I'm inclined to agree with trapper. Perhaps the one thing that really separates pilots &
maintenance is that pilots had the foresight and enough unity amongst their group to make
things the way they are. My Union contract
reads like a comic book compared to our pilots. I also have to admit I haven't been
overly active in making a change for the better. In my experience, we maintenance types, as a group, seem to lack a certain
finesse in presenting ourselves as a body of
professionals. Any ideas on how we could
manage an international change in the perception of our responsibilities and skills? How many times have you heard someone say they want the guy up front to be
very well-paid and happy? I don't think the
public paritcularly want to know that airplanes require maintenance, but I believe
the public plays a very big part in determining pay levels of those responsible
for their lives, and the ultimate goal of our
profession getting the recognition it deserves will be greatly influenced by our
public image. Bring on the ideas!