Genghis,
Seems like we are in broad agreement on most things and only differ on minor points. The RAeS does indeed provide lots of useful information such as the salary survey. Their website also carries an interesting Microsoft Powerpoint presentation on Human Factors that is a thought provoking reflection on the decline in maintenance standards.
I observe that wages in engineering in general and our own industry in particular, are declining with respect to wages for people with similar skill levels in other industries. Recruiting levels are down and there is an increasing shortage of qualified people. At the same time increased demand for air travel leads to a demand for more staff (as well as aircraft) in all areas including engineering. Now, according to economic theory in a competitive, efficient market, a shortage of supply coupled with an increase in demand must lead to a rise in market clearing price. In this case, wages.
Since this is not happening, some other factor must be in play. From simple observation of what is going on around me I note that the standards of training of new entrants is declining. Jobs that used to done by trained LAEs are now done by semi-skilled workers, supposedly under the direct supervision of the hard-pressed LAEs. Regulatory bodies, rather than being a public service, are required to pay their own way from funds generated from providing their 'services' rather than from taxation. Can you imagine the situation if the police had to finance themselves from revenues derived from fines? Meanwhile, airline owners and bosses contribute massive amounts of money to political parties and are rewarded by honours and distinction, not to mention the award of routes and slots.
Am I being too cynical? Perhaps, but the fact remains that while aviation safety continues to be stable and the accident rate due to operational causes such as CFIT continues to improve, the accident RATE due to maintenance related causes has more than doubled over the past ten years. From figures provided by the FAA, last year FAR131 operators suffered 7 hull losses due to maintenance related causes, this being 50% of total hull losses. Such figures leave no room for complacency.
Unless the numbers of well qualified, experienced engineers, technicians or mechanics - whatever we choose to call ourselves - increases, we will never halt the decline. The starting point is retaining the existing people followed by making the job attractive to new recruits. The method is to pay better wages and provide better working conditions.
The question asked at the top of this thread is "What's the job REALLY worth?"
My answer is "About 45,000 pounds a year, minimum (in UK anyway.) More for more qualifications and experience." Anyone care to disagree?
**********************************
Through difficulties to the cinema