In writing these blogs I do my best to keep the material topical. I think I may have come upon just such a subject with the recent announcement that PAMA is supporting a dissertation study that concerns whether the industry is “overselling†the aviation maintenance profession as a career. The project is the idea of a doctoral candidate who believes that if he compares the thoughts of what aviation maintenance is to those first entering the business with those who have been in the business for years, he will find a significant difference, proving that students are being given a “false impression†to “lure them†into the business. He predicts if this is true, it will have serious ramifications for the industry.
My first reaction after learning of this was to ask the opinion of several acquaintances whose views I believe are truthful and erudite. I received some interesting responses and I would like to share these with you. Since I asked for these opinions in private, I will maintain the anonymity of those whose opinions follow.
“As an A&P instructor in the ‘70s, I saw recruiters lying to students. From what I have seen since the lying has continued. I am not sure this is a doctoral dissertation as much as it is a statement of the obvious.â€
“I’m not sure A&P students are aware or care about a career path. They are not listening! Half of the ATEC schools have closed in the last five years. Two-thirds of every graduating A&P class does not go into aviation. This study is dead on arrival. What is needed is a study to develop a plan wherein the career evolves into a profession, providing new value and job growth in an evolving field. This will benefit all concerned, mostly those who are the target of the study.â€â€œOverselling occurred in the ‘60s and ‘70s. In the past it was overselling an outdated marketing plan imposed on an underclass that did not want to go to war to earn a living or pay college tuition. Exotic car manufacturers and robotic companies are the new A&P school source for placement.“Top knowledgeable and experienced A&Ps, like those that have advanced avionics knowledge, will go to the top of the class. There are 7,000 of them out there making good bucks and searching for a higher classification. Let’s build a new future of a powerful aviation maintenance class. Working with academia, industry, and regulatory groups, we can get this done.â€
“I see this as what’s coming … an endorsement of standardized duties for aviation maintenance personnel, not licensed professionals! This will exacerbate the outsourcing of America and weaken our global position as industry leader. It is my belief that our profession is frequently misrepresented as to what it should/could be versus what it is or what it has been. It would be best if we could change the industry rather than modify the profession. Quite a challenge! If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone to work for the railroad.â€
As you can read, these are strong statements manifesting strong opinions. My question is “what do you think?†Were you misled into a career that offers little opportunity for growth and rewards?
I would like to hear from you. And don’t mince words, please.