Neither a troll nor frustrated.
My question about whether unlicensed engineers should have some type specific training before working on a helicopter is prompted by the decrease of maintenance standards I have witnessed over the last few years, with components installed upside down, back to front or omitted.
In the Middle East, you will no longer find Canadian, European or Australian engineers and a valuable opportunity no longer exists for young engineers from these areas to work on turbine helicopters, mostly twins.
Salaries for unlicensed guys are about one fifth of what they should be and standards and attitudes reflect this.
Where people struggle with basic English they may not appreciate the importance of points in the Maintenance Manual or be unwilling to refer to it for fear of loss of face or unfounded fear of job loss.
Thank you Max, Sky and Maverick for your intelligent contributions.
To Widewoodenwings, we all know that unless you work for a large operator and can hand over to the next shift, engineers work routine is harder, there before and after the pilot and often working in severe weather.
But bear in mind that self-funded pilots have made huge sacrifices, borrowed heavily and must get a license first before hoping for a job so they can serve their apprenticeship.
And when things go wrong 95% (to use your statistics) of the widows are pilots wives.
If your age is as posted hopefully with maturity you will lose that large chip off your shoulder and not jump over any suggestion which might raise standards in our industry or at the very least stop the rot.
Everyone benefits from training. Those most in need of it are those who think they don't need it or won't admit it.