Did you sleep last night?

How sleeping could be the key to preventing aircraft accidents

You’ll work on hundreds of aircraft throughout your career and seeing one of them in the news strikes panic. A checklist starts running through your brain, "Did I torque that bolt, did I get all my tools out, did I do that safety right?"  But how do you make sure you aren't the cause? What you, and what most mechanics probably don't consider is the amount of sleep you got the night before.

Work can be exhausting, and making extra “you” time at the end of the day can lead to staying up late. But what you might not realize is that making up for your own time by going to bed later can have costly effects the next morning. 

Studies show that 13% of all workplace accidents occur because of fatigue. This happens so much that the NTSB has written several memoirs describing how important enough sleep is throughout the week. 

Here are the key takeaways: 

• 13% of all accidents are tied to fatigue 

• Fatigue is a major FAA concern 

• Maintenance personnel are especially at risk of fatigue

Simple Steps to Stay Alert 

1. Aim for 8 Hours: Try to get a full night's sleep.

2. Consistent Bedtime: Go to bed at the same time each night, even on weekends.

3. Limit Screens Before Bed: Avoid phones and computers at least 20 minutes before sleeping.

Stay Safe, Stay Rested 

As an A&P mechanic, you ensure aircraft safety. By prioritizing sleep, you reduce the risk of errors and make aviation safer. Never be the cause of a crash. Become a better mechanic and improve your confidence with good sleep so you never have to fall asleep under the rudder pedals again.

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News

CRASHES, CRASHES EVERYWHERE

It’s been a rough few weeks in the skies, from commercial jets to military aircraft, a string of high-profile crashes has the public on edge. If you've been hearing about planes going down here is a list of the highest-profile crashes being reported by the media.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

1. January 29 – Mid-Air Collision Over D.C.
   A Bombardier CRJ700 (American Airlines Flight 5342) collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The crash killed all 67 people on board both aircraft. This is the worst US aircraft disaster since 2001.

2. January 31 – Medical Jet Disaster in Philly
   A Mexican-registered Learjet 55 carrying medical personnel crashed in Philadelphia, killing seven. Early reports suggest bad weather and possible mechanical issues played a role.

3. February 6 –Alaska Commuter Crash
   A Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan went down near Nome, Alaska. Ten lives were lost. Investigators are looking at weather conditions and potential icing as causes.

4. February 10 – Private Jet Crash in Arizona
   A Lear 35-A landing gear collapsed during a routine landing, causing the aircraft to crash into a parked Gulfstream 200 at the Scottsdale Airport, killing one and injuring four.

5. February 12 – Military Mayday in San Diego
   A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego Bay. The bad news? The An $80 million aircraft is now sitting at the bottom of the bay. The good news? Both pilots ejected safely.

6. January 27 – F-35 Goes Down in Alaska
   F-35A fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base. The pilot ejected safely, but the aircraft exploded in a fiery crash near the base.

TELL ME MORE

What’s going on? Why so many crashes? The NTSB, FAA, and military safety boards are digging into these incidents to find out their cause.

Aviation safety still holds up. These crashes are tragic, but statistically, flying remains incredibly safe. That said, every crash sparks discussions about pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and how to prevent future disasters.

This is a learning moment. Safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a way of thinking. Every bolt tightened, every system checked, and every maintenance log updated helps keep these stories from happening.

If you have any thoughts regarding the recent aviation disasters, please reply to this email. We read every email.

How bad is the mechanic shortage?

Are aircraft mechanics in need? YES! THEY ARE!

If you are training to be an aircraft mechanic here’s some good news: the aviation industry needs you—badly. The workforce is shrinking fast, and the demand for skilled mechanics is soaring. Let’s break it down.

Where Are All the Mechanics Going?

Right now, the U.S. aviation mechanic workforce sits at about 129,200 people, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sounds like a lot, right? But here’s the problem: a huge portion of mechanics are nearing retirement, 40% of the workforce is over 55 years old. That means despite the normal growth of the industry, there will be a large shortage of mechanics in the coming years.

A&P schools create roughly 6,000 new A&P and avionics technicians per year, but the industry expects 11,300 job openings per year through 2033. And by 2028, the industry could face a 25,000 mechanic shortage if new mechanics don’t enter the field fast enough. 

Translation: companies are scrambling to hire and keep good mechanics. That means better job security, strong wages, and lots of opportunities.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re an A&P student, you’re sitting on a huge career opportunity. Airlines, which account for about 23% of A&P jobs, are hiring at a rapid pace with higher pay and have doubled down on new training programs and technology. The rest of the industry is rolling out its own incentives, like training programs, apprenticeships, and better pay, to attract the talent that the airlines haven't secured.

How to Take Advantage of the Technicians Market.

• Get Certified now – FAA A&P certification is your golden ticket to start building your career.

• Explore Your Options – Airlines, repair stations, charter operations, and military contracts — each offer different perks.

• Do not settle – Do your homework and explore your career options. There is so much competition it’s up to you to pick what kind of job you want. 

• Network – Industry connections = job leads. Get involved in aviation communities and job fairs. Join LinkedIn, join facebook groups, check out aviation maintenance on Reddit, and just plug in. 

Bottom line? If you’re in A&P school, you’re on the right path. The industry isn’t just hiring—it needs you. Stay focused, keep learning, set yourself apart, and get ready to be the most needed and technically skilled tradesmen in the country.

Check out this Boeing forecast of industry growth 

Growth report from ATECH 

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