Maintenance Career — Yes or No?
In my last blog, I discussed being at the Future of Aviation Maintenance conference in Virginia Beach. Topics being discussed included what changes to Part 147 (if any) are needed and how we can attract new blood into the industry. I asked readers for their ideas.
There were numerous comments to my blog. Some suggested changes to Part 147. Some gave ideas for recruiting new mechanics (yes, Anson, I read your spinning hubcaps idea). Some suggested staying away from aircraft maintenance.
It got me thinking about a question we used to pose to our readers when we did salary surveys. I figured this would be a good venue to bring the question up again, so here goes…
Would you recommend aircraft maintenance as a career to a friend or relative? Why or why not?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Joe Escobar
Sure! It’s paid the bills for 27 years. It’s what you make of it!
The field is so broad that you may have to shop around to find your calling.
The mainstream media seems more than willing to publish any negative article it can find about the aviation industry. You are more apt to hear about massive layoffs than growth in the corporate aviation sector. If I was a mechanically inclined highschool graduate, I would compare and contrast the auto and aviation industries. The auto industry seems to pay well, has lots of job opportunites in a wide variety of locations, and easy access to training. The aviation industry, apparently still wobbly after 9/11, has pay issues, job security issues, requires a lengthy FAA approved training course, much narrower job location possibilities, and you risk everything every time you sign off an aircraft. Hmmm…
I was furloughed by United Airlines in 2003. I had 10 years experience (3 years as an inspector) at 2 major airlines. After the furlough I choose a new career path. I went back to school and got a degree in biomedical electronics and now for almost two years I have been working as a BMET (Biomedical Electronics Technician). I work Mon-Fri 7am- 3pm, no holidays, no weekends. When I walk through the doors at the hospital my weather concerns are over. I work for probably the best managers I have ever had. The people I work for want me to be here and they value my skills and work ethic. I make more than 2/3 the pay that I had at United Airlines with comparable benefits, if given the offer to go back I would refuse. I am still involved in general aviation as a hobby but would hate to have to make a living in general aviation. I will never understand how one minute everyone is complaining about low wages, no job security and poor working conditions. Then next there are campaigns to recruit more mechanics. We need to remember that supply and demand is still the major economic force in America! It would be impossible for me to recommend Aircraft Maintenance as a good career path and still feel like I was being honest.
I have spent years on the airport, being exposed to environmental toxins like jet fuel and Skydrol, endured destructive work place noise levels, insulting pay grades, midnight shifts in the freezing rain, pressure to sign off on questionable repairs, sexist attitudes, low job security, more 20-hour shifts than I care to remember, taking legal responsibility for dozens of lives everytime I signed a logbook. All because I like airplanes. If you want to convince young people to consider a career in aviation maintenance, don’t send them to me.
I knew going in that I would be working around chemicals. It’s part of being a mechanic. So is working in high noise envorinments. After all, we’re not working on electric-powered aircraft. Exposure to environmental conditions — check. Having responsibility for dozens of lives each time I sign a logbook, you bet — and darn proud to put my signature on the line each time. Being pressured to sign off questionable work — sure, I’ve been there. But I was too proud to do so. “If it’s good enough for you, then YOU sign it off!”
There is no room for sexist attitudes in any industry. Unfortunately, it still exists in some workplaces including some aircraft maintenance shops. There’s no excuse for it.
But if someone talked you into joining aviation so that you could work in a clean room, with no noise, in an environmentally controlled environment, and not have to take responsibility for the work you perform, he or she should be a military recruiter.
I have always believed that you get what you put into it. If you study your rear end off, never stop learning, have a positive attitude, and love the job, you can excel in an aircraft maintenance career. As someone once said, if you chase the dollar, the dollar never comes. If you chase being a professional, the dollar takes care of itself.
Steve
As an instructor at a Part 147 schoool I would and and do advise both current and prospective students on the benifits of a career in the aviatin maintenance proffesion. As with any other proffesion there are good and bad days, but the good days outnumber the bad many time over. We all have pulled long shifts in bad weather, but that comes with the job. I tell my students both the good and the bad of the job. We are a small select group of professionals, and the public counts on us to do our job right the first time. it is up to those of us in the field to train the next generation to meet the challenges of the future.
I have and still will recommend aviation to those people who ask. But only as long as they are truely aware of what the obstacles and hardships that will be in their path. As long as they understand and are willing to endure low pay, long hours, little respect from management and little to no real training. Myself, I’ve been in aviation all of my life and cannot bring myself to abandon it. I’ve learned to live within my means, and I have enough experience and years under my belt that I have been able to overcome the issues of long hours and disrepsect that others encounter.
