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

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.

Bryan Bedford, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (invited)

10:00 am

Coffee Break, sponsored by

10:30 am

FAA Safety Standards and Workforce 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.

Robert Reckert, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Safety Standards (invited)

11:15 am

Coffee Break

11:45 am

Federal Education Policy and Aviation Workforce Pathways

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, Workforce Pell, Perkins V, WIOA, credential recognition, and employer partnerships can expand access to training and strengthen aviation workforce pathways.

James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition

12:30 pm

Lunch, sponsored by

1:30 pm

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship: Federal Workforce Priorities and Opportunities for Aviation

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.

Keith Sonderling, Acting Secretary, Department of Labor (invited)

2:15 pm

Coffee Break

2:45 pm

The Power of Coalition Advocacy: Advancing Aviation and Workforce Priorities

Coalitions give industries a stronger voice on the federal policies that affect their members. Hear how aviation, STEM, workforce, education, and credentialing advocates build consensus, communicate shared priorities, form broader alliances, and create opportunities for educators and employers to engage in coordinated advocacy.

Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy, American Society of Association Executives (invited)

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

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

3:45 pm

Coffee Break

4:15 pm

Legislative Priorities Overview and Congressional Meeting Prep

Effective advocacy starts with a clear message and a strong local story. Hear what is at stake in ATEC’s federal priorities and how to connect policy requests to real-world workforce needs during meetings on Capitol Hill.

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 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.

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Press Brief Luncheon: Pipeline Report Release (Capitol Hill Location TBA)

The 2027 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.

Members of Congress, congressional staff, administration officials, industry stakeholders, media, and allied organizations are invited to attend the boxed-lunch briefing.

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