Originally Posted by speedracerntrixie

And here we have the root problem. Youth is just not interested in anything aviation related anymore especially models. The full scale industry is having the same shortage of interest as we are. It’s easy to find numerous articles such as this one found at LinkedIn.

The North American aviation industry is on the brink of facing an anticipated shortage of aviation mechanics in 2023, a long-forecasted situation now coming to fruition. The impact of aging baby boomers and a limited influx of Generation Z workers is manifesting within the labor pool, notably affecting licensed and unlicensed workers responsible for aircraft maintenance and repair services. With the anticipated demand surge for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, a shortfall of 12,000 to 18,000 aviation maintenance workers is predicted. This deficit is projected to persist and worsen over the coming decade, potentially leading to flight reductions, delays, cancellations, or the need for airlines to bolster spare aircraft and parts inventory to compensate.

The escalating global demand for air travel coincides with the rapid evolution of aircraft technology, introducing challenges and opportunities for the aviation sector. Economic growth, expanding middle-class populations, and enhanced global connectivity are fueling the surge in air travel, straining aviation infrastructure and operations. Simultaneously, advanced avionics, composite materials, and sophisticated aircraft systems are enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort. However, this technological advancement poses challenges to infrastructure and necessitates a proficient workforce capable of handling, maintaining, and troubleshooting these complex systems. An imminent challenge arises from an aging workforce, with many aircraft mechanics approaching retirement, prompting the need for specialized training programs to bridge the impending skills gap. The shortage of skilled personnel presents a risk to upholding industry standards amidst the complexities of modern aircraft technology.

It’s not difficult to realize that as much as some of us love our hobby, it is a dying hobby. Not because of the regulations, not because the AMA is mis managed but because there is not enough interest to support our hobby. Look at what that lack of interest has done on the business side, in the last 35 years we have lost around 80% of our domestic hobby manufacturers and retail outlets including mail order. As it applies to AMA, my thought is they may realize that model airplanes is no longer a viable business. Why revamp the organization if the hobby has no long term future?

Originally Posted by Hydro Junkie

Unfortunately, there is a whole lot of truth to this. Where I work, there has been several thousand new employees hired. The sad part is that, of those new employees, less than 25% actually have any kind of experience using basic tools. Even less have any experience with pneumatic/hydraulic tools or mechanical drawings. The lack of skills and knowledge is downright scary at times. In my opinion, this can be blamed on the school system's dropping the various trade classes, wood/metal/auto shop, drafting, electrical basics, etc. With preferential treatment going to computers and computer tech in public schools, it's not surprising that the ability to actually work with tools and understand drawings is dying a slow death that's getting faster every year.

Originally Posted by fliers1

It would serve many businesses well if there were RC aeromodelling courses in schools. https://www.aerogo.live/post/what-is...s-it-important This is from an website in India. They are eating our lunch as far as promoting RC aeromodelling for educational purposes. AMA are you paying attention?

Originally Posted by franklin_m

^^^^ In other words: "Ignore the data, the trends, the actual performance of the 'business' that is AMA. And for the sake of God, don't dare ask us hard questions or hold us accountable for our business acumen or making good decisions with your dues."

Originally Posted by astrohog

"These are not the drones (droids) you are looking for..."

LOL