It’s definately not a perfect profession, and yes car mechanics make way more money than I do. But if you grew up in aviation I think there may be a different mindset that allows, or causes, you to overlook some of the shortcomings.
I work in grneral aviation and have never worked for any airline or union, so I cannot speak to that side of the industry.
Speaking only for myself; I would gladly recommend a career in aviation maintenance to any high school graduate with one caveat. It must be a life long dream of the individual to work with and be around airplanes. There is really no other valid reason for choosing any career in aviation in my opinion. You simply must love aircraft and the whole aviation realm to make up for the shortcomings that are applicable to most A&P positions. I cant recall (or don’t want to) how many years of night shift, working outside on the ramp in the middle of winter for poor wages with Tuesday and Thursdays off that I have experienced, but I can recall that in 20 years of aviation related work I have lived in 6 different states, worked full or part time for 13 different company’s and worked on over 160 different aircraft types including gliders, war birds and brand new 747’s. It has been a blast, and your experiences can be as varied and diverse as you like! And many of the fine folks I have worked with over the years are still close friends today. Aviation is still a rather small community and I have found over the years that the really good people do it because they love it, and they may change uniforms and move around a bit, but they never really go away to other career fields.
So yes, if you can handle the bad with the good and be a responsible and professional person…… get on board!
I’ve been in aviation all my working life(38years). When I started no one thought of toxic chemicals,noise or work environments or shift work, it was just a buzz to be working on aircraft. But now? The chemicals are getting worse, the pay is deteriorating by stealth (except for the few)and management still believe mechanics are a hindrance to their KPI’s and profit. Regulators don’t want to know you until you make a mistake and management don’t want to train you but expect you know how to do everything always. If you don’t certify something that’s not right, you’re a trouble maker. Would I recommend avaition to new starters in the workforce- only if they absolutely loved planes. Or tell them to use it as a stepping stone to something decent. But, for all that over the years I have worked with some excellent people who were dedicated and knowledgeable. I can’t comment on working for a good company that respected their certifying people as I’ve never worked for one. But what I have learned is that office staff get a lot more in the way of respect and priveledges in a company than those on the shop floor. And I know this because I now work in the office!
No, After 38 years the industry has changed so much I don’t recognise it any more. Aircraft are old, no one will spend the money to fix them, owners brag about how cheap their annual was. This is nuts. What happened to profesionalism? Only the dregs of the industry are working general aviation it seems. Why is Quality equated to low price? My son has the ablity and aptitude to be great at this but we are encouraging him to some other field.
The aviation industry could not survive without mechanics. We are the unsung heroes making sure that every aircraft is in condition for safe operation (airworthy). It is a honest living and provides a rewarding experience to those that are motivated and eager to learn. I view Aircraft Maintenance as a career, not a job and it has been very good to me.
No way could I or would I be able to recommend it to any youth for a carreer choice as things are, and as they are becoming. It is becoming a fairly dark hole into which there are many better and more friendly areas of persute.
I knew this would be an emotional topic, and the high volume of posts proves that. Please keep those comments coming, both positive and negative.
As far as myself goes, I would be on the “Yes” side. Aviation has been good to me. Being with the magazine, I have had the opportunity to meet many different maintenance folks working in many different areas of the industry. Even though some segments of the industry are hurting (can you say airline maintenance?), there are good career opportunities out there for those that have a passion for aviation, love to work with their hands, like problem solving, aren’t against getting dirty or working in the weather conditions mother nature dishes out. With the right attitude and hard work, the sky is the limit.
I have seen some posts saying things like “I am done with aviation. I am leaving and never coming back.” Yet these posts are on AMTonline.com, a site that is dedicated to aircraft maintenance professionals. If aircraft maintenance is our passion and love, and if we feel we are not getting the pay, respect, or whatever we deserve, shouldn’t we try to make a difference instead of giving up and turning our backs on the industry?
Thanks for reading, and keep those comments coming!
Joe Escobar
I recommend to anyone that it as a great career chaice. I spent 35 years in aircraft maintenanance and travelled the world. It afforded my family the opportunity to see the how others lived while gaining untold experience ih lif. It also afforded my a trade while working on such diverse aircraft as Cessna 150’s to Boeing 747’s and eveything in between. Although at times it can be rough such as working in the Arctic, but but also live in such interesting places like, Scotland and Hong Kong while earning a fair wage.
