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Aviation industry is running out of the people who keep planes flying

On Friday, consulting firm Oliver Wyman reported North America is about 17,000 technicians short, with a projected peak of 30,000 aircraft mechanics in 2028.
Analysts say years of post-September 11, 2001 hiring cuts led to a 'lost generation' of mechanics, while projections expect 45,000 technicians to retire and fewer military technicians enter the workforce.
Nearby, GE Aerospace runs about 4,000 mechanics per year for training as the school reports it now has 185 students and plans to expand to 350.
The worker shortage is already forcing maintenance to take longer, and Prentice warned `It will drive up costs for airlines,` leading to fewer planes and reduced schedules.
The FAA says it has taken steps, including reducing arrivals at Reagan National Airport from 36 to 30, as employers already line up for new mechanics, the instructor noted.

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