Airline Industry Suffering; Not the Case with Aircraft Mechanic Career Opportunities

It is impossible to escape the news of airline industry woes. It seems nearly every day there is another news story about an airline filing bankruptcy, laying off workers, charging for luggage or merging with another airline. Rising fuel prices and post 9/11 restrictions have made this a difficult time for airlines. The surprising news, however, is that it is still a good time to earn an Aircraft Mechanic degree, like Airframe and Powerplant or Avionics.

Why is a Career in Aviation Mechanics a Good Choice?

As crazy as it sounds, the airline industry still needs qualified mechanics. Much of the current workforce is made up of the baby boomer generation, which means lots of aircraft mechanics will be retiring in the coming years. This will provide many job opportunities for qualified A & P Mechanics.

Retiring mechanics are not the only reason for the creation of new jobs – the aircraft mechanic industry is going strong and job opportunities exist right now. Part 145 repair stations and aerospace manufacturers are thriving, regardless of the airlines’ recent fallbacks. Keep in mind that aircraft mechanics don’t only work on commercial airliners. They work for the government, news choppers, medical evacuation helicopters, private owners and more. If it can fly, it needs an aircraft mechanic.

What is required to become an A & P Mechanic?

A & P Mechanics must acquire a license from the FAA in order to become certified and qualify for a job. The FAA certification exams are very difficult, so Airframe and Powerplant or Avionics training is a must. Many schools provide hands on training, so students get a chance to work on several different aircraft engines and parts. It is important to ensure that an aircraft mechanic school is certified by the FAA. Certified schools provide the most up-to-date, technical training possible.

Becoming an aircraft mechanic or inspector is a wise career move. Skills gained in training are invaluable, and aircraft mechanics are needed all across the globe. So, with the correct training and experience, mechanics can live and work almost anywhere. Aircraft mechanics can feel good about the work they do; it is their expertise and training that keeps thousands of lives safe in the air on a daily basis.

The Good News

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos179.htm), job growth within the aircraft mechanics and technicians is expected to increase by 10% during the period between 2006 and 2016. Retiring mechanics will be the source of the majority of these new jobs. Also, job opportunities should experience growth due to the smaller amount of students entering aviation mechanics schools. There are about 170 FAA certified schools for aviation mechanics, so there is ample opportunity to get proper training, and enter this growing, in-demand job force.

Once employed, advancement opportunities in the A & P field abound. After three years of experience, mechanics can gain an aircraft inspector’s license, leading to positions as lead mechanic, crew chief, inspector, and more. Applying to an A & P or Avionics school to get hands on training today is the best way to enter this challenging and rewarding industry.