If you are in it for money as a technician, absolutely not. Especially if you have a demonstrated and confirmed high IQ. Be a lawyer, doctor, or engineer. I love what I do but I have also developed a tolerance ignorance and apathy that I have found in high levels of management. They are “button pushers”, “task pointers”, and politicians that garner what little wealth the industry has to offer out by virtue of position. They would not last long if they really had to work like we do and know what we have to know to get the job done.
I would not recommend anyone to become a A&P mechanic.
In fact, I would not recomend anyone to go into any
part of aviation as a profession. I have been a private
pilot since 1955 and an A&P since 1966. It is the regulatory
and litigious environment that has turned me against aviation.
No way. I’ve been an Avionics Technician and Mechanic for 22 years with Piedmont/USAirways. I’m making now what I made in 1989 with less medical, vacation, and hollidays. My retirement has now stopped acruing and I’ve had to move my family twice. There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At one time, I loved my career. Not now! Get into a medical field, or if you want to be a mechanic, go into automotive. People are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to repair their car; but don’t want to pay a hundred dollars to fly to Disney World for their $3000 vacation.
I would tell anyone that is considering working in aviation to STAY CLEAR AND RUN! I wouldn’t suggest to anyone to enter the aviation field. It sucks. I started working on aircraft back in 1976. I’m 48 now and my career is virtually finished. The salaries have dropped. The working conditions have plummeted as well. If you work to a high standard you are seen as “undisireable”, the industry just wants “Pencil Whippers”. I have depended on jobs overseas because the money is crap in the USA. However, since Bush the war criminal has been occupying the White House, overseas jobs have been scarce for Americans because we impose a securtity risk because we are hated so much. The phone used to ring for jobs before Bush invaded Iraq. Now the phone is silent. I regret the desision ever getting my A&P license. Back in 2001, I was diagnosed with Cancer affecting my lymph nodes caused by the chemicals we are exposed to. I am now okay, but not something I would wish on anybody. JUST SAY NO TO AVIATION!!!!!!!!!
I couldn’t in all honesty recommend this profession for a friend or relative. We take far too much responsibility for far too little reward and there doesn’t appear to be much chance for change in the future. Maintenance has always been the first target for cost cutting in General and Commercial Aviation. There are much easier ways to earn more without half the hassle.
I Always advise people to stay away from aviation. There is more money in the automotive field with out the responsibility if they want to do mechanical work. My last job was with Pratt&Whitney and the DOM is an acident waiting to happen. If you end up working for someone like that they could end up in jail or having to live with themselves when the aircraft goes down. It just isn’t worth it.
I retired a few years ago after a 34 year career with a major airline. I was a mechanic for half my career and a first line superviser the rest. I really loved being around airplanes, and still do. I probably spent the first 14 years on midnites, but it was worth it, working on 37’s, 47’s, 57’s, 67’s, etc. I also got to do a lot of flying that I may not have had the opportunity to do in another job. But, things change! Airlines go bankrupt, lay-off’s occur (I was layed-off twice), wages are cut, your retirement ends up in jeopardy. I really enjoyed my work, but, unfortunately, I really couldn’t recommend this field to anyone. There will always be a certain number of line mechanics, but most of the heavy cks, etc are going to low cost vendors, that pay low wages with little benefits. My son wanted to be an aircraft mechanic, but couldn’t get hired and is now a commercial electrician - much better off.
Anybody who lives, eats and breathes mechanical apptitude, whether it be cabinet making or Turbine engine fuel control overhaul, should feed that desire. It makes your own life real. There are positive and negative aspects and people, but it is common sense on how to deal with it (ego aside). If you work with chemicals, wear protection. Out on the ramp be religious about wearing hearing protection. Work for an insensitive supervisor? Change your tact. Make the adjustments to do what you love to do. I promise it’s worth it.
I am always trying to fuel the people that have mechanical passions. Especially the young. The difficullties I see to keep people in the idustry are that parents have forgotton how to teach their children basic values and the unions have spoiled every good older mechanic. I have found the young are restless to do other things and not concentrate on one or two things. They don’t stay long enough to do themselves any good. Sort of like being a jack of all trades and master of none. Money and being center of attention drives them. I have found countless excelent young mechanics only to lose them to higher paying outside carreers.
