Petitioner Found That The Department Of Labor Had Dropped Its Classification System

The person who had started a petition on Change.org to have the Department of Labor reclassify aircraft mechanics as skilled labor has dropped the campaign after finding that the classification system is no longer is in effect.

In a message posted on the website, petitioner Adolfo Rodriguez of Newnan, GA said "I was made aware that the Department Of Labor has dropped the classification system back in the day. While my intentions we admirable, but misguided. A new system was made that is trades man. It was used to help carpenters, pipe fitters, electricians, etc. While come places like Europe have airframe specific licenses I for one don’t want that here. I will be closing this petition tonight."

The petition was launched back in March, and 19,769 people had electronically signed the petition before it was withdrawn.

According to the Department of Labor, many aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. Others enter with a high school education or equivalent and are trained on the job. Some workers enter the occupation after receiving training in the military. Although not required, aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians typically become licensed or certified.

The DOL indicates that there were 137,300 aircraft mechanic jobs in 2014 paying a median wage of over $60,000 per year.

(Image from file)

FMI: Petition, DOL Information