The Aircraft Technician Shortage: Navigating a Crisis in Aviation

I started my aviation career as an avionics (at the time radio/radar) technician in the Royal Navy and spent 5 years learning some deep-seated engineering skills which hold with me to this very day.? At the time military engineering training in the West was a huge endeavour, and alongside its civil counterpart enabled the building of our strong aviation industry today.? But it appears these major engineering training systems are struggling now to meet the demands of the aviation sector,? with the industry experiencing a seismic shift and grappling with significant shortages.? Not only is this affecting the ongoing increases in global air travel but also military organisations and the emergent technologies associated with unmanned systems creating a critical challenge: an insufficient workforce to maintain the safety and reliability of the various fleets. This article explores the causes, implications, and potential solutions to this shortage that so far is seemingly insurmountable

Understanding the Shortage

A Perfect Storm

Several factors have converged to create this crisis which started many years ago as military training systems shrank removing a whole engineering training capability from the sector. In countries, such as Norway, basic aero-engineering training was transferred to the civil sector and facilities closed with experience manpower moving to other civilian roles.? Capacity across both sides of the old iron curtain shrank rapidly ?despite the increase in air travel and a drastic slowing in the number of fully trained technicians.?

In addition the aviation sector has witness a mass retirement wave. Due to those previously military trained engineers now leaving the job market completely as they near retirement age, and a period with significantly fewer new recruits to replace them.? This makes a talent gap in the senior and mid seniority arena that is almost certainly ?take years to fill (you cannot rapidly train experience).

The Air Travel and Aviation Systems

Airline growth has returned post COVID and they are ramping up operations to meet the surging demand for air travel, but also meanwhile so are the military and the newer drone technologies a proliferating markedly. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. These combined factors put immense pressure on maintenance teams, as newer aircraft require different sets of skills such as composites and battery expertise.? The problem of course that you might take the pilot out of an aircraft but you still need people not only to maintain it but in the case of an unmanned system also launch and recover it.

The Skills Gap

The complexity of modern aircraft also exacerbates the situation. Today's planes are equipped with advanced technology and systems, requiring technicians to possess a higher level of expertise than ever before, especially in computer-based systems and advanced control technology. Additionally, such systems do not often present faults in easy to understand ways, unlike say a broken nut, or empty reservoir (issues that remain of course). Unfortunately, many training programs struggle to keep pace with the reality of day to day working with these technologies, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the challenges they will face in the field.

Implications of the Shortage

Safety Concerns

The most pressing implication of the technician shortage is the potential compromise of safety. With fewer technicians available to perform necessary maintenance and repairs, risk increases, especially dealing with complex systems and functions. But this also includes providing trained personnel who can write the maintenance documentation (now almost all computer/tablet based) that is understandable on the shop floor or apron. Regulatory bodies, such as EASA, have raised concerns about the implications of this shortage on the safety of air travel.

Economic and Operational Impacts

These shortages have far-reaching economic consequences not just for aviation in general and air travel or military operations in particular. Delays in aircraft maintenance can lead to grounded planes, which, in turn, can result in flight cancellations and lost revenue for airlines. In the case of military operations flights or missions might be postponed or cancelled due to too much work for too few people.? According to airline industry estimates, every grounded aircraft costs airlines thousands of dollars/pounds/NOK per day and in the military wasted effort.

Strain on Existing Workforce

For those technicians still in the field, the increased workload is unsustainable, many choose to move to easier jobs perhaps shifting from the military to the civil sector or even to a desk role. Many are working continuous overtime to fill the gaps, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction. A stressed workforce will make mistakes, further compounding safety concerns and operational inefficiencies.

Navigating the Crisis: Potential Solutions

Investment in Training Programs

Addressing the technician shortage requires a concerted effort to invest in training and education across both the military and civil sector. Governments must use policy to ensure that military organisations and the civil sector collaborate with technical schools and training centres to develop curriculums that align with industry needs. Civil companies must provide scholarships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training opportunities, so they can attract new talent while ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills.? In the military domain there must be a recognition that you cannot do more with less, modern aircraft really don’t seem to need less maintenance but just different maintenance.? Man hours per flying hour are better but there is little chance of it decreasing further.? Cutting corners here just means fewer hours available to achieve whatever task.

Promoting the Profession

The aviation industry must work to enhance the image of a career as an aircraft technician instead of just focussing on the roles of pilots. This can be achieved through targeted marketing campaigns that highlight the benefits of the profession, including job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Lets face it the pilot is more likely to be automated than the person fixing the aircraft. Engaging with school students through career fairs and outreach programs can also spark interest in aviation maintenance careers from an early age.

Retaining Existing Workforce

To retain current technicians, military organisations, airlines and maintenance organizations must prioritize employee well-being. Offering competitive salaries which jump the boundaries of each sector alongside flexible work schedules, and professional development opportunities can help reduce turnover rates. Creating a supportive work environment that values technician input and recognizes their contributions is also crucial in fostering job satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

Its pretty easy to understand that without sufficient technicians, aircraft basically just do not fly, it doesn’t matter how much money you throw at clever kit or spares.

The shortage presents a significant challenge for the everyone in the aviation sector, compromising safety and straining operational capabilities. However, by investing in training, promoting the profession, embracing technology, and focusing on employee retention, the industry can navigate this crisis and ensure a sustainable workforce for the future.

Of course there are others fishing in the same talent pool.? In a world of high technology systems everyone needs engineers!