I see the unions telling the people who have stuck it out that nobody cares about them and they shouldn’t work so hard, to look out for themselves. Kind of like the blind leading the blind. I can’t get these people to work. I wonder why some of them even are in the industry.
I mean no disrespect to any of these people, young and old. I just say as I live it.
So to answer the question. Yes, yes and yes to you who gets satifaction from completing tasks and love working with your hands. The passion for which you live is what makes it safe for the rest of us.
(Note: this applies to everything, not just work)
Basically I’d say yes, is do what you love and are good at.
If one has the aptitude to be a great lawyer or doctor go for it as you will not likely excel at being a mechanic, they are different skill sets.
I have worked in many trades: automotive, construction, consumer electronics, etc.. The grass is always greener on the other side, until you get to the other side.
There will always be those who want the cheapest annual (educate them or let them go elsewhere) but there are also those that want the best annual and are willing to pay for it.
The dwindling aircraft maintenance force will inevitably get paid more (law of supply and demand).
An A&P license is a valuable possession, the training it takes to get one will serve well the rest of your life and if the desire to change fields hits you the license is worth tons in many other fields. Who would you rather work on your Lexus or Porsche (not to mention the complex hybrids), a plane mechanic or one who holds an A&P.
If you have worked in the biz for 30 years why are you not a top inspector or free lance DER by now?
Lets be honest, the high paying jobs right NOW are doctors, lawyers, and software engineers. What will the high paying jobs be in 20 to 30 years? Software programming is going overseas, there are more lawyers and doctors in law/med school right now than there are lawyers & doctors practicing… Can you tell the long-term future? Bottom line is be the best in your field and the money will follow.
Being involved in aviation is something that I wanted since I was eight. Unfortunate circunstances limited my career choices to maintenance so I went to A&P school. The joke was on me when I later realized that I could have had a real education for the time and money I spent getting an A&P. Starting wages in the early 90s were well below what I was getting driving a forklift in a warehouse, so thats what I did. Five years later I decided that I had to try it and went to work at a freinds flight school. If you ever want to own an airplane, spend some time at a sleezy flight school, you’ll learn what you can get away with. I got my big break at Kitty Hawk when they were buying every 727 they could find. They quickly went bankrupt, but this was not a problem because everyone was hiring and wages were skyrocketing. I coasted right in to my career job at Delta. At 29 I was the oldest in my class of new hires, they actually hired an 18 year old who had an A&P, he wasn’t a prodigy so I don’t know how he did that. It was a great ride for a few years and I made the mistake of thinking its finally all paying off and I can make a decent living. Well, we all know how this story ends. Its even worse than that considering three guys I worked with every day died of cancer around age 40 and one killed himself after the lay-off, divorces were as common as colds. NO, I could never recommend aviation as anything but a hobby for the wealthy.
I was exposed to aviation when I was 5 years old. My father used to take me to the air shows at the Naval Air Station where he was a Reservist. I started dreaming of airplanes – heck, 50 years ago, what young kid didn’t? I joined the Navy on my 17th birthday and became an engine mechanic, and learned enough to become a flight engineer. After earning my A&P just before I retired, I had a chance to do just about anything I wanted. I love airplanes, so I went to work for a regional airline. What a paradigm shift!
In the military – known by everyone for low pay and the requirement to follow orders – the worker bees were treated with respect. After all, the mission could not be met unless the team pulled together to get things done. Woe be it to any Commanding Officer or Maintenance Chief who tried to beat their people into submission – that boss would inevitably fail!
After retirement, I joined ranks with people who were breaking in to their first aviation job. They had to pay back thousands of dollars in tuition aid, they had to give their best friend (the Tool Salesman) thousands of dollars to pay for their tools so that they could make a living, and they had to make a life for themselves. They had to work the night shift – the shift guaranteed to take years off of your life.
Every mechanic here works a second job just so that they can make ends meet. We have had several top-notch mechanics get out of aviation to double their income in other fields. And, while the President and the Director of Maintenance give due respect, the rest of the company look down on the mechanics as a necessary evil, taking resources that rightfully belong to those who are necessary to making a profit. Perhaps it’s just a sign of the times that businesses and workers show zero allegiance to each other. Heck, just ask the bean counters if they’re considering outsourcing maintenance because it’s cheaper.
Why do I stay? After over 40 years, I still love airplanes. But would I recommend to my son that he follow in my footsteps? Absolutely not! – unless he too had the disease of aviation.
