Aircraft Performance Case Analysis a Skilled Workforce and the Industry’s Risk of Losing It

William Sanders II

Submitted January 24, 2015

Aircraft Performance Case Analysis

A Skilled Workforce and the industry’s risk of losing it.

I. Summary

The aerospace industry since World War II is the story of an increasingly capital-intensive business whose manufacturing function has steadily declined, and its product cost has risen so high that it has almost priced itself out of its market (Bright, 1986). Evolving from piston-engine to high-performance jet aircraft. Transitioning from mainly sheet metal processors to machine shops that use materials that vary from aluminum to composite materials. These factors have created an industry of expensive, technologically complex, and very durable products that require maintenance but rarely replacement. Transitioning from job shops, to line manufacturing, and then to present day automation factory’s has played a part in replacing many skilled jobs of the past (Pittaway, 2012). Modern aircraft and systems are complex and, although they may require fewer personnel and man-hours to operate and maintain, demand a more highly skilled workforce (Pittaway, 2012).

II. Problem

The problem is that there has been a significant decline in funding for aviation research and development by both the government and aviation industry, and this decrease in funding has had a negative impact on the U.S. aviation infrastructure and in the industry’s ability to develop younger replacements to replenish an aging workforce (Gropman, 2008). The aircraft industry may be facing a very uncertain future.

III. Significance of the Problem

The significance of the problem if that the U.S. aviation industry plays a key role in today’s global economy. It makes up about 9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and generates more than 11 million U.S. jobs (Gropman, 2008)

IV. Development of Alternative Actions

Alternative Action 1. Provide tax incentives to stimulate industry investment in worker education and develop and attract highly skilled...