CNBC: College or $70,000 a year? Aviation industry scrambles for mechanics as retirements loom

[bluecollar2]

21. I just retired after turning wrenches on aircraft

Since February of 1980.

The last 31 of those years was working as a certificated airframe and power plant mechanic for a major commercial airline.

It is not unusual for a mechanic to earn between 70 and 100k per year. In fact, it is relatively common for those who survive at a single employer.

The fact is that the industry is very dynamic. You can have fifteen years of seniority and be getting comfortable when your employer goes bankrupt and you're out of a job.

The business is littered with the carcasses of airlines and their employees.

Brannif, Eastern, TWA, Hughes, Pan Am, PSA, Republic, National, Air Cal, Northwest, Continental, USair are no longer around...

A lot of the airlines are outsourcing their "heavy maintenance" to South and Central America and Asia.

It's good work that pays well but not for the faint-hearted.

It's high stress, most of the work is done at night or on weekends, and the environment is harsh. Heat, humidity, rain, sleet, snow, and everything in between are normal.

Noise, grease, oil, jet fuel, skydrol...

For every 10 mechanics, maybe 1 will actually get hired and end up making the 70K. The rest will end up as cannon fodder working for whoever will hire them and they'll work until they have to migrate to the next job.

Would I do it again?

I don't know.

I had the opportunity to work and travel in some of the most challenging environments and locations and have known some of the best people in this business.

I've also known con men, thieves, cheats, liars and some of the most ethically and morally bankrupt human beings imaginable in this business.