On June 13, representatives from ATEC and the STEM Education Coalition met with policy staff from the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

ATEC is a longstanding member of the Coalition’s leadership council and represents aviation employers, vendors, and educational institutions with maintenance technician programs.
​
Crystal Maguire, Executive Director of ATEC and Ryan Goertzen, Past ATEC President and Chief Aviation and Academic Officer at Spartan College, discussed the shortage of aviation technicians and pilots in the U.S. workforce. The group specifically voiced concerns with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 147, which governs aviation maintenance technician schools that hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate. The prescriptive regulation governs the curriculum for these schools and hasn’t been significantly updated since 1962.

The council has been actively working to update the regulation for years. It highlighted the long-standing issue as one that exacerbates ever-growing workforce shortage concerns.

The A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Award (the Crossfield Award) is presented to recognize and reward aerospace education teachers for outstanding accomplishments in aerospace education and for possessing those honorable attributes we expect from American Teachers.
The recipient will receive a cash stipend of $1,500.

Nominees can be current classroom teachers from grades kindergarten through twelfth grade from any public, private, parochial or charter school. Nominees can also be teachers in a non-traditional teaching setting.  The priority of the award is that nominees must either teach aerospace education as a subject or use aerospace education to enrich the teaching of traditional subjects. Although the Crossfield Award is an award presented to a teacher, the accomplishments of the nominee need not be limited to the year for which the award is given.

​For more information and to apply, visit www.nationalaviation.org/annual-crossfield-teacher-year-award/

Join us for an ATEC Outreach Meeting. All aviation maintenance training schools and partners are invited to attend. The council will provide an overview of initiatives, an update on FAA part 147 rulemaking, and a summary of emerging AMT airman certification standards. The gathering will wrap with an open discussion on proposed council priorities. Registration for both events is free, but required.

The June 5 event is hosted by the George Stone Technical Center in Pensacola. Register here.

The August 9 event is hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Register here.

Interested in hosting an outreach event in your area? Email atec@atec-amt.org.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation on May 8 to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. aviation industry: the chronic technician shortage.

The bill sponsored by Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.) is the House companion to Senate legislation introduced in March. It creates a new program administered by the FAA to provide grants of up to $500,000 to support aviation maintenance workforce development activities. The legislation incentivizes local collaboration by requiring that grant applications be jointly submitted by a business or labor organization, school and governmental entity.

And aviation coalition, including ATEC, sent a May 8 letter in support of the House bill.

The two independent bills now await FAA reauthorization conference negotiations, the goal is to enact the grant program via that larger funding bill.

US Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a bill to improve training programs at aviation maintenance technician schools. If enacted, the statute would require Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promulgation of a new part 147 within six months. The regulation that governs aviation maintenance technician schools has not been significantly revised since it was re-codified into the Code of Federal Regulations in 1962.

Industry has fought long and hard for a revision to part 147, which dictates static curriculum requirements for schools teaching future aviation mechanics. Over the past decade, representatives have provided specific recommendations through a 2007 Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, proposed regulatory language in its comments to the 2015 notice of proposed rulemaking, responded to additional requests for information through submission of supplemental comments and facilitation of surveys, and participated in working groups that will improve mechanic testing standards and correlated training programs.
 
"While the education community will continue to lend support, and appreciates the time and effort required for well thought out and monitored rulemaking, it refuses to sit by and wait for regulatory relief while industry and our students continue to pay for outdated training regulations," said ATEC Legislative Chairman and Southern Utah University Director of Maintenance Jared Britt.

This is not the first time congress has pushed for a new rule. In the last three years, congressional representatives have sent four letters to the agency requesting a status update. "It was time we did something more than just inquire, and we are grateful that our elected leaders are taking the next step," said Britt. 

An industry coalition—spearheaded by ATEC—sent a letter in support of the bill, asking Congress to support the future aviation workforce, in support of an industry constantly driving for more innovative, safer and more efficient aircraft. Signatories of the letter included:

Aeronautical Repair Station Association
Aerospace Industries Association
Aerospace Maintenance Council
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Airlines for America
Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance
Aviation Maintenance Technician Association
Aviation Suppliers Association
Aviation Technician Education Council
Cargo Airline Association
Helicopter Association International
International Air Transport Association
Modification and Replacement Parts Association
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transportation Association
National Business Aviation Association, Inc.
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Regional Airline Association
Women in Aviation International

The statute would also require that curriculum be revised and updated in coordination with emerging aviation maintenance technician airman certification standards, something an industry working group helping to develop the new standard has already recommended.
​
While the text has not been officially published as of the date of this post, it will soon be available at www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2792?r=6.

