CURRENT EVENTS

Chaos on Wall Street: Stability in the Hangar.

We don’t think you need to worry.

With the economy in the news, it’s natural to worry about your job, but A&P mechanics can rest easy. During the economic crisis of 2009, aviation maintenance demand dropped by just 7%, which was way better than other industries. Why? Aircraft maintenance isn't optional—you’re needed to keep people safe and planes in the air. Plus, inspections are still required even if aircraft are flying fewer hours.

Here’s Why You are in Strong Demand:

• Over the next four years, the U.S. aviation industry will face a massive shortage of qualified mechanics. According to the 2023 ATEC industry report, roughly 25,000 mechanic positions will not be filled by 2028 due to a wave of older mechanics retiring.

• Even in a recession, experts predict only a small decline in maintenance demand. That means the mechanic shortage would still overpower the damage done by a bad economy.

What Does This Shortage Mean for Your Career?

• Employers will fight like apes for skilled A&Ps, putting you in an excellent position to make more money and get better benefits.

• Recent surveys show starting pay increased by nearly 18% from 2020 to 2022. Today, entry-level A&P’s (non-airline) typically earn between $27–$30 per hour—with possible 10–15% increases each year, pushing your starting pay up to $34 per hour by 2028.

Right now, about 123,000 active A&P mechanics are employed in the United States. Employers need more and more mechanics, and your skills will be in dire need in the coming years. 

The market might be bumpy, but as an A&P mechanic, your career is built for the turbulence.

Tell us your thoughts about your job and the economy! Reply to this email!

Author: Sam Sandifer

NEWS

Engine Trouble and Ground Fire 

March 15th 2025

What’s Going On?

American Airlines flight 1006 from Colorado Springs to Dallas diverted to DEN (Denver International Airport) after experiencing severe engine vibrations. After making it to the gate, it seems as though a flammable liquid caught fire under the Boeing 737-800. It is unknown at this time, but the fire may have been fueled by a fuel or oil leak.

The passengers had a difficult time evacuating as there were no slides deployed on the aircraft, and it is unclear at this time if they malfunctioned or were not installed. Normally, a passenger can escape off the back of the wing over the flaps, but they were fully retracted. The ground crew had to move extra equipment in to help move passengers from the wing. As of this time, no passengers are hospitalized.

What It Means for You

This incident is under investigation, but a failure in the left engine caused a very dangerous situation. As an A&P, it is crucial to be thorough during your inspections and be aware that you are the frontline. You’ll be the last person to see or touch a component before passengers fly on an aircraft. It’s up to you to find problems and correct them. Despite the rigors of the FAA experts and inspection schedules, planes will always try to tear themselves apart in old and new ways. Stay alert and take pride in your work. It will save someone’s life.

How to Stay Informed

• Check out the Blancolirio YouTube channel for more aviation-specific opinion reporting. Here is a new video about the incident.

• Interested in learning about accidents? Here’s the NTSB aviation incident reporting portal where you can read about all US aviation accidents. It's difficult to use but does contain all NTSB final reporting. https://www.ntsb.gov/Pages/AviationQueryv2.aspx

Author: Sam Sandifer

TOOL TIPS

The Tool Brand That’s Changing the Game for Mechanics

Don’t Waste Money on Overpriced, Overhyped Tools. Read This.

Have you ever been impressed by a tool company? Not with flashy marketing or tool truck flash sales—just rock-solid tools, fair prices, and customer service that doesn’t make you want to throw a wrench (literally)?

Enter Tekton—a U.S. based, family-owned tool company that’s quietly building a reputation for low-cost, high-quality hand tools with a mechanic-first approach. You’ll work with your hands for a living, so this is a name you need to know.

Why Tekton? Easy. They Do it Right.

Most tool companies cut corners, skip sizes, or make you jump through hoops for warranty claims…not Tekton. Here’s what makes them great:

• Complete Setups – No skipped sizes (even the weird ones), no missing wrenches.         

• Dope Customer Support – Their support team will actually respond—quickly.

• Same-Day Shipping – Don’t wait weeks for what you need. 

• A Warranty That’s Actually Good – No receipts. No time limits. Just take a picture of the damaged tool, and they’ll send you a replacement. Free shipping. 

10% Back on Every Purchase

Here’s where it gets even better. Tekton gives 10% back in Rewards on every single purchase through their website. 

🔹Order tools → Earn 10% back → Spend it like cash on your next order.
🔹Rewards don’t expire as long as you buy something within two years. (you will) 

And if you’re in a trade school or AMT program, they knock 15% off every order.

Why? Because they actually support the next generation of skilled workers. You 🫵

The Bottom Line: These Are Tools Built for You.

You need tools that will keep you airworthy. Tekton is proving that great tools, great prices, and great service can still exist—without the corporate bull.

🔧 Ready to upgrade your toolbox?
Check out Tekton.com and see for yourself why so many mechanics are making the switch.

(Warning: Once you try their tools, you won’t go back.) Check out my top picks:

• 1/4 Inch Drive 12-Point Socket and Ratchet Set, 56-Piece (5/32 - 9/16 in., 4 - 15 mm)

• 22-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive 12-Point Socket Set | TEKTON

• 1/4 Inch Drive Accessories Set, 8-Piece | SHA90010 | TEKTON

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I just think they're neat! 

Author: Nathan LaVoie

YouTube Recommendations 

Cool videos—check them out.

C-130 Cockpit Views: Pilots Battling California Wildfires

Watch a first-person view of what it’s like to fly a C-130 into a fire and drop fire retardant. This is a truly wild ride. 

BREATHTAKING: KC-135 STRATOTANKER FLIES LOW IN THE MACH LOOP - 4K

An unusually large aircraft flys the Mach Loop in South Wales.

Wild West Aircraft SuperSTOL Landing Short

This is a classic example of pure STOL performance and pilotage. It's what backcountry dreams are made of.

Tell us what kind of videos you like, or send us a really good one and we will post it!

Author: Sam Sandifer

Please visit our website, we are making a map of all employers for aircraft mechanics in the country. Give us some feedback and tell us what you want from this tool HERE