Jetmech, your sentiments are correct, however, there is a serious shortage of GOOD engineers in the UK (and Europe) as well as the states right now. No doubt for the same reasons, poor money, long hours, inhospitable conditions versus the time required to get to the point of a licence issue.
In our trade, the return is no where near the effort put in. Is it any wonder people go into computers, or some such area.
A comparable pilot in a major airline does much less work (actual flying time) and is paid between three to five times more. This is to say nothing of the treatment of engineering staff versus pilots by the airlines.
Engineers are always treated like crap. Is it any wonder we cannot attract good people into our trade. I would never advise my children to go into the trade!
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When all else fails, read the manual!