Senate media releases:
Inhofe: www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-hatch-cantwell-blumenthal-introduce-bill-to-modernize-aviation-maintenance
Hatch: www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/5/hatch-and-bipartisan-senators-introduce-bill-to-modernize-aviation-maintenance
​Cantwell: www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-modernize-aviation-maintenance

ATEC and industry allies submitted a draft advisory circular to the FAA providing “guidance for using remote connectivity technology and tools.”

The guidance document was developed after consultation with agency personnel regarding the existing draft policy “Remote Witnessing Using Video,” which was open for comment in early 2018. The AC would provide a baseline for the agency, its applicants and certificate holders to comply with 14 CFR while taking advantage of advances in connectivity technology and related video, live-stream and other visual and audio tools.

To facilitate the use of the best available technology, the draft AC establishes general requirements for set up and use of tools and equipment. The elements outlined in the document assist users in ensuring “the same level of acumen and capability [through remote connection] as if the oversight, inspection, test or training task or activity was conducted on-premises.”

The following organizations signed on to the submission:

Aerospace Industries Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Airlines for America
Aviation Suppliers Association
Aviation Technician Education Council
Cargo Airline Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Modification and Replacement Parts Association
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transportation Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Regional Airline Association
The Boeing Company
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
MOOG Aircraft Group

Washington, DC – An amendment submitted by Congressmen Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Bill Keating (R-MA) to H.R.4, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization, passed the House of Representatives.  It is expected that H.R. 4 will pass the House later in the week.

​The Ryan-Keating Amendment would direct the FAA to lead coordinated efforts between government, educational institutions, labor organizations, and the private sector to regularly evaluate workforce priorities and ensure aviation maintenance training programs are preparing the next generation of the aviation workforce to fill the types of jobs the industry needs. According to Boeing, from now until 2036, North American commercial airlines will need over 100,000 new technicians.  An example of the type of institution that is preparing new technicians to meet this urgent industry need and would benefit from the amendment is the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Youngstown and Warren Campus. 

The Ryan-Keating Amendment also directs the U.S. Government Accountability Office to make evidence-based recommendations on how to best strengthen and expand aviation training programs by addressing public funding, equipment, and other needs.

“I am pleased that our amendment to strengthen aviation technician training was included in the FAA reauthorization bill. This legislation will be beneficial to programs across the United States, including at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Youngstown and Warren Campus by better preparing enrolled students to fill the jobs that are needed by the aviation industry. Public-private partnerships are critical to our long-term economic success, and this new collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the private sector will be a shining example of what we can do when we come together to transform our economy, and our communities,” said Congressman Tim Ryan.

“As the scarcity of aviation personnel becomes ever more critical, aviation maintenance educators are encouraged by the proposed Ryan-Keating Amendment, which would provide the necessary coordination among all parties impacted by this labor shortage.  In order for technical schools like Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Youngstown branch campus to attract students into this highly specialized field which often escapes the notice of the traveling public, we must be able to provide students with the best possible educational facilities, updated equipment and technology which mirrors the aircraft systems currently in use,  a means to inform youth and displaced workers about aviation careers, ample flexibility by the FAA to ensure the most current and effective course content and delivery,  and funding for students in educational programs which support the future aviation workforce,” said Suzanne Markle, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.
​
“There are good union jobs out there for the taking and we need to make sure our people are trained and ready to fill them,” said Congressman Keating. “Aviation maintenance is a field where we know high-skilled, well-paying jobs will be available in the near future and with aviation safety constantly evolving, programs like the ones at Cape Cod Community College need to have our full support. It is so important that Cape Cod Community College and others have spearheaded these programs with their limited resources to prepare our students for these jobs. We need to do our part to make it easier for these programs going forward so that even more can emerge around the country and so that current programs can access the information and resources they need to keep up with industry needs so our aviation maintenance program graduates are ready to hit the ground running.”

On April 13, a coalition of aviation industry organizations delivered a letter to the FAA seeking objective criteria for adding and reviewing paragraphs to any certificate holder’s operations specifications.

The letter was coordinated by the Aeronautical Repair Station and sent to Flight Standards Service Executive Director John Duncan. It described a series of issues related to the government’s failure to differentiate between air carrier and air agency certificates in applying operations specifications paragraphs. The signatories noted that the agency lacks defined standards for the working group advising on promulgation of these paragraphs under 14 CFR part 119, which includes air carriers and commercial operators, but does not seek any kind of industry input from repair stations or other air agency certificate holders.

The timing of the group’s submission takes advantage of language in this year’s omnibus appropriations bill signed into law in March. The legislation included a provision restricting the FAA from promulgating any operations specification, policy or guidance that imposes more burdensome restrictions than those defined in the rules. The letter was delivered “to assist the agency in complying with the congressional mandate.”

