Awards
Each year, ATEC honors outstanding students, educators, and emerging leaders whose achievements advance aviation technician education. Nominate or apply below.
James Rardon Student of the Year
Presented by ATEC, in collaboration with:
In Memoriam: Professor Rardon was widely recognized by the FAA as a leader in aviation maintenance and aviation technician education. In 1984 and 1985, he developed and delivered nationwide seminars on Federal Aviation Regulation Part 147 for FAA and aviation school personnel, efforts that helped initiate meaningful discussions and proposed changes to the regulation. He also played a key role in advancing revisions to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 65 related to mechanic certification. Throughout more than 30 years as an educator, Professor Rardon remained deeply committed to strengthening the profession by improving both the image and capabilities of aviation maintenance technicians.
Purpose: The Rardon Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an Aviation Maintenance Technician student. The achievement must be demonstrated through academics as well as through involvement that makes a direct impact on the student’s associates, school and/or community. See past recipients.
Eligibility: To be nominated, an individual must be a full-time AMT student at an ATEC member school
Requirements:
- Nominators may only submit one nomination for the award
- Nominators must submit two recommendation letters from third parties
Review Process: A selection committee made up of ATEC member representatives will review all submissions and select award finalists. Nomination packages for the finalists are then forwarded to the Northrop Rice Foundation Board of Directors for final selection
Selection Criteria:
- Leadership/Motivation: What has the student done to encourage and lead his/her fellow students to newer and higher levels of learning, or to promote aviation maintenance as a career? Total value: 30%
- Academics: How has the student approached his/her own learning, and what grade level has the student achieved? Total value: 30%
- School/Community: What has the student done to assist the school faculty develop new/better training methods, maintain necessary records and maintenance requirements, and/or promote the institution in the community? Total value: 20%
- Recommendation(s): Two additional recommendations will be considered to become as familiar as possible with the attributes, abilities and achievements of the nominated student. Total value: 20%
Award: The recipient will receive the following thanks to our generous donors.
- Complimentary registration to attend the ATEC Annual Conference
- Complimentary hotel for up to three (3) nights
- Reimbursement of coach airfare cost to/from the conference and $100 per diem for up to three (3) days (provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation)
- Toolbox (provided by Snap-on)
- $750 cash award
Nominations are due February 2, 2026.
Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award
In Memoriam: Mr. Ivan Livi (1920-2015) was one of the council's founding fathers and provided leadership to our organization for more than fifty years. His passion for guiding aviation and maintenance students was infectious and he loved his role on the Northrop Rice Foundation, which gave him a venue to provide scholarships for young men and women to attend our member institutions. Ivan laid the foundation for ATEC to grow and develop into what it is today. His life - spanning nine decades - is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a commitment to serving others. The council seeks to honor Mr. Livi's legacy through the Ivan D. Livi Educator of the Year Award.
Purpose: This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an aviation maintenance technology instructor. This achievement can be in the form of a single event or long term outstanding performance but must have had a direct impact on the Aviation Maintenance student. A selection committee made up of ATEC member representatives selects award winners, which are recognized at the ATEC Conference. See past recipients.
- Be an active instructor of airframe and/or powerplant technicians. The applicant's workload must be of such a nature that they spend 80% of their time in contact with students teaching aviation maintenance technology classes.
- Nominations may be based upon one particular outstanding achievement or consistent contributions and above-average performance
Requirements:
- Nominators may only submit one nomination for the award
- Nominators must submit two recommendation letters from third parties
Selection Criteria:
- Initiative/Creativity: What did this person do, what new ideas or applications were used and what was the outcome? Total Value: 15%
- Attitude/Performance: What was the direct impact to the student(s)? How was the attitude and/or performance of the student effected by the event, ideas, or performance? Total value: 15%
- Education/Training: What education and training does the nominee possess? How did this influence the event, idea, or performance? (10%)
- Benefits/Effect: What benefits did the event, idea or performance provide? Total value: 10%
- ATEC Member: Is the educator's institution an ATEC member? Total value: 50%
Award: The winner will receive free registration at the ATEC annual conference, reimbursement of coach airfare cost to/from the conference, complimentary hotel for up to three (3) nights, and a $750 cash award.
Nominations are due February 2, 2026.
ATEC Professional Development Awards
Presented by ATEC, in collaboration with:
Purpose: The ATEC Professional Development Awards provide support for ATEC members to pursue learning opportunities that advance their careers and benefit aviation maintenance education.
Aviation Maintenance Training System, provided by Nida
The training system includes a Model 130ST Trainer, a Model 1438G Fundamentals of Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, a Model 1438P Aircraft Electrical Programs with experiment card set, and a Basic ten (10) Student Software License that includes a learning management system and student monitoring system. The award includes a one-year software support warranty and a 5-year hardware warranty. The value of this award is $13,385.00.
Dale Hurst Memorial Scholarship, provided by AVOTEK
The scholarship provides transportation and per diem funds, up to $2,000, for an AMT instructor to attend a one- to three-day airline manufacturer, vendor, or other industry aviation maintenance workshop, seminar, or training course. Travel funds approved prior to the course are paid following receipt of actual travel expense documentation, successful completion documentation from the course provider, and a brief report about the training that can be published by Avotek and/or ATEC.
ATEC Academy Professional Development Award
This award provides an instructor with registration costs to attend a future session of ATEC Academy, supporting professional growth, instructional excellence, and continued engagement with aviation maintenance education best practices.
Eligibility:
- Be an active instructor of airframe and/or powerplant technicians at an ATEC member school.
- Spend at least 80% of their workload in direct contact with students teaching aviation maintenance technology courses.
- Demonstrate outstanding achievement in aviation maintenance education through a single notable accomplishment or consistent above-average performance and contributions.
Applications are due February 2, 2026.