From: here@home.net 
  
 On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 23:44:02 GMT, Avn  wrote: 
  
 >The Hercs are stacked outside the hanger waiting for periodic 
 >inspections due to a combination of parts and major repairs to 
 >structures. While NATO flying school did draw from the forces for 
 >technicians this is not the same kettle of fish. They are looking to 
 >send the Hercs to repair facilities up and running now to help put the 
 >periodic stager back to normal. 
  
 I don't know about other fleets, but I know the fighters are getting 
 into the same situation right now. 
 It is a combination of lack of techs, parts, and too much flying on 
 too few aircraft. 
  
  This is not a long term contract like 
 >IMP or Moose Jaw so few if anyone would apply. I also heard they are 
 >talking about sending some as far away as Portugal to have inspections 
 >carried out. While Aurora maintenance is busy for periodic inspections 
 >our stager is still being maintained. Our airframe is 20 years newer so 
 >we are not yet seeing major fatigue cracks that the Hercs have. With the 
 >CP140 fleet AIMP has taken more than it's share of aircraft off the 
 >hanger line but is required to bring the aircraft in line with our NATO 
 >partners. 
 >We have new technicians arriving all the time now so things should get 
 >better in the next few years once they gain some qualifications. 
  
 It takes at least 8 years for a person to become a productive tech, 
 I'm not sure if all units have that kind of time. 
  
 >The only thing not being tried is a incentive program to keep the more 
 >experienced technicians in the forces. If things start improving in the 
 >civilian market in the next few years and with a good portion of AVN/AVS 
 >reaching 20-25 year mark things could turn ugly quick. 
  
 Things are ugly right now. 
 The number of qualified techs anywhere is pitiful, but as you say 
 there is nothing being done to keep people in after their 20. Strange 
 we are trying so hard to keep pilots in, but when it comes to 
 maintainers there is nothing. 
  
 --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05 
  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)