Airlines Mechanics
Abstract:
Along with keeping airplanes in a safe condition to fly the airline mechanics has also the important responsibility of keeping airplanes equipment working safely and efficiently. In this effort they service, repair, and overhaul various aircraft components and systems including airframes, engines, electrical and hydraulic systems, propellers, avionics equipment, and aircraft instruments.
The airline industry has been going through a rough transition for years now. Alarming shortage of airline mechanics is one of the most important issues in the aviation industry. As they are leaving their employers and profession for better-paying jobs and better hours aviation industry has faced a dropped of license issue by two-third per year depending upon the type of work they do.
Airline mechanics work in hangars, on the flight line, or in repair shops. They use hand and power tools along with test equipment. Noise levels are high and flight line mechanics often work outdoors in inclement weather conditions when making emergency repairs. Sometimes the work requires the use of ladders or scaffolds and the physical demands can be heavy. Airline mechanics often work under pressure to maintain flight schedules or to minimize inconvenience to customers beyond a reasonable period of time. While doing so, the mechanic cannot sacrifice high standards of workmanship to speed up the job.
Apart from the above circumstances mechanics neither enjoy work weekends, holidays nor has the job specification. They are not entitled to get Medical/Dental coverage for single/family; they are not covered by the life insurance coverage. Station hours vary and change with flight schedule. The agency does not limit the hours a mechanic can work whereas they do such with the airline pilots. They don’t even have job ranks, which is highly demoralizing the mechanics. According to the Deputy Director of IAM, “Aviation mechanics think they are perceived as the underbelly of...