Mechanic ACS Revision Q&A

How long will schools have to update their curriculum to align with a revised ACS?

When the Mechanic ACS was originally released, the rulemaking included a future effective date that gave schools time to comply with §147.17, which requires part 147 programs to align their curriculum with the ACS.

ATEC expects that a similar approach would be followed for any future ACS revisions. Before a revised ACS becomes effective, the FAA must complete a formal rulemaking process, which includes publication of proposed changes and an opportunity for public comment.

At previous ATEC presentations, the FAA has indicated that the full rulemaking process for an ACS revision could take several years, meaning schools would likely have advance notice well before any revised standard becomes effective.

Once a final rule is issued, schools would be expected to align their curriculum with the revised ACS by the rule’s effective date. Programs that stay engaged with the process—through industry discussions, draft recommendations, and FAA rulemaking notices—will have sufficient time to review the changes and make any necessary curriculum updates prior to implementation.

How is the revision effort being managed?

The revision effort has followed a structured project approach aligned with standard phases: initiation, planning, execution, and ongoing monitoring and review. The final phase will conclude once the full review cycle is complete.

At the outset, the group established a clear guiding objective: define what an entry-level mechanic must know and be able to do under Part 65. All proposed revisions have been documented and tracked in a consolidated working document that records the source, rationale, and disposition of each change. This provides traceability and consistency throughout the project.

Since the beginning of 2025, subject-matter experts have met weekly to review the ACS line by line. These meetings provide structured opportunities for discussion, refinement, and confirmation that each element aligns with entry-level competencies.

What data supports the proposed revisions?

The proposed revisions are informed by multiple sources:

• Published aviation workforce research and industry analyses

• Federal task force findings

• Phase One results from a Clemson University study examining maintenance curriculum and workforce alignment

• Structured SME input

• Qualitative feedback from industry stakeholders, including Airlines for America’s Maintenance Training Network

Across these sources, a consistent theme emerges: the need for clearer, measurable, and observable performance standards for entry-level mechanics.

While not all data sources include raw datasets, the combined research literature, academic findings, industry input, and practitioner expertise provide a well-rounded foundation for the proposed updates.

Why does the proposed language feel more structured or standardized?

Certification standards must be measurable, defensible, and consistently interpreted. To support that goal, the proposed revisions use standardized verbs and parallel phrasing to align with established certification principles reflected in ISO/IEC 17024, ICAO competency-based frameworks, and FAA testing philosophy.

The current ACS contains varied phrasing and relies heavily on language such as “demonstrate understanding of,” which can be difficult to measure consistently. Risk elements and skill tasks are not always written in parallel or performance-based terms. The revised structure seeks to improve clarity by using consistent formatting and measurable language across all elements.

If certain sections feel unclear or overly complex, we welcome specific feedback so adjustments can be considered.

Will instructors without formal training in assessment or curriculum design find the revised ACS difficult to use?

One of the primary goals of the revision is to improve usability for instructors and examiners by making expectations clearer and more consistent.

Standardized verbs, parallel structure, and explicit identification of knowledge, risk, and skill elements are intended to reduce ambiguity. While the format may look different initially, the structure is designed to make it easier to understand what is expected and how it will be evaluated during certification.

The intent is to support instructors by removing vague or subjective language and replacing it with clearer performance expectations.

How have subject-matter experts contributed to the revisions?

Subject-matter experts have been central to the process. The guiding question throughout the project has been: “What must an entry-level mechanic know and be able to do to be competent under part 65?”

SMEs from schools, industry, and the designee community have participated in weekly working sessions. They have reviewed each knowledge, risk, and skill element, clarified performance expectations, and ensured alignment with entry-level practice.

The revisions do not introduce new regulatory requirements. Instead, they clarify and organize existing expectations in a more consistent and measurable format.

Do the proposed revisions consider the impact on the certification process and part 147 schools?

Yes. The revisions are designed to clarify and organize existing standards—not to create new regulatory requirements for schools. Part 147 schools already teach most of the knowledge and skills reflected in the current ACS. The proposed changes focus on measurability, organization, and alignment with certification practices.

As with any regulatory update, the FAA would provide a formal comment period and implementation timeline. Historically, these transitions include sufficient time for review and adjustment.

The goal is to strengthen clarity and consistency in the ACS while keeping implementation manageable for schools and the certification community.