You know, many times things are so obvious you can’t see the trees for the forest. Well, just the other day I caught a glimpse of Senator Jim Inhofe’s, (R-OK) proposed legislation for a Pilot’s Bill of Rights. OK, I said to myself, that’s a good idea and from what I read in the bill, I am for it. But, and you know what’s coming next, I have not heard or seen anything that relates to a similar piece of legislation for aircraft technicians. And, why not? Again, most of you know the answer. There are no clear national goals, directions, support systems, efforts etc., for upgrading the status of aircraft technicians in our industry.
Supported by 24 senators, EAA and AOPA, this legislation ensures that the FAA treats pilots in a fair and equitable manner. Senator Inhofe expressed his intent by saying, “The reason I got into politics was to fight for the everyday citizen facing an uphill battle with bureaucracy” … note: aren’t aircraft technicians everyday citizens?
I agree with the legislation’s co-sponsors, “pilots need to be on a level and legal playing field with the FAA to ensure just treatment in any enforcement action.” I also believe that this applies to aircraft technicians just as strongly.
So, how do we go about getting this done? The first thing each has to do is to recognize you can’t be a lone ranger. Aircraft technicians need to organize. And, I’m not suggesting unionization. Rather, the profession needs to start speaking together with a clear message that details the responsibilities that are assumed every day, and the costly education that goes into getting the necessary licenses to practice. I assure you, the general public, and, much less, the federal and state legislators that affect the policies of our everyday lives, have little or no knowledge of the importance and challenges associated with your work.
I marvel at the truth that after all that has been tried, aircraft technicians are still classified the same as auto mechanics and other similar occupations by the Department of Labor. I am not disparaging auto mechanics, but do you think they pay the same for their education? Do you think they bear an equal burden of responsibility? Do they require the same level of training to keep up with technology? I could go on, and this is just one example of the inequities aircraft technicians continue to tolerate. In the end, it’s your own fault, and will continue to be such, until each of you do decide it’s time to do something about it.
Let me suggest you use the idea of an “Aircraft Technician Bill of Rights” as a rallying point. Goals might include:
- Ensuring the FAA grants any technician ample time to review any evidence in an enforcement action prior to the launch of such an enforcement action.
- Ensure the technicians have access to all updated and pertinent information related to the continued airworthiness of an aircraft.
- Ensure an equal playing field with those maintaining U.S. registered aircraft at foreign repair stations.
- Recognition of the eminence of the profession and the need to reclassify its position within the Department of Labor.
None of the above will be easy … but it will be a new year soon, so why not make this one of your resolutions. Get involved in your profession and work with others to make it better.
Have a happy and safe holiday season and thanks for reading.
