourselves engineers?
In the end, we will get the respect that we earn. If we call ourselves engineers, it won’t mean squat if we show up to work unshaven, with stained blue jeans and an un-tucked t-shirt with holes. It doesn’t matter how much training we have had or how many degrees are hanging on the wall, if we act un-professionally we are practically guaranteeing professional suicide.
What do you think? What title you prefer? Technician? AMT? A&P? Engineer? Does it even matter to you? Let us know! Use the feedback function on the bottom of this page.
Thanks for reading.
Joe Escobar, A&P/IA
What’s in a name?
“Engineer” seems a bit demeaning to, well…engineers! I have no problem with A&P, AMT, or mechanic, fot that matter. Technician sounds like somebody trying to make themself feel more important; i.e. “Sanitation Engineer” instead of garbage man. Whatever. The job is still what it is. The important thing is to always do the very best you can, and as you mentioned, try to act and appear professional. Always take whatever new training you can and try to better yourself, if for no other reason than self-satisfaction.
Kirk S
IL
Mechanic is fine
I have a mechanic’s certificate with A&P ratings, so I’m fine with the title “mechanic.” No more offensive to me than “pilot.” When talking with and asked by non-aviation related folks I do say “aircraft mechanic.” Only to be a little more specific and separate my chosen career from auto/truck/etc. mechanics.
I think the technician era (in popular culture) is behind us and now engineer is the hot title. I remember everyone wanting to be called technician that had any training or knowledge beyond common labor (e.g. Maintenance technican, x-ray technician, lab technician, etc.).
Now it’s engineer.
The definition I like:
a person who uses science and math to design, build or operate equipment, structures and systems (A person who receives a college degree in engineering might be an electrical, mechanical, industrial, chemical, environmental, biochemical or aeronautical engineer.)
Today we have Quality Engineers, Production Engineers & Safety Engineers in the aviation industry and the FAA is considering an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) rating.
Gary