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Job Outlook information for Aviation maintenance technicians:
Opportunities for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians should be excellent for those who have completed aircraft mechanic training programs. Aviation employment is expected to increase about average for all occupations through the year 2014, and large numbers of additional aircraft jobs openings should arise from the need to replace experienced aviation mechanics who retire.
Reduced passenger trafficresulting from a weak economy and the events of September 11, 2001forced airlines to cut back flights and take aircraft out of service. However, over the next decade passenger traffic is expected to increase as the result of an expanding economy and a growing population, and the need for aircraft mechanics and aviation service technicians will grow accordingly. Furthermore, if the number of graduates from aircraft mechanic training programs continues to fall short of employer needs, opportunities for graduates of aircraft mechanic training programs should be excellent.
Most job openings for aircraft mechanics through the year 2014 will stem from replacement needs. Many aircraft mechanics are expected to retire over the next decade and create several thousand job openings per year. In addition, others will leave to work in related fields, such as automobile repair, as their skills are largely transferable to other maintenance and repair occupations. Also contributing to favorable future job opportunities for aircraft mechanics is the long-term trend toward fewer students entering technical schools to learn skilled aviation maintenance and repair trades.
Many of the students who have the ability and aptitude to work on airplanes are choosing to go to college, work in computer-related fields, or go into other repair and maintenance occupations with better working conditions. If the trend continues, the supply of trained aviation mechanics will not be able to keep up with the needs of the air transportation industry.
Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general aviation. Commuter and regional airlines are the fastest growing segment of the air transportation industry, but wages in these aviation companies tend to be lower than those in the major airlines, so they attract fewer job applicants. Also, some jobs will become available as experienced aircraft mechanics leave for higher paying jobs with the major airlines or transfer to another occupation. At the same time, general aviation aircraft are becoming increasingly sophisticated, boosting the demand for qualified mechanics. Mechanics will face more competition for jobs with large airlines because the high wages and travel benefits that these jobs offer generally attract more qualified applicants than there are openings. Also, there is an increasing trend for large airlines to outsource aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic jobs overseas; however, most airline companies prefer aviation maintenance work done on aircraft be performed in the U.S. because of safety and regulation issues of overseas contractors.
In spite of these factors,aviation job opportunities with the airlines are expected to be better than they have been in the past. But, in general, prospects will be best for applicants with experience. Mechanics who keep abreast of technological advances in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will be in greatest demand. Also, mechanics who are mobile and willing to relocate to smaller rural areas will have better job opportunities. The number of job openings for aircraft mechanics in the Federal Government should decline as the government increasingly contracts out service and repair functions to private repair companies.
Job opportunities for avionics technicians who are prepared to master the intricacies of the aircraft and work with A&P mechanics are expected to be good. Technicians who are cross-trained and able to work with complex aircraft systems should have the best job prospects. Additionally, technicians with licensing that enables them to work on the airplane, either removing or reinstalling equipment, are expected to be in especially high demand.
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