APRIL 2008

 

 

RE:                 ATEC UPDATE

 

TO:                 ALL MEMBERS

 

FROM:           LAURIE JOHNS, PRESIDENT

 

 

ATEC CONFERENCE

 

            Over 120 participants from 70 schools and 34 exhibitors from 20 companies attended the 48th Annual ATEC Conference in Las Vegas on April 6-8.

 

            While most participants rated the networking opportunities quite positively, the most highly rated programs were:

 

1.      Boeing 787:  The New Technology

2.      Soft Skills in Aviation Maintenance Labs

3.      147 ARAC:  Final Input

4.      Skycatcher – LSA

5.      Medical Issues in the 147 Curriculum

6.      Top Ten Mistakes New Grads Make in a Job Search

 

            In 2009, ATEC will hold its Annual Conference at the Holiday Inn International Drive Resort in Orlando on April 19-21, just prior to the nearby Sun and Fun Air Show.

 

            Then in 2010 ATEC will take a break from Vegas and go to Phoenix, Arizona, April 11-13 for the 50th Annual ATEC Conference at the Marriott Mesa Resort.

 

147 ARAC

 

            The rewriting of PART 147 is scheduled to be completed by June 2008.  Once the ARAC issues its report, the proposed rule will begin the regulatory review process where there will be ample time for comments by schools and the aviation industry in general.

           

            At the ATEC Conference in Las Vegas, it was reported that the ARAC is seriously considering changes to PART 147 that would:

-2-

 

·        allow curriculum updates for easier changes so schools can keep current with industry needs

·        provide changes in hours within the curriculum section

·        allow for more flexibility and fewer restrictions so schools may change and introduce new technology that students need for the employers a school serves

·        make it clear to inspectors what the rule means to ensure consistency

·        allow for alternative methods for curriculum delivery e.g. on-line

·        include human factors

·        increase composite hours

·        address make-up hours

 

However, it was made clear that the total minimum hours will remain at 1900.

 

            Comments are still being accepted.  Send your input to ATEC at ccdq@aol.com by April 30 and we will forward them to the ARAC Chair, Ray Thompson, who is also ATEC’s Vice-President.

 

INDUSTRY MEMBERS

 

            ATEC is looking for additional industry members to help provide us with input and suggestions regarding what aviation companies need in the way of specialized skills – how schools can provide a better A&P to industry.

 

            Let us know of any companies you work with that may want to join ATEC and be part of that discussion.

 

ELECTION RESULTS

 

            At the Conference, the following people were elected or re-elected to the ATEC Board.

                        (2010) Laurie Johns, President – Columbus State Community College

                        (2010) Ray Thompson, Vice President – DAE University

                        (2011) Joe Hawkins – Middle Tennessee State University

                        (2011) Brian McGlynn – Lane Community College

                        (2011) Mike Gehrich – Vincennes University

                        (2011) Harry Whitehead – Lansing Community College

 

ATEC WEBSITE AND E-JOURNAL

 

            As you review the updated ATEC Website, please send any recommendations for improvement to domenic.proscia@vaughn.edu.

 

            The ATEC peer reviewed e-Journal is now being sent to 650 people.  If you are not receiving a copy twice a year and you would like a copy, send an e-mail with your e-mail address to domenic.proscia@vaughn.edu.

-3-

VIDEOS TO DVDs

 

            Over 80 ATEC videos have been converted to DVDs so far.

 

            Southwest Airlines recently donated several new videos.

 

            Find them all on the Website www.atec-amt.org.  Click on “Curriculum Resources.”

 

SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

 

            At the ATEC Conference, Dan Tobin, Director of the FAA Asset Management and Equipment Reutilization Office, described how schools can access surplus FAA equipment without surcharge before it is sent to GSA.

 

            The Asset Management and Equipment Reutilization Office in the FAA manages the Stevenson-Wydler Act for Technology Innovation.

 

            The Asset Management Office transfers excess property from NASA and the armed forces to institutions of higher education, as well as technical schools.

 

·        Equipment must be used for direct educational purposes.

·        It cannot be transferred for administrative support.

·        Recipient pays for transportation but there is no administrative fee since it does not go through GSA.

·        Title to the equipment transfers.

·        Property must be serviceable and in working order.

 

Property that has been available and transferred to educational institutions in the past:

 

·        Aircraft

·        Aircraft and Engine Components

·        Non Destructive and Destructive Test Equipment

·        Aviation Hardware including Tubing, Hose and Fittings

·        Metal, Fabric, and Composite Material

·        Aircraft Support Equipment

·        Flight Simulators

 

To access this property before it gets sent to GSA, the school sends a “want list” to the FAA Regional Property Disposal Officers.  To get a phone number, please contact the ATEC Office at ccdq@aol.com.  They will search their data base for the requested property.  They will then contact you if they find anything that meets your specs to see if you want it.

 

            You can also ask to see the surplus equipment list each week so you can check it for yourself.