Originally Posted by
kevbo
We have a different perspective of the industry. I have been a mechanic for only 25yrs. In the latter fifteen, half of the work has left the country or is being performed by non certificated help. GA has been cut-throat for as long as Ive been around. Pilots will feel the same pain when cabotage is fully implemented.
Cabotage is irrelevant.
This has nothing to do with sending work out of the country. Virtually no general aviation maintenance is done outside the country. It's done in place, in repair stations and shops across the country.
There's no secret knowledge which, if let out in a class or on a web board, would rob a mechanic of his employment or enable the uncertificated person to take the work. None.
Part 65 and Part 43 are very clear on who can do what, and what certification is required to do the work.
We're not talking about sending maintenance work out of the country. Why would you attempt to introduce something so irrelevant, save to muddy the waters? This is quite clear. The original poster is asking for people to participate in an online training presentation. That's it. How on earth could you attempt to segue that into maintenance jobs leaving the country? Try to focus.
What "secrets" are there to let out that would take away from any mechanic? I've been a mechanic for several decades. I've been a line inspector, Part 145 inspector, director of maintenance a couple of times, and have actively maintained everything from light singles to large four engine aircraft, helicopters, piston, turboprop, and turbojet. I've done fiberglass to fabric, wood to steel, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatics, antique to modern day. I can't imagine what secrets a working, experienced mechanic might be afraid would get out that might deprive him of work. It's a ridiculous assertion.
To the contrary, as a mechanic, I'll go out of my way to pass on to a pilot-owner or operator the best practices to avoid unnecessary maintenance, or to do their own preventative maintenance (or not, when it's not appropriate), and I very firmly believe that every pilot will benefit from a thorough understanding of their aircraft.
Likewise, as an ATP pilot, there are no secrets; there's nothing that can't be passed on to student, private, and commercial pilots, or that would in any way diminish the role or position of a professional aviator. It's to everyone's benefit to pass on experience, knowledge, and understanding, and to help others understand the craft better. It enhances safety for everyone, and that in turn pays dividends to all.
I can't abide anyone that suggests withholding information is the right thing to do. A professional pilot who is too busy to share with someone who wants to learn is probably too busy to be doing his job, too. A mechanic who is too paranoid to give others the answers to their questions they seek would never have my confidence as a mechanic.