Recently there was a post on our forum from a 42-year-old individual, asking if he was too old to become an aircraft mechanic.
Based on some limited research it would appear that there is still plenty of promise for this person. According to reliable sources, the demand for aircraft maintenance technicians is expected to double over the next 20 years. For instance, IATA estimates the need to train and hire is approximately 247,000 additional mechanics by 2018 and 420,000 by 2026 to meet the demands of new deliveries to the airlines. After taking into account retirements and market changes, the numbers increase to 405,000 and 740,000 respectively.
The experts conclude that meeting these numbers will be difficult. Licensing requirements, economic and structural adjustments within the industry, and societal trends have made the job less attractive than in years prior.
Based on the above it would appear that a 42-year-old still has time to get into the business. But, he needs to understand what he is really getting into first ...
An expensive education taking up to five years to complete (far more than a commercial pilot)
The willingness to toil 365 days in shift work
Working in a hangar or outside on an apron, more than likely under some hellacious weather conditions
Sweating away with dirty hands and Skydrol- or fuel-stained clothes
Being paid less than the responsibility calls for … certifying the airworthiness of the aircraft
Constantly changing technologies requiring continued schooling and knowledge and skills enhancements
Finally, if he can get by all of the above, he has to love and have a fascination with aircraft like we all do.
Meeting all these criteria, he is welcomed aboard as a valuable team member in one of the most least-appreciated, but eminently self-gratifying, careers.