Would I recommend aviation as a career? Yes and no, you have to have a passion for it. I would recommend to any new aviation professional that they stay away from the airline world, I worked the airlines for many years, the pay was o.k. the job security was iffy, and the work schedule was terrible. I would tell people now go after a job in either the corporate side of aviation weather it is for an operator or for one of the service centers. I have found that this side of aviation there is a lot less complaining about the expense of maintaining the aircraft, as well as they tend to be pro training and pay decent wages to keep the good help around for the long term. The other end of the industry I would recommend would the freight side, in today’s world every one wants the package now. It seems that air freight world is growing by leaps and bounds, when I worked in the freight I loved every bit of it, 90 % of my work was day shift, I usually had the weekends off. The pay was as good if not better than the airline jobs I have had in the past. I will say that 98 % of the people that I have had the opportunity to work with in the business were outstanding and most are still close friends today. The aviation world is a small community and for the most part an exciting industry, The big negative about aviation is that you yourself have to invest a lot of time and money into tools and training to just get your foot in the door, and then most likely have to work at some mediocre pay scales until you get enough time under your belt to move up the chain. There is a lot of responsibility that lies on your shoulders when you sign the log book, but if you did your job right then it is a sense of pride knowing you made that aircraft safe for flight. As some else had stated on here “you get out of it what you put into it” I’m third generation and started working on planes with my dad when I was seven. I did leave the industry for a short time and was making better wages, but when a plane or helicopter flew by I would looking to sky. So I came back to the industry and have been happy ever since. Just remember the most important thing you can do in your career choice is: Do what makes YOU happy. And research your career path before taking the first step.
In my country, Licence Aircraft Engineers, as we use the UK system, are paid fairly well in relation to pilots and other aviation professionals. The lack of recognition from employers and the sodciety is the main issue. I find myself in between whether to recommend or not. I started my aviation carrer in 1975 in the air traffic school where I did a little of fying then later went to aircraft maintenance school. Though here the future is looking blick also and this makes me not recommend any high school graduate for A&P program as an education leading to a carrer. Personally, I love planes but I am grdually leaving aviation being above fifty years of age. By the way I am from Nigeria
Aviation is what you make of it. I have worked as a technician for ten years now in three states and five jobs. Every time I was laid off or quit I went on to something better. Its all in what you want to make of it. I love the fact that every night when I come to work I don’t know what I will be doing on the floor. I could not stand to be behind a desk pushing the same piece of paper day in and day out. Aviation is a very varied career choice, yes, career choice not just a job. I grew up as a mechanic. I can and have worked on anything but I chose aviation because it was something different than what everybody else was doing. I would certainly tell somebody to try this career choice with some cautions of course. Yes you will get covered in hydraulic fluid and fuel while standing on the ramp in a foot of snow. Sure it sucks sometimes but its what you want to make of it. I have made this choice and I am sticking with it for the long term and I am happy with that decision. And that is what I tell the younger crowd when I get the chance.
As I just finished reading all the comments from everybody, I am confused on weather or not I should persue this career further. I graduated from A&P school and now working in a repair station. I had high expectations when i was in school to make good money and travel. But instead I am making low wages and considering changing careers. I am 24 years old and love airplains. I understand the great responsibility that comes with the job, we keep the people that fly safe and with that I think we should get paid more. I recently had a motorcycle accident and have to work in the office. It’s a big difference! I hear how people react about the mechanics out on the floor and it makes me want to tell them off. For now I am staying with the company that I am with, but I am going back to college to get a degree. Thanks you all for all the comments it gave me a better understanding of things.
I consider I am the rookie as AMT, fortunately I got in the industry right after I graduated A&P school. I am experiencing all the down side mentioned on the previous posts.(low pay, long shift, bad weather, expectation from mgt, you name it) In my opinion, I am getting paid while I am learning. I cant guarantee where I will be after couple years later, but so far, this is a very attractive challenge becasue I am experiencing to be responsible for hundreds live by my hands and signature. It is stressful but I passionate to show the talent and ability more than money & benifits. I was born Aviation–die hard for planes.
I’m a yes Joe! But I would agree with a lot of the other comments that I would make sure the individual truly knows what they are in for and that they have a burning desire to work with what is the most sophisticated form of travel on earth next to the space shuttle. I’ve been in it for 33 years and I have to say a lot of the luster has worn off but I still love it a think about it every day. I agree with your comment on fixing it instead of leaving it Joe. I notice AMT Society now offers Aviation Skills Matrix as a benefit to membership. I work for them so my opinion is biased of course but I feel that the program will do a great deal in bringing visibility to what the skill sets are that we must possess in order to keep’um flying. I would encourage your readers to look at the site and sign up so that we can continue the movement towards a day when we can be seen as professionals. I personally view anyone who works on aircraft as professional. Unfortunately my view doesn’t seem to hold much weight in bringing more respect and better wages to our industry. I feel AMT Society is working to bring that view into focus and I appreciate that. Thanks AMT!
