Originally Posted by
howdyclub
The new mechanic rule is now in effect, somewhat. The FAA and existing schools are understandably in no hurry to change anything and seem to be dragging their feet. Industry, as in airlines, are working to create their own education standards for new mechanics. The new law allows them to do this and force it upon the FAA and schools. There is no minimum seat time anymore so I can see existing schools having problems unless they can charge more and/or increase student volume. One thing Ive noticed is that no working mechanics talking about any of this, at least not online. Everything in print is coming from professional wordsmiths so you have to read between the lines. I'm not sure if it matters but they are certainly easing entry into aviation maintenance and dumping airline specific training onto students.
A few of my maintenance friends and I have been watching this closely. I think you’re correct, the long term goal is to make it easier to get into the maintenance career field. The aviation industry knows its not attracting the youth with pay/benefits/etc, they obviously aren’t going to pay more, so the only option left is to make it easier to get into the field. Very few people/ companies look at maintenance as value added, only as an expense, unfortunately.
I think long-term, this will drive even more experienced mechanics either to other industries the offer better compensation, or, into retirement, further exasperating the “brain drain”.