Specifically, the letter suggests the agency establish a committee of government and industry personnel that would review the FAA’s management of operations specifications for every type of certificate holder. The regulatory experts on the new body would establish criteria for promulgation of new paragraphs and review existing ones to ensure currency and consistency with specified regulations.

“The legislative language was a helpful reference for encouraging the agency to act,” said ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod, noting how the provision in the spending bill coincided with an already-developing effort to address the issues outlined in the letter. “The truth is that the regulators shouldn’t need Congress to tell them to apply objective standards. Regardless of what the law says, the FAA can and should coordinate with the industry to make sense of how it applies operations specifications paragraphs.”

To read the full letter, click here.
​
In addition to ATEC, the letter was signed by:
​Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Airlines for America
Aviation Suppliers Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Helicopter Association International
Modification and Replacement Parts Association
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transportation Association
Regional Airline Association
The Boeing Company
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
MOOG Aircraft Group

This spring, the ATEC board of directors elected new leadership. In furtherance of the council succession plan, ATEC Treasurer and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Associate Professor & Department Chairman Charles Horning was elected to serve as vice president, and ATEC Vice-President and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Campus Operations Director Gary Hoyle will serve as president. Two-term ATEC President and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Vice President of International Business Development Ryan Goertzen will remain on the board as immediate past president.
 
At the ATEC Conference, Mr. Hoyle formally recognized Goertzen for his contributions to the council. During his term, the council quadrupled its operating budget and increased membership by 30%. Under his leadership, the council adopted a three-year strategic plan, established its annual workforce report, institutionalized an annual legislative Fly-in, and positioned itself as the voice of aviation maintenance education.
 
Hoyle also recognized the service of Kansas State University – Salina Professor Andrew Smith. Smith served numerous terms as director, and was long-time chairman of the regulatory committee. Last year, he was recognized as ATEC Educator of the Year.
 
Nominations for ATEC Board directorship are considered in the fall, in conjunction with the ATEC Fly-in. Interested nominees should review the duties and responsibilities as here. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1.

FAA Flight Standards Service Executive Director John Duncan, Director, Office Safety Standards Rick Domingo and Director, Flight Standards Service Larry Fields provided a policy briefing at the 2018 ATEC Annual Conference. During the question and answer portion, attendees posed the following question: How do I best educate my students on the new part 23?
 
The new performance-based rule, governing airworthiness standards for general aviation airplanes, went into effect last year. The long-awaited change replaced previous prescriptive design requirements, with a performance-based approach that relies on consensus standards. The forward-thinking regulatory approach allows for greater international harmonization and encourages innovation.
 
While the new rule was a welcome change, educators were faced with challenges when 1) the knowledge test wasn’t revised in time for the part 23 effective date, students still see questions on the previous rule’s prescriptive airworthiness requirements and 2) very few specific requirements in part 23 left some educators struggling with how best to teach the material.
 
Following the conference, FAA representatives coordinated a plan to address the issue. The FAA testing standards branch has prioritized review of all part 23 test bank questions. Questions based on historical part 23 regulations will be revised or deleted. Applicants should expect the written test to be in line with the current rule by the June test roll. In the meantime, applicants should still be prepared to answer part 23 questions based on the historical regulation, accessible at eCFR.gov (the old part 23 is available in the library of historic e-CFRs here).
 
In addition, the agency has agreed to provide a summer webinar on “teaching to the new part 23.” Educators can get an overview of the new rule, better understand the intent of performance-based regulations, and how they can be best incorporated in a training program. Stay tuned for the date and registration details.

After almost a year in limbo, FAA reauthorization legislation is on the move again on Capitol Hill. The FAA bill is important because it provides several years of budget authority for the agency and establishes policy priorities. The agency has been operating under a series of short-term extensions since the last multi-year bill expired in September of 2015.

Industry is angling to include a provision in the bill that would establish a new program to attract and train the next generation of aviation maintenance workers. The legislation would authorize $5 million dollars per year for a new grant program to incentivize collaboration between businesses, labor organizations, schools, and local governments to address the aviation technical workforce skills gap.

The workforce language was introduced as a stand-alone bill (S. 2506) in the Senate last month by Senators James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). A House companion bill is expected to be introduced this week, an industry coalition will be working to add it to the underlying FAA bill when it goes to the House floor the week of April 23.
​
Those interested in becoming more involved in the effort to enact S. 2506, should contact coalition leader and Aeronautical Repair Station Association Executive Vice President Christian A. Klein at christian.klein@arsa.org.

Nominations are open for AMT Magazine’s Next Gen Awards. Each year the organization recognizes individuals from the aircraft maintenance industry for their contributions to the industry and a “job well done.” It is not a ranking, but rather a list of individuals who have shown initiative, capacity, or have made an impact to the aviation maintenance industry.

