Learn the Issues
Oversee FAA adherence to part 147 reform mandates. After decades of waiting on regulators to update the regulation governing aviation technical programs, section 135 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 directed the FAA to remove and replace the current Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 147 with a community-drafted, performance-based rule. The mandate will overhaul the long-outdated rule and allow aviation technical programs to better prepare students for the current job market. The March 27, 2021 mandate deadline has come and gone, ATEC will continue to engage legislative leaders to ensure the FAA carries through on the interim final rule.
Support swift publication of FAA airman certification standards (ACS). A decade ago, an FAA-industry working group came together to develop a better way to qualify the skill and knowledge needed from the next generation of aviators. The effort was recently brought to an abrupt halt when the agency ceased publishing ACS after reinterpreting its regulatory responsibilities. Since then, the backlog of work product grows while industry anxiously awaits revised standards. The council asks Congress to get the initiative back on track so that the training community can implement much needed reforms to support today’s modern aviation system.
Support a skilled and dynamic aviation workforce through grant program funding. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the aviation industry—targeted federal support of workforce programs will be a critical piece of its recovery. The council encourages Congress to provide sorely needed resources through the continued funding of the aviation workforce development grant program, and to explore additional opportunities to invest in aviation career pathway development, including expansion of K-12 programs.
Expand access to FAA airman testing. Thirty percent of aviation technician school graduates do not take the exam necessary to receive FAA mechanic certification—access to testing examiners was identified as one of the top barriers for students seeking a certificate. The council requests Congress’ support of expansion of the FAA’s Organization Designation Authorization program to include examiner delegations which would allow schools to manage FAA testing delegates and meet student demand.
Oppose threats to private, tax paying educational institutions. ATEC opposes legislation that limits proprietary aviation technical schools from serving students and veterans. Bills masked rhetorically as student protection aid often times threaten a vital source of aviation maintenance technical personnel and negatively impacts aerospace companies looking to hire FAA-certificated mechanics and other aviation technical personnel.
Implement initiatives that will expedite service member transition into civil aviation careers. Industry is in need of a clear and efficient process to translate military experience to competencies required for FAA mechanic certification. More can and should be done to ease the burden experienced by veterans with valuable experience but no clear path to civilian certification. The council will work with Congress to identify ways to better serve our service men and women while creating a vital pipeline to meet industry labor demands.
Support swift publication of FAA airman certification standards (ACS). A decade ago, an FAA-industry working group came together to develop a better way to qualify the skill and knowledge needed from the next generation of aviators. The effort was recently brought to an abrupt halt when the agency ceased publishing ACS after reinterpreting its regulatory responsibilities. Since then, the backlog of work product grows while industry anxiously awaits revised standards. The council asks Congress to get the initiative back on track so that the training community can implement much needed reforms to support today’s modern aviation system.
Support a skilled and dynamic aviation workforce through grant program funding. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the aviation industry—targeted federal support of workforce programs will be a critical piece of its recovery. The council encourages Congress to provide sorely needed resources through the continued funding of the aviation workforce development grant program, and to explore additional opportunities to invest in aviation career pathway development, including expansion of K-12 programs.
Expand access to FAA airman testing. Thirty percent of aviation technician school graduates do not take the exam necessary to receive FAA mechanic certification—access to testing examiners was identified as one of the top barriers for students seeking a certificate. The council requests Congress’ support of expansion of the FAA’s Organization Designation Authorization program to include examiner delegations which would allow schools to manage FAA testing delegates and meet student demand.
Oppose threats to private, tax paying educational institutions. ATEC opposes legislation that limits proprietary aviation technical schools from serving students and veterans. Bills masked rhetorically as student protection aid often times threaten a vital source of aviation maintenance technical personnel and negatively impacts aerospace companies looking to hire FAA-certificated mechanics and other aviation technical personnel.
Implement initiatives that will expedite service member transition into civil aviation careers. Industry is in need of a clear and efficient process to translate military experience to competencies required for FAA mechanic certification. More can and should be done to ease the burden experienced by veterans with valuable experience but no clear path to civilian certification. The council will work with Congress to identify ways to better serve our service men and women while creating a vital pipeline to meet industry labor demands.
Get Engaged
1. Identify and learn about your U.S. Senators and Representatives.
Find your FAA-certificated school on the congressional district map, below. Click on the marker for your representative's information, visit the hyperlink above for your state senator's information.
Find your FAA-certificated school on the congressional district map, below. Click on the marker for your representative's information, visit the hyperlink above for your state senator's information.
2. Host a Facility Visit
The most effective way for your elected officials to understand aviation technical education is to let them see it firsthand. The personal interaction allows you to explain the impact of federal education policy and FAA actions while giving elected officials a chance to interact with their constituents.
Setting up a visit from your representative or senator requires patience and persistence. Start by creating an invitation using this sample template and include a school profile to give them a better understanding of your institution.
3. Attend a Town Hall Meeting
Most lawmakers return home during recess or when no votes are scheduled. They often hold town hall meetings at a local civic center or school to inform their constituents about what is happening in Washington and to better understand the problems at home. Attending these meetings is not only informative, but it gives you the opportunity to form better relationships with lawmakers. It may even give you the perfect opening to invite him or her to visit your school. To find information about the next town hall meeting, visit the calendar section of your congressman’s website.
4. Visit the Hill
If you happen to be in Washington, D.C., scheduling a visit with your elected officials or members of their staff can be a great way to deliver ATEC’s message. This allows you to meet face to face with your officials and explain how their actions affect your school. If you are unable to meet directly with your member of Congress, an appointment with a member of their staff can serve the same purpose. Call your congressional office and ask for the scheduler’s email address. Personalize this note and send it to the scheduler to request a meeting.
Join the aviation technician education community each fall for our annual Fly-in, more information at atec-amt.org/fly-in.
The most effective way for your elected officials to understand aviation technical education is to let them see it firsthand. The personal interaction allows you to explain the impact of federal education policy and FAA actions while giving elected officials a chance to interact with their constituents.
Setting up a visit from your representative or senator requires patience and persistence. Start by creating an invitation using this sample template and include a school profile to give them a better understanding of your institution.
3. Attend a Town Hall Meeting
Most lawmakers return home during recess or when no votes are scheduled. They often hold town hall meetings at a local civic center or school to inform their constituents about what is happening in Washington and to better understand the problems at home. Attending these meetings is not only informative, but it gives you the opportunity to form better relationships with lawmakers. It may even give you the perfect opening to invite him or her to visit your school. To find information about the next town hall meeting, visit the calendar section of your congressman’s website.
4. Visit the Hill
If you happen to be in Washington, D.C., scheduling a visit with your elected officials or members of their staff can be a great way to deliver ATEC’s message. This allows you to meet face to face with your officials and explain how their actions affect your school. If you are unable to meet directly with your member of Congress, an appointment with a member of their staff can serve the same purpose. Call your congressional office and ask for the scheduler’s email address. Personalize this note and send it to the scheduler to request a meeting.
Join the aviation technician education community each fall for our annual Fly-in, more information at atec-amt.org/fly-in.