SURE, I’VE READING ALL YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS CARRER, AND I’M SURPRISE HOW WE CAN TALK ABOUT THE SAME BUT IN DIFERENT TIMES, ENVIROMENTS AND SEASONS, AND EVEN COUNTRIES. I’VE BEEN WORKING FOR MORE THAN 11 YEARS ON THIS AND I GUARANTEE ALL OF YOU THAT NO JOB CAN COMPARE WITH THIS, TO BE HERE YOU HAVE TO LOVE AIRPLANES AND NOT TO TAKE IT AS A FOR A WHILE JOB. SOME OF YOU SAY THAT IS A RISKY JOB, BUT YOU KNOW THAT LIFE IS A RISK AND EVERY DAY SOMTHIG CAN HAPPEN. I RECOMEND THIS CARRER TO ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO BE WELL ENOUGH PAID WORKER JUST UNTIL YOU GET EXPIERENCE AND KEEP ON UPDATING YOUR KNOWLEDGE EVERYDAY.TKS
Sure I would. I doubt it would influence anyone, however. The stark reality is that potential A&P mechanics are totally focussed on wages and benefits, regardless of any recruiting efforts we might consider. Until the industry wakes up and pays maintenance technicians what they are worth as skilled professionals, we will continue to lose jobs to low-wage outsourcing. If pilot jobs could be similarly outsourced, you’d hear howls of protest from ALPA. I guess when it’s not your ox being gored, you keep quiet and pretend you’re part of management. Ours is one of the few careers where the majority of us are in it just because we love aviation. Unfortunately, most employers tend to take advantage of that fact. They’ll keep doing that until they can’t find replacement mechanics.
I have the A&P and IA. I have a son who has the A&P and IA and a daughter who has the A&P, the ATP and a B-767 type rating. My answer is “yes”. The things that seem to be bothering A&P’s, things such as reductions in benefits, elimination of pensions and so on are, believe it or not, happening in other industries as well. It is the World we live in. But the psychological wages associated with successfully and safely completing a difficult repair or modification are unattainable anywhere else.
I started out over 25 years ago just washing airplanes at night and now I am the Director of Maintenance for a Part 145 operation flying aircraft under Part 91 and 135. Would I recommend this to a high school graduate? Not likely. I have worked at commuters, and several large airlines with 17 years at USAirways where I couldn’t take the degradation and humiliation that was imposed on aircraft mechanics there. This industry treats mechanics as a necessary evil and hopefully, someday, attitudes will change. I love what I do, but it is due to a love of aviation, despite being treated poorly. I don’t believe most of todays youth have that kind of dedication and sacrifice to stick it out and put up with the long shifts, poor weather, time away from family, etc.
I was not going to comment on the issue, but after seeing only two other females with opinions on this issue I had to comment.
I have been in the aviation feild for over 12 tears. Military, general aviation and law enforcement. So I would say that I have a diverse background. I like many others have enured the cold, the rain and long hours. But I must say, that when the aircraft is fixed, ready for the next mission, it all pays off. Knowing that I did my part so that aircraft could transport a sick child, fly around and catch bad guys, or even help train our soldiers for war. It makes me feel like it was all worth it. Yah, the pay isn’t as good as maybe my neighbor, but I love what I do and I enjoy going to work. It’s better than being stuck in a cubicle all day. Anything in life is what you make of it. I myself would recommend highly a career in aviation. Especially to all the young woman out there. Respect from the opposite sex will always be a battle, but it is part of the job. I have no complaints,I think sometimes I make the men blush. I will say that it’s not for everyone. It take a certain kind of person to succeed in this profession.
