Improving Mechanics' Status

I would like to thank each of those that responded to the question, “will various basic and advanced certifications help aircraft mechanics improve their status in the industry?"   All of you pointed out in one way or another that the career of an aviation mechanic requires improvement in pay and recognition. Additionally I read the opinion that some of this is due to the technician’s lack of ambition. This latter point may be a symptom of the problem and not a cause. You agree that new certifications attesting to skills and knowledge levels will not bring about any change unless there are incentives to obtain these certifications, the most obvious of which is higher pay rates. Satisfaction in doing a job at a professional level is just not enough. And you are saying that there must also be a buy-in by management to recognize and support the certification effort. For what it is worth I agree.   I do not agree, however, that there is a stigma associated with being an aircraft mechanic. My former chairman used to say, “If you don’t like what you are doing here, why are you here.†The same is true for aircraft technicians. I believe 99 percent of technicians like what they do; to me, it might be that the lack of appreciation or recognition, etc. by others may be self-fulfilling.   Scott mentioned the continued ranking as semi-skilled labor by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. This is a problem. I know that for many years PAMA worked hard trying to change this. Unfortunately there are political considerations whenever you try to change anything in our bureaucracy and there are factions, mostly management, which will not support this. I recommend each of you support the efforts that are and will be made on your behalf in this area.   As to the European system versus ours, many of you made good points, especially Jean Pierre. Regardless of the negatives, I think the transition to this system will help the technician in the long run. I do not think jobs will change because some one is not rated in an aircraft; to the contrary, that does not occur now. Technicians receive training that is needed for the most part. This may not have been true 20 years ago but that has changed.   Please continue to send your remarks and or opinions on these issues. I feel there is more here than has been stated. It goes to the heart of your “career.†If efforts are being made and resources used toward this end, your beliefs, ideas, and opinions should shape the directions these take.