No Licensed Aircraft Engineers – No flights!

Mar 01 in National News

The shortage of personnel is now a very hot topic in aviation, though not a new one. It has always been something that manufacturers and industry stakeholders used to focus on, regardless of how the actual demand was at the time. During the ongoing ramp-up after the Covid pandemic the shortage is getting real! What happened with all the people who lost their jobs during the closedown? We now read statements and articles from many affiliates of AEI mentioning this problem as something that may hinder the development of the industry, and something that may jeopardise flight safety.

Today an article was published in Swedish media, written by our Swedish affiliate SFF. The headline was, “No Licensed Aircraft Engineers – No flights!” (Loose translation). The article discusses the seriousness with shortage of experienced aircraft technicians/engineers in Swedish civil aviation, air force and other operations critical to the function of society. The shortage has put an increased pressure on existing staff, which may jeopardise flight safety.

Some of our Swedish colleagues decided, more or less voluntarily, to start working in other technology-intensive industries during the pandemic. The other industries chosen didn’t have as difficult working conditions, and either the same pay for less education, skill and responsibility or more pay for the same level of education, skill and responsibility. This makes it very difficult to attract new colleagues.

“The Licensed Aircraft Engineers community is small but our responsibility for airworthiness is vital”, said Ola Blomqvist, Chairman of SFF and also the President of AEI. “Our expertise is crucial, not only to keep civil aviation flying, but also to the function of the air force, police, ambulance, search and rescue, and the coast guard”, Blomqvist said. Only a Licensed Aircraft Engineer can certify technical maintenance and repairs on airplanes and helicopters.

The Licensed Aircraft Engineer has a coordinating and supervisory function with significant legal responsibility—even for work that other staff performed. Therefore, it can’t be questioned that the profession needs extensive education and training. In Sweden it takes around five years of Higher Vocational Education and practice become a Licensed Aircraft Engineer. This is just the starting point on a continuing journey of education, skill and experience as new technologies enter the industry.

When the aviation industry was hit hard financially during the pandemic, nearly 20 percent of Swedish Licensed Aircraft Engineers were made redundant. Due to extensive financial support from the government the majority of members could stay employed keeping more than 90 percent of their salary. Nevertheless, many of the dismissed members now have jobs in other industries, some of them reluctant to come back to the aviation industry. The staff turnover in our profession has increased. Of those who responded to a member survey in SFF, nearly 40 percent answered that they had changed employer or job in the last three years. No less than 72 percent of those who have not changed jobs in the past five years are now considering doing so. Dissatisfaction with pay, working hours, or dissatisfaction with the employer are the most common reasons why engineers and technicians want to leave. Many have also chosen to work abroad, partly because they were offered a higher salary.

SFF conclude their article with a clear message to industry stakeholders.

The loss of competence cannot continue! We want to encourage interested parties to do what’s in their power to encourage people become our future colleagues. SFF wants:

• that responsible authorities and employers make efforts to make it easier for students to find internships to complete their certification for the profession.
• that the employment conditions for aspirants are improved.
• that employers in the aviation industry offer more attractive working hours with increased opportunities for recovery and a functioning social life.
• that employers offer competitive salaries, corresponding to the high educational and competence requirements.

Aviation is vital for our infrastructure. Fossil-free aviation is already a realistic plan and technology development is in full swing with the development of drones, new fuels and electric-powered aircraft. But if the aviation industry is to have a future, safety requirements must continue to be high, which also requires more Licensed Aircraft Engineers to join and stay in the industry!

Based on an article published in Sweden. Ref SFF:  www.flygtekniker.se

and Arbetsmiljön för flygtekniker är tuff – lönerna måste upp – Arbetet