Aircraft industry and aviation maintenance school roles in the aircraft maintenance technician shortage

The purpose of this study was to investigate the aircraft maintenance technician shortage. Two surveys were used. The first was directed to FAR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Schools (n = 48) while the second was sent to FAR Part 145 Certified Repair Stations (n = 63). Queries on the survey were largely derived from a Critical Issues Forum hosted by Embry-Riddle University in spring 1998. Results of the surveys were studied to determine inter- and intra-industry cohesiveness as well as studying the roles between school and industry as factors in the technician shortage. Schools and business showed positive connection in the donation and reception of tools and equipment. In addition, businesses and schools found common interest in job placement opportunities.;When studying the industry itself, there appeared to be some lack of connection between Directors of Maintenance and the aviation maintenance industry as a whole, as reflected by the frequent indecision when answering the survey queries.;Several contrasting results were observed between industry and schools. A wide disparity existed between responses on participation in advisory groups, promotion of the aviation industry, and post-certification training by local area maintenance training facilities.