I saw a documentary last year about BA trainee first officer. It takes 18 months to train a first officer from scratch, to a right hand seat position on A320's. I don't know what these people get paid as a first officer but I bet it is more than a five year indentured apprentice. As a requirement of JAR66 5 years is now the minimum experience requirement for the right to 'apply'. Pay scales are significantly different and previously stated, it is because we as engineers, allow it to be so by being tied into union bargaining groups where mechanics get the same % rise. This is not to denigrate the mechanic, (you must first be the mechanic before the engineer)but we must make the separation. If we value our skills, knowledge and qalifications then fight for our cause and not everyone else. This will no doubt upset the staunch unionites, but what an insentive for a mechanic that would be, to get a license and the associated pay hike. In the company I work for certain mechanics can earn 40K, by working shifts and overtime. This is a great deal more than an inspectors basic and license pay. Granted 40K including shift and overtime but, also with 0 responsibility and 0 license with the associated responsibility that entails. Thats just as,I,see,it.
A mechanic has no certification responsibility and an LAE (licensed aircraft engineer) has. Some companies call the LAE an inspector, supervisor or LT (Licensed Technician. Line Engineers are usually more hands on, than hangar engineers on heavy checks. Inspect & Supervise
[This message has been edited by as,I,see,it (edited 07 October 2000).]