Learn the Issues
Download the issues summary in PDF format, or get more information on specific issues, below.
Modernize outdated aviation maintenance technician school regulations
The regulation dictating what aviation maintenance educational institutions must teach aspiring aviation maintenance mechanics has not been significantly updated in more than 50 years. In an age where technological advances are constantly driving innovation for safer and more efficient aircraft, schools are required to teach techniques for constructing and maintaining the Wright Flyer. Industry is left with the cost of retraining graduates to complete basic tasks required to maintain a modern, sophisticated aircraft.
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Support a skilled and dynamic aviation workforce through grant program funding
Despite facing a shortage of qualified technical workers, the aviation maintenance industry is growing and hiring. Federal funding and support of local workforce programs would train a new generation of skilled workers for high-paying jobs. Congress should focus on career and technical education programs that create new opportunities for collaboration between employers, government agencies and educational institutions to build programs that align with business needs while reinforcing the importance of applied skills.
To that end, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) created two new grant programs to recruit and train the next generation of aerospace workers and pilots. ATEC joins aviation allies urging congressional leaders to fully fund the $10 million authorized for these programs as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations process.
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Oppose threats to private, tax paying educational institutions
ATEC opposes the Protect Students Act of 2019 (S.867). Masked rhetorically as a student protection aid, the bill threatens a vital source of aviation maintenance technical personnel. The legislation would severely limit proprietary aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) from serving students and veterans, and negatively impact aerospace companies looking to hire FAA-certificated mechanics and other aviation technical personnel.
Download the issue page
The regulation dictating what aviation maintenance educational institutions must teach aspiring aviation maintenance mechanics has not been significantly updated in more than 50 years. In an age where technological advances are constantly driving innovation for safer and more efficient aircraft, schools are required to teach techniques for constructing and maintaining the Wright Flyer. Industry is left with the cost of retraining graduates to complete basic tasks required to maintain a modern, sophisticated aircraft.
Download the issue page
Support a skilled and dynamic aviation workforce through grant program funding
Despite facing a shortage of qualified technical workers, the aviation maintenance industry is growing and hiring. Federal funding and support of local workforce programs would train a new generation of skilled workers for high-paying jobs. Congress should focus on career and technical education programs that create new opportunities for collaboration between employers, government agencies and educational institutions to build programs that align with business needs while reinforcing the importance of applied skills.
To that end, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) created two new grant programs to recruit and train the next generation of aerospace workers and pilots. ATEC joins aviation allies urging congressional leaders to fully fund the $10 million authorized for these programs as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations process.
Download the issue page
Oppose threats to private, tax paying educational institutions
ATEC opposes the Protect Students Act of 2019 (S.867). Masked rhetorically as a student protection aid, the bill threatens a vital source of aviation maintenance technical personnel. The legislation would severely limit proprietary aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) from serving students and veterans, and negatively impact aerospace companies looking to hire FAA-certificated mechanics and other aviation technical personnel.
Download the issue page
Get Engaged
1. Identify and learn about your U.S. Senators and Representatives.
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. Be sure to include your school or company profile!
Register for ATEC's annual Fly-in, more information at https://www.atec-amt.org/fly-in.html.
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. Be sure to include your school or company profile!
Register for ATEC's annual Fly-in, more information at https://www.atec-amt.org/fly-in.html.
