2026 Fly-in

Tuesday, September 22

YOTEL’s Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington DC

5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by

Start the Fly-In with colleagues and industry allies at an informal opening reception. Make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, and get ready for a week of advocacy and collaboration in Washington.

Wednesday, September 23

50 F St NW Suite 1240, Washington DC

9:00 am

Networking Breakfast & Introductions, sponsored by

9:30 am

Keynote Address: Modernizing Safety for the Future of Aviation

New aircraft and technologies are reshaping the future of aviation. Hear how safety oversight, aircraft certification, and the National Airspace System are evolving—and what the safe integration of powered-lift and other advanced aircraft will mean for technician knowledge, training, and industry-education partnerships.

Yvette A. Rose, Chief of Staff, Aviation Safety, FAA

Scott Chance, Acting Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service, FAA

10:00 am

Coffee Break, sponsored by

10:30 am

FAA Policy Briefing

A strong technician workforce is essential to supporting a growing aviation industry. Hear how organizational changes and policy initiatives are creating efficiencies in air agency and airman certification while advancing the workforce development needed to prepare the maintenance community for what comes next.

Leisha Bell, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Safety Standards

11:15 am

Education Policy Briefing

Aviation maintenance depends on education and workforce policies that connect students with high-skill technical careers. Hear how federal priorities involving STEM and career and technical education can expand access to training and strengthen aviation workforce pathways.

James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition

12:00 pm

Lunch, sponsored by

1:30 pm

Labor Policy Briefing

Registered Apprenticeship is gaining momentum as an employer-driven pathway into skilled careers. Hear how new incentives, state funding, streamlined registration, and closer alignment with career and technical education and Workforce Pell can help educators, intermediaries, and employers launch or expand aviation maintenance apprenticeships.

Marek Laco, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor

2:15 pm

Coffee Break, sponsored by

2:45 pm

Industry Priorities Briefing

ATEC’s legislative priorities provide a shared foundation for advancing the aviation technical workforce. Following an overview of those priorities, hear how industry trade associations are supporting common goals while pursuing additional legislative and regulatory issues affecting their respective sectors.

Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations, Aeronautical Repair Station Association

Paul Feldman, Vice President of Government Affairs, General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Justin W. Madden, Vice President, Operations & Safety, Airlines for America

Moderator: Crystal Maguire, Executive Director, ATEC

3:45 pm

Coffee Break

4:15 pm

Congressional Meeting Prep

Effective congressional meetings begin with a clear message, coordinated team, and practical plan. Review ATEC’s leave-behind materials and receive a briefing from Advocacy Associates on meeting logistics, navigating the schedule, and using the event app. Then work with your delegations to assemble meeting packets, designate meeting leads, prioritize key issues, and prepare a coordinated approach for each congressional office.

5:00 pm

Rooftop Reception

Wrap up the day with colleagues on the rooftop overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Continue the conversation, make new connections, and enjoy the views from above the meeting space.

Thursday, September 24

9:00 am to 10:00 am

Press Brief Breakfast: Pipeline Report Release

U.S. Capitol LBJ Room (S-211)

The 2026 Pipeline Report offers a timely look at the health of the aviation technician workforce pipeline. Hear what the latest data reveal about technician supply and demand—and what policymakers, educators, and employers can do to close skills gaps and strengthen the maintenance workforce.

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Congressional Meetings on Capitol Hill

Bring the aviation maintenance community’s priorities directly to members of Congress and their staff. Share local stories, highlight successful programs, and explain the policy changes needed to strengthen education and workforce development.

Meetings will be prescheduled and organized by delegation. Participants will receive personalized itineraries, talking points, and support materials in advance.

4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Reception @ Bullfeathers, 410 1^st St SE

Sponsored by

Friday, September 25

YOTEL, 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington DC

8:00 am to 11:00 am

Board Meeting and Breakfast (open to all)

Sponsored by