Hot rod culture got its start in the US when plane mechanics returned home from the Second World War and applied what they learned to cars. Now's the perfect time to flip the script. A shortage of trained wrenches in aviation gives auto mechanics the opportunity to take their skills to the next level. While the two professions seem to be light years apart, auto techs are the ideal candidates to train for open roles. Much of what they know translates to the world of aviation, and detail-oriented techs will thrive in this space. Not to mention, it’s a field that offers the stability, opportunity, and pay skilled workers actually deserve. The World Needs More Aviation Mechanics Getty Images The aircraft maintenance field is facing one of the biggest worker shortages in history. The average age of trained aircraft mechanics is 54 years. That number is climbing because fewer and fewer young guns are joining the ranks. The scary part is that it also means a massive portion of the workforce is gearing up to retire. Without anyone to fill their shoes, the industry could be in big trouble.On top of that, the aviation world is growing fast. The demand for air travel is continuing to rise on a global scale, and that means more and more mechanics are needed to keep things operational. Boeing anticipates that the industry will need approximately 710,000 more aircraft maintenance mechanics in the next 20 years. Other industry reports anticipate that the US alone will face a shortage of 25,000 skilled wrenches by 2028. Precision Maintenance Mindset Bring A TrailerThe idea of a lack of trained technicians to take care of airplanes sounds terrifying to most people. It should come across as a massive opportunity for auto mechanics, though. The knowledge and real-world hands-on mechanical experience they have are the perfect foundation the industry is looking for in the next generation of skilled workers to take up the mantle.No. Airplanes aren’t flying around with Hemi V8s or B58 I6 engines. There is a massive leap in the technology used to make it happen. That said, the general details of the maintenance procedures aren’t that different. Aviation techs need to get details right, like following the proper steps as laid out in maintenance manuals, making sure torque specs are correct, and following up with detailed inspections.Getty Images What are the jobs that aviation techs perform? Engine teardowns and rebuilds, swapping brake parts, preventive maintenance, and electrical troubleshooting, along with hydraulic and structural repairs. While the specifics vary, none of these procedures sound alien to auto mechanics. In fact, they’re the kind of things these folks do in their free time if not on the clock.Mechanics have a bug that drives them to constantly push their skills to the next level. Whether it's building a V8 that can rev-out to 9,000 RPM, teaching themselves how to rebuild transmissions, or even tearing into commercial applications to find their way around heavy-duty equipment, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with learning the ins and outs of different machinery this demographic can't get enough of. Taking on aviation mechanics is sure to scratch the itch unlike any other. Get Paid What You’re Worth Getty Images Now, let’s not get reckless and suggest the work is simple. It’s anything but, and there’s a big learning curve that comes with it. Not to mention, the stakes are much higher with planes than cars, and there’s no room for error in the aviation field. Techs who make the transition will need to buckle down and take the training seriously to make it. The reward is well worth the effort, though.One of the biggest upsides to working as an aviation mechanic is job stability. The world needs trained hands to keep planes operational now more than ever. There are also plenty of opportunities with airlines, cargo carriers, and maintenance repair organizations (MROs) to push your skills to the next level. Travel benefits with certain airlines are a nice cherry on top.The pay is what many techs really care about, though. Well, that is a nice step up, too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics is $42,090, and is $78,680 for aircraft mechanics. Overtime and special certifications and contracts make it possible for many skilled techs to crack into the six-figure range, with top earners making $150,000 or better. Train Up And Take Flight Chris Leipelt, Unsplash So, where do you start? The same place you start any next chapter in your professional journey, with proper schooling. US Aviation Academy offers FAA approved curriculum with 8 month day and 15 month night courses at four convenient locations: Dallas Texas, Austin Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Atlanta Georgia. Learn more at www.usaviationacademy.com/mechanics