I have been in the industry for 21 years, military, U.S. Government and corporate. I have four sons and I swore that if my sons ever go into aviation they would all suffer fatal hunting accidents. When I first joined the military, I had plenty of money, fun, travel and truly enjoyed the work, however, as adult responsibilities arose - things changed. I’ve always loved aircraft every since I was white water rafting as a 7 year old in Maine. An F-4 trainer ripped through a canyon I was in at about 50 feet, 400 knots - the love affair began. Little did I know the problems that my future would hold. As a mechanic you are always treated as a second class citizen. The best analogy I can use; A pilot takes a dump on the ramp, you clean it up. There is very little appreciation by anyone, just job satisfaction that you may get from a job well done. In the military, there is more appreciation, comraderie and teamwork. In the civilian world it’s more cut throat, no aprreciation - you’re looked at as a liablity more than an asset. Management is always pushing, “the price tag goes on before the quality goes in”. Most airports with quality service centers are located in high dollar metropolitan areas. Quality neighborhoods, housing and schools are hard to afford on a mechanics salary (your wife / husband better have a great job). As far as maintenace is concerned, you better focus on avionics. All cockpits are glass now. We have moved into a digital world and left analog behind. Electrical theory and knowledge are more important now than ever. Stay away from any airline. UPS or Fed Ex are a good bet if you can get on. Corporate aviation is the best bet. The people that can afford 50 million dollar jets are not affected by the economy. They make up the upper 1/10 of 1% of our socio-economic pyramid. They will fly their jets no matter what, good times and bad. I work as a senior airworthiness inspector for one of the world leaders and manufactures of business jets, my pay is fair. It’s still a struggle sometimes and I see aircraft in a different way now - great for flying to vacation! So, if you are mechanically and electrically inclined my advice is to become an engineer and design aircraft, but if you are hell-bent on becoming a mechanic, get into corporate and make electical and avionics a priority. You can still earn a decent living, but it takes time. I will echo the sentiments of some of the above comments - You will get out what you put in.
The correct answer for me would be no. My friends and relatives are very dear to me and I would like to see them have only the best opportunities and success in life. I would beg them to find something else that does not rely on dumb luck more than talent. A painfully long and boring story about my career is not necessary to answer such a simple question.
Although I have been in aviation for over 16 years I am very close to completing my education requirements for my new non-aviation second career. I would not recommend aircraft maintenance to friends nor family or students looking to choose a career. Aviation maintenance is the most unappreciated career there is, auto technicians get more respect and are better paid for their expertise. I recommend auto or diesel technician, be a pharmacist, nurse, doctor or lawyer, but stay away from aviation.
I just found an unopened fortune cookie in the pocket of a thirty year old jacket that said; As time passes, you will realize just how short your life is. The fact that you are thinking of becoming an aircraft mechanic means that you probably have a tendency for setting high goals. Focus that energy and mindset into something that will pay you a successful dividend especially if you are considering providing for a family. Aircraft maintenance as a career choice has a great risk of failure. Stay Away…….
There seem to be quite a few disgruntled mechanics posting which is no surprise as there’s a ton more out in the field… some days, I’m one of them. No job is 100% perfect but it seems that with aviation jobs, the dissatisfaction outweighs the satisfaction in most cases. With the sometimes poor working conditions, high responsibility, low financial reward and general unstability of the industry, this is understandable. You have to really love the aircraft to succeed as an AME, it’s that simple. If you do it for any other reason, you won’t last long. So what am I trying to say to those thinking of pursuing a career as an Aircraft Tech? It’s hard work and seldom rewarding. Praise has to come from within as you’re not likely to receive any from company or aircraft owners. The blame-game runs rampant and everyone is constantly looking for a scapegoat.
Some people survive and prosper, some don’t. I work at a small international airport in a city of just over 400,000 and in the last 3 years, we’ve had 3 AMEs commit suicide. One of them, as his last commentary on the industry, hung himself with lockwire.
I’ve been giving serious thought about retraining and getting the hell away from airplanes… would I recommend a career as an Aircraft Mechanic? Absolutely not.
I 40 years old with 20 years in the fire service. I am planning to retire and get my A&P beginning this year. I am also a Certified Flight Instructor. Aviation in south Alabama is thriving. One could find a job with general aviaiton, although the pay is not as good, but industry like Mobile Aerospace and Goodrich are just a couple that is booming in the south. They are doing anything possible to sponser any student interested in the field of aviation. I probably, will find employment in general aviation and fly part-time. All said, I am retired and will have a pretty good income off retirement and my wife makes a good salary. I see some say go for it and other say stay away. The same is true in the fire service or any other job. Come on guys, make the best of it! you guys keep em flying!!!!!!!!!!! Good mechanics are hard to find these days. A good attitude will go a long ways in any position.
