The aviation industry has grown and is on a continued trajectory leading to a shortage of mechanics and pilots.. A challenge to aviation both today and for the foreseeable future is keeping quality mechanics and trying to slow the high turnover rates. Taking a unique approach to the problem of retention is CEO of JETS MRO Suresh Narayanan. If you are someone looking towards a career in aviation or trying to retain maintainers you will learn much from Suresh, a successful aviation entrepreneur and industry ambassador.
Suresh is a passionate aviator with a family tradition in aviation dating back to the Concord.
His Path To Jets MRO CEO.
What is JETS MRO?
Is there a high turnover of mechanics? If so, what industry is affected the most?
How do we address the high turnover rates of mechanics?
His path forward and outlook for the MRO industry.
Aircraft fleets are growing and the number of hours flown keeps increasing.
To fly these airplanes we need more mechanics both now and in the future.
The prospects are good for an annual growth rate of 5% per year according to government statistics.
Joining me today is an aircraft mechanic who helps mechanics reach their career goals.
Mark Joy is a certificated A & P mechanic with over 15 years of experience.
Mark has a specialized background in avionics and drone research and development.
To top it off, Mark is also a private pilot.
Mark also believes that you don’t need to spend tons of money to become a mechanic and explains why in this episode.
Questions feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com?
Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com
Talking Points:
Why Mark loves being a mechanic.
I find fulfillment in making things “work” again
I have ADHD and have found that there is something about doing hands-on work that gets me into the deep “flow” state
I enjoy solving hard problems
What type of job opportunities for mechanics?
Manufacturers
Airlines
Line Mx
Hangar Mx
General Aviation
Contracting
For civilian businesses
For the military/government
Drones
Drone delivery services
Google Wing
Zipline
Mana
Amazon (under construction)
Drone manufacturing & repair
Consumer
Military & Government use
Data collection
Space (rockets, satellites, etc)
Specializations within any of these:
Structures (sheet metal, composites)
NDT
Avionics
Powerplants
Manufacturing/Assembly
QA
R&D
You can also work outside the aviation sector:
Amusement parks
Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar, etc)
Railroads
Other manufacturing
Many other hands-on skilled trades
What the future of mechanic hiring looks like
Per Bureau of Labor Projection Stats thru 2033:
5% growth total (same as all other occupations)
8% for avionics
5% for other Mx, repair, and service
~13,400 job openings per year
Due to folks retiring or leaving for other fields
Growth in pax travel and shipping demand
May also see an uptick in space travel
Why you don’t need to spend a ton of money on getting your mechanic certification.
Employers know that if you are a new A&P, you’re going to need some level of job-specific training anyway
You have your A&P, or you don’t. How much you spent doesn’t really matter to employers.
A&P is generally accepted in aviation as a “license to learn”
If you already have the required experience, there is no FAA requirement to spend any money on a PT147 school if you don’t want to – you just need to prepare for the tests and pass them.
What are some of the misperceptions most have about being a mechanic?
If they’ve never picked up a wrench, you can’t do this job
They won’t be able to pass the tests
They won’t make very much money
2023 wages:
Top 10%: $115k
Median: $75k
Bottom 10%: $45k or less
How can we reach Mark?
Download my free ultimate guide on how to become a mechanic – https://markhjoy.com/guide
Email me: mark@markhjoy.com
Links:
Become an Aircraft Mechanic – Ultimate Guide | Free PDF download for listeners:
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