I recently reviewed the results of the 2016 Aircraft Maintenance Technology Readership Survey, where readers responded to 30 plus questions ranging from the respondent’s specific role, the segment of the industry they work in, to what keeps them up at night.

What caught my attention this year was the change in answers to this one question, “Which single issue is your biggest concern”. In years past you could count on a certain blend of answers ranging from parts and material availability, to regulatory authority issues, to lack of technical information – standard stuff you could say. The top two answers this year climbed up from within the list of options. In order of ranking they were; Training on the complexity of aircraft today, and Recruitment and retention of technicians.

No real surprise but what I believe is significant is how these two issues have rapidly risen to the top of the list. The other important point to mention is the respondents came from all segments of the industry, General Aviation, Business Aviation, Airlines, Repair Stations, Rotorcraft, and from people in all types of roles: technicians, managers, directors, and CEOs.

Based on this, it appears many if not most of you have the same or similar “biggest concern”. Aircraft have become much more complex requiring additional and relevant training to safely maintain them, and almost hand-in-hand comes finding, hiring, and retaining the right talent.

The topics of training and workforce surface in nearly every conversation I have with those of you who work in the industry. Last month I attended the Aviation Technician Education Council’s annual Legislative Fly-In and board meeting in Washington, D.C. ATEC member educational institutions and industry partners made their way around Capitol Hill meeting with legislators to discuss FAA rule changes affecting aviation maintenance schools to the concern about the increasing talent shortage in aviation. 

You are all aware the current curriculum used to teach new aircraft technicians is very outdated and industry has been asking educational institutions to teach relevant technical subjects. Yet, the Part 147 aviation maintenance technician schools are required to teach many outdated subjects by today’s complex aircraft standards. Over the past few years since I became an industry member on the ATEC board, I’ve seen and been part of a shift. With new and active members, the ATEC organization has pushed FAA on the Part 147 rulemaking, engaged industry partners, and constantly interacts with government agencies to push the aircraft maintenance workforce development concerns forward.

But one organization cannot do this alone. Industry needs to become involved within your company, your community, and the organizations that work hard to support your industry.

Ron