After reading the blogs, I’ve decided to add my own. I would recommend the aircraft maintenance field only to a young person who truly wants to be in aviation…NOT for the money. Now let’s talk about money…and respect. I think we all agree that we, as maintenance professionals, do not command the pay or respect that we deserve…but that may be changing. Everywhere in the world we are called “engineers” (AMEs), with the notable exception of the United States. We don’t get paid what we are worth because we don’t demand it. We acquiesce every time these executives want to cut costs, on our backs, and they still get their executive perks…in the U.S..
If there ever was a trade that sorely needs a TRADE UNION, it’s this one. WE should operate carpenters, plumbers, tinsmiths, and the like…get our health insurance and our 401k through our own organization, instead of relying on these “fly by night” (no pun intended)airlines and maintenance contractors who really don’t give a rat’s ass about how we and our families can survive in the industry. I think in the next few years there will be some major changes; there must be for the industry to continue; every day there are more A & Ps bailing out of the industry to take “civilian” jobs…face it, we are starting to get scarce; supply and demand will raise wages and help us be better respected…by the way, it probably wouldn’t hurt to pressure the FAA to give U.S. mechanics the “engineer” (AME) designation as well.
I was born and raised aviation! I spent 16 years with Usair as an A+P. I now have 6 years as a network technician with the largest cell phone company. I still will look around closely at all the people at a gathering (mall,wedding,school,etc.), and can’t believe for the life of me that people even wan’t that responsibilty on their hands for nothing. I use my license for my own aircraft now, otherwise I would consider it WORTHLESS!
Sure aviation sucks somtimes but look at some of the alternatives. I overheard this guy talking the other day on a flight to other passengers about what he did for a living. He sold plumbing supplies. We are talking pipes and fittings here and this other guy sold wholesale concrete. Can any of you A&Ps even think of doing something like that for a living let alone bragging about it? I know we don’t make as much money as those guys but I have a hell of a lot more fun.
No, I would not recommend aviation maintenance to ANYONE. No duty time limitations, high liability, bad weather, a stressfull and dangerous work environment. The list could go on for miles. All for low wages and a lack of respect. Even with a love of aviation, it just isn’t worth it. The industry and those who run it have left mechanics out to wither on the vine.
I wouldn’t encourage or discourage somebody from entering this field. I would tell them about the realities of it. If you work for any airline you’ll be starting at an almost poverty wage and be stuck working nights and weekends. Depending on how attrition is at the place, they may be expected to work weekends for a long time… Even though I’ve dealt with the above things before, I wouldn’t change anything if given a second chance.
Thank You for telling me the truth i hope every AMT shcool puts this in their school so they dont send young people like me to waste my money on an education i could have had that is worth more…
This comment is kind of ment for one of the comments I read here. The 40 yr old guy retiring from the fire service who wants to go to A@P school. I really hope you think twice about that. At 40 starting out as an A@P especially if you go to an outsource vendor MRO like Mobile Aerospace. You are going to find that you are going to be treated like dirt and your aging body is not going to like doing things even a young mans body doesn’t like. For instance grinding corrosion. In addition the pay in not good for what you will be expected to do. IT IS NOT what I would recommend to someone for a second career. Even for a young guy as a first career and I use the word “career” loosely as it has really become just a job more than a career. I worked for a major airline for almost 20 yrs as an line avionics technician and it abruptly ended through no fault of my own. I was very fortunate to have landed a great job anyway but many of my fellow co workers were not so lucky. Get the A@P if you feel the need but stay away from starting at one of those what I call chop shops it will take years off your life if you do I promise.
I started in aviation in 1986. Not a bad career for the first 16 years. In 2002 started getting tired of long hours, low pay and no chance for promotion. I started looking at other options and considered the legal field. I got my Paralegal Certificate but stayed in aviation until 2006 working in Dallas, Texas. I then left aviation and have never looked back. I have a great job working for a law firm, opportunities for promotion, and retirement and health benefits. I did enjoy working aircraft in the beginning, but with the attitude of management it’s their way or the highway and being unappreciated it was not worth it anymore. In closing; work in aviation but always have something else to fall back on. Because you never know when downsizing will happen.
Screw Aviation! Don’t trust one word of anyone who speaks good about aviation work, notice i used the word work and not career. There is no damn career in this field, if there is… you’re not working on a plane. Anyhow I would like to express my concerns about this slavery induced industry thanks to our government and other assholes that work in the industry.DONT JOIN AVIATION LIKE ESCOBAR, NOTICE HE MAKES HIS LIVING AS A TOOL.