The following is a casual summary of some of the input received by this blog during the past year. It is paraphrased here to hopefully highlight the contributions of various readers. Please note this is presented in no special order.
The most responses during the year concerned recognition of Bill O’Brien. He is not being forgotten for the support he provided technicians throughout his life. No one stepped forward more than Bill to make understanding and working with the regulations easier. He is missed and someone from the FAA needs to fill his spot. While Bill often spoke with frustration, he never spoke without authority.
There are technicians that simply take pride in the job they perform and that is enough. Others, for the most part, seek greater recognition and understanding of the challenges they face each day. All agree on the need for higher pay and better working conditions.
Most technicians agree that there needs to be more done to improve the public’s perception of what is truly involved in earning their license, what is involved in carrying out the various tasks of the profession, and the responsibilities that go along with the job. There is little doubt that a majority of the public knows little of the responsibilities of the profession.
More should be done to unite the female and male efforts in upgrading the profession. The feminine side is certainly focused, as evidenced by AWAM.
Technicians want a maintenance society that is dedicated, vigilant, strong, creditable, transparent, and affordable, and one that is able to represent their diverse interests with the various regulatory entities both here and abroad.
Outsourcing work by OEMs and MROs overseas and to Latin America is a serious problem and the cause for many lost jobs. Technicians need to take a united front and work with these entities to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of American know how and work ethic.
Knowledge of avionics is of growing importance to technicians who are working with the new technology aircraft systems. More than a cursory comprehension is needed; serious up-to-date training is required.
The most important element in any maintenance training classroom continues to be the instructor.
The transfer of knowledge among peers in the workplace is essential. Structured OJT continues to be a must in the minds of many technicians.
In modern aircraft it is difficult, if not impossible, to move from one system to another without the proper training.
Despite proprietary and competitive issues, a technician’s work would be a lot easier if the OEMs would make their data more available, such as on the web.
More technicians are leaving the profession because of layoffs and the uncertain future that many jobs evidence. It goes without saying, better pay all around would serve as a significant incentive to hang on to the talent.
AMTSociety and what is left of PAMA would best serve their constituency by joining forces.
Finally, I would like to wish all my readers a happy and safe holiday season. Here’s to a great 2010!
Endeavor Business Media
