America facing aircraft mechanic shortage

You need a pilot to fly a plane and a mechanic to make sure it's safe. Right now, America is facing a shortage of both.

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[Forlife]

Well I am in school, our teachers said 43% of A&P students don’t even do the general, power plant and airframe FAA test, it’s a huge issue.

[nibcbmc]

There’s no shortage of techs or pilots there’s a shortage of people willing to do extremely high skilled work for what they are willing to pay

[cybr]

I got u dawg imma attend this fall, don’t even stress bout it. U In good hands omw

[guitarhillbilly]

Major Airlines pay their senior A & P's about $60.00 / HR plus benefits. Commuters and General Aviation severely under compensate A & P's and until this is corrected the shortage will just get worse. The Major Airlines will suck up the available market of A & P's due the massive retirements in the next 3-5 years.

[Tsubaki]

Got to hangout with AMEs and avionics guys through a work experience program in highschool. They all told me not to go into aviation. Pay, treatment by companies, not to mention the liability isn't worth it. Was also told the first thing airlines cut in a recession or high fuel prices is maintenance. Ended up working on hospital grade medical equipment instead. Pays better, get treated better and recession proof. Good thing I listened to those guys.

[MrYabber]

I’d love to be an Aircraft Mechanic, matter of fact, I reached out to a college today for an information packet about their A&P program.

But… you know why there’s a shortage? It’s because becoming an A&P licensed AM is very expensive. The college I’m trying to get information from, their whole selling point is that their program costs $15k compared to $45k-$55k elsewhere.
Yea.
Not cheap.
And it is VERY hard. Takes a lot of time, experience, effort etc BUT, once you know what you’re doing… I heard it is highly rewarding, a lot of mechanics are very satisfied with their jobs.

There’s a channel here on YT about a dude and his buddy who are both Aircraft mechanics and man.. they look happy and life seems to be treating them pretty good. That channel is what inspired me. The channel name is James Sullivan. Really cool dude, awesome channel so much information and advice.

[jetskijay]

Not really a shortage in my book. I have my cert and haven’t heard back from three different airliners in over a month. Looking into a new field! Maybe heavy equipment or microchip plant tech . With this economy I can’t afford to wait months.

[ralphravago]

here in the philippines many of us graduate and license Aircraft mechanics dont have any opportunity to work with our profession still jobless while in U.S they have a shortage in mechanics

[peanutbutterisfu]

I was looking into becoming an aircraft tech about 10 years ago until I realized how low the pay was for the amount of responsibility involved. I was 29 at the time making 80k as an automotive tech. I am in the top 10% as far as skill goes for an automotive tech and I felt and feel still that I’m wasting my brain being an automotive tech but why would anyone ever be an aircraft technician and not atleast make a few hundred grand a year? I thought it was a joke that the top aircraft techs made 100k on average but I guess not.

[Nicks-qcty]

I always used to chuckle to.my self thinking im entrusted installing a £200, 000 IDG (alternator to you car guys) to an engine or drilling off a £15k intercostal for the same money as a delivery driver.
What is the point.

[kh.]

I barely see any job offers for this field on indeed....

[cr]

who wants to be an A&P now a days when hvac or plumibing is paying the same? until the pay scale goes up forget it

[Cars_n_planes]

If you’re in High school and pursuing Engineering related career avoid Aircraft Maintenance. The pay is shit and you are always under pressure. Instead go for something like Aerospace or other Engineering related careers.

[mekusliberal]

Got a foreign A&P Qualification and was wondering if American Companies or Airline accepts application. Any help please.

[Nicks-qcty]

Ryan Air are advertising about training to become an aircraft mechanic in 12 weeks!

[MrJohnnyYang]

Major airlines should stop making the assessment test and interviews so difficult and shitty then.

[hyperion]

shorting everyones pay will definitely have an impact on the amount of people wanting to get into the field.

[govenormayor]

Ten years ago, you’d have to obtain both your A and P, pass a test, and pray that you got a job, starting at $10 or $15 an hour. Now? You start at $35 to $45 an hour with insane benefits, one of the last skilled trade industries with a strong union, with zero prior experience required. You’re guaranteed a job straight out of school as long as you’re breathing with at least one license. Either Delta or American Air (forgot which one) offered at $200k SIGN ON BONUS for mechanics with both A & P licenses. However, you could only have your airframe or only your power plant, and there’s still a massive range of jobs you could get with only one of each, which still pay damn good. Instructors have told me this field is the “last best-kept secret in America”. I believe em.

[john-boydbriggs]

Good Evening Madam I am qualified Airframe and Powerplant License technician with over 30 years experience. I am from Trinidad that's in the Caribbean. Is there anyway I can employment in the US?

[johnthompson]

gee, looks like theyll be forced to offshore their maintenance. couldn't see that one coming.