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Phenomenon of aging aircraft leads
to major structural repairs and modifications.
Slow growth in aircraft use with
current economic slowdown and industry shakeout.
Global competition for maintenance
- international flights can be serviced anywhere in the world.
Newer generation of aircraft types
equals higher proportion of avionic components.
Computer-aided techniques have led
to new developments in aircraft dynamics.
By year 2000 composites in structure
will have replaced metal by 75% - expected improvement in fibres,
bonding materials, design and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
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Estimates suggest aviation maintenance
industry (AMI) will require 10,000 to 13,000 new workers by year
2000. Heavier demand in medium to long term not short term.
Shortages predicted for avionics
technicians, aircraft mechanics, NDT technicians and interior
refurbishers.
For short to medium term only, shortage
of skilled sheet metal and structural technicians expected.
Minimum requirements for entry into
aircraft maintenance skilled trades are rising. Need to interpret
technical drawings and manuals, use problem solving and have manual
dexterity.
Constant need for skills upgrading,
need to cross-train workers.
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