Being a PFE with an A&P in the old days IE: on the DC-6 and DC-8 we had to carry tools. Very rarely did I ever use the tools however, my A&P gave me the option to use the PENCIL as nessasary to complete the mission and get the AC back to a MX base. On the 74 we carry ride on MX who take care of most issues. The PFE is a dying breed and the few companies with 3 man AC are putting lower paid SO's in the seat just to save cost. If I were to do it over again I would get my ratings and forget the back seat however, I have no regrets sitting sideways for 25 years, it's been a fantastic adventure.
