Pilots can do whatever they wish and still make a living. Mechanics pay and social class allow them to make lateral moves into jobs like ditch digging. For these people, the work location and schedule is much better outside of aviation. Compensation tends to be a little better as well. People unknowingly go backwards in life when they spend their own time and money toward getting an A&P. The only way it may be advantagious is if you were a dropout with a record and daddy was able to sign your 8610 and buy your certificate. The other most common scenario is the same type of kid having to enlist in the army or marines for lack of better opportunity. By my observation, this is the story of most career mechanics. Most A&Ps that can go to school usually do and move on. The wasted time and money aspect apply equally to pilots if they can't get to a major quickly enough. Flying at its worst is still a standard deviation higher in all aspects compared to maintenance.
Last edited by kevbo; 07-03-2019 at 10:19 AM.