Krystal
I fully understand what you are attempting to say, perhaps you should listen a bit more to what others are saying.
Luddite by definition is for those who are resisitant to change. The industry is changing and there are many people in key areas who have the foresight and imagination to ensure that it is changing to break down what were seen as previously insurmountable barriers and make our industry stronger I am not sure what area you are working in now, but my role is at the 'coal face' of heavy aircraft maintenance. To classify the majority in aircraft maintenance as luddites is doing them a dis-service.
There are trips down route which involve going to sunnier climes I agree, but there are also AOG rescues down route often to less exotic locations which, in the 30 years that I have been working on aircraft we have never failed to get staff to support a requirement for them to fly down route to effect a repair. The work often involves flying back on the aircraft that they have repaired. The have therefore 'fixed them' and 'flown back' on them.
The relationship between Ground Engineers and Aircrew is one of the most unique examples of teamwork and trust that exists anywhere. The Aircrew and the Engineers have a unique bond when it comes to the job in hand. Over the years I have attended the retirement parties of many pilots. In virtually every case they have thanked us for our efforts. A number of Aircrew have also said that the special realtionship is very important to them. Do not underestimate this relationship and do not assume that there is an 'us' and 'them' atttiude with all Ground Engineers and Aircrew. This only happens when we discuss pay scales and allowances and conditions, but that is a different story.
There are more who welcome change than perhaps is being perceived. If my previous mails on this subject are noted it indicates that I have identified that change is required, but a change in attitude must come from all areas of the Aircraft Engineering Profession, whatever their background.
What is not needed is a perceived attitude of superiority from those who have a degree to the Ground Engineers that they are 'under achievers' and for Ground Engineers to intimate that anyone with a degree is not suited to a Maintenance environment. Both are simply not true.
This is a forum and as such a right to express one's opinion should be encouraged, but any input should be objective and not subjective.
Regards
Tempsford