Whether you work in general aviation, business aviation, airlines, MRO, rotorcraft, military, or education, let the industry acknowledge you or your colleagues for dedication to the aviation industry. Individuals that will be 39 years old or younger on June 30, 2018 are eligible.

The nomination deadline is June 15, 2018. Submit nominations at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018AMTNextGenAwards. ​

As ATEC members well know, the FAA is in the process of replacing the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Practical Test Standards (PTSs) with a single Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Airman Certification Standard (ACS).

The ACS is an “enhanced” version of the PTS that will connect standards to guidance and test questions, provide a single set of standards for the AMT airman knowledge, oral, and practical tests, and tell the applicant, instructor, and evaluator what the FAA expects AMT applicants to know, consider, and do to earn an FAA AMT certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

For now, the AMT PTS (FAA-S-8081-26A, -27A, -28A) remain in effect; and applicants, instructors and evaluators should continue to use the current PTS for the oral and practical tests.

The agency published a draft version of the AMT ACS so stakeholders may familiarize themselves with the new document and to provide feedback.

The final version of the AMT ACS is expected to be effective June 2020. The draft document is available at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/.

Comments are due to  afs630comments@faa.gov by May 31, 2018. 

Southern Utah University (SUU) petitioned the FAA for an exemption from part 147 seat time and general curriculum requirements. The University requested that it be allowed to utilize emerging airman certification standards as the basis for its new A&P program curriculum.

In its comments, ATEC voiced its support for "any innovative solution that will enable AMTS to provide quality programs, despite static curriculum requirements that do not reflect the needs of today’s employers."

Council representatives have long fought for a new part 147. If successful, the petition would provide an alternative path for schools to cater their A&P programs to local employer needs. A summary of the council's part 147 advocacy efforts are available at http://www.atec-amt.org/part-147.html​. 

Public comments  close April 18. The petition is available at www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA-2018-0215.

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) Scholarship provides financial support for individuals pursuing careers in aviation. Up to four (4) $4,000 annual scholarships are awarded. To apply, applicants must:

1. Be officially enrolled in an accredited college or university in a program leading to a career in the airline industry at the time of application and award
2. Possess a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale
3. Submit a resume outlining the applicants work experience, extracurricular and/or community activities
4. Submit a 350-word career essay describing the interests in the airline industry
5. Submit a faculty recommendation 

Scholarship awards will be announced on on July 16, 2018. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.raa.org/page/2018_RAA_Scholars.  

CA2VES, an NSF ATE Center housed at Clemson University, produces curriculum disseminated through its online learning platform, EducateWorkforce.

Program administrators are looking for feedback on content and efficacy; as such, AMTS are invited to take part in the CA2VES Spring 2018 pilot program, free of charge. Pilot participants will have access to the online materials to supplement current curriculum.

Courses included in the Spring 2018 pilot include: Mathematics; Basic Physics; Basic Electricity; Materials, Processes and Hardware; Aircraft Drawings; Hand Tools and Measuring Devices; Inspection Fundamentals; Fluid Lines & Fittings; Aircraft Weight & Balance; Cleaning & Corrosion Control; Mechanic Privileges and Limitations; Safety Ground Operation, Servicing; Maintenance and Pubs, Forms and Records.
​
For more information and sign up, visit ​mailchi.mp/2ee73c77ac49/faa-part-147-online-modular-curriculum-pilotspring-15611933. 

The ATEC Journal editorial committee welcomes scholarly submissions on any issue relevant to aviation maintenance education, curriculum, and pedagogy. ATEC is specifically calling for papers that support the council’s regulatory and legislative agenda, and generates content for online webinars and annual conference sessions.
 
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to--

• Technical and soft-skills curriculum integration
• Innovative teaching methods
• A history of legislative actions affecting aviation maintenance workforce development
• A study on implementation of employer-education partnerships
• Funding implications stemming from Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlooks
• Highlighted innovations in the aviation maintenance industry
• A look at successful online teaching methods and/or subject matter in other technical fields
• Surveying currently used computer-based teaching across aviation maintenance training schools

 
Professionals from all segments of the aviation maintenance industry, members and non-members alike, are invited to submit a paper for publication. The submission deadline for the spring issue is May 1.

Authors may be offered the opportunity to present their research via an ATEC webinar and thereafter be considered for live presentations at the next annual ATEC conference. 
​
For more information and to submit a paper, visit http://www.atec-amt.org/the-journal.html. 

​Congratulations to Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Norfolk student Jason Gries and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology student Anthony Kinsey who were co-recipients of this year’s Student of the Year award.
 
In partnership with the Northrop Rice Foundation (NRF), each year the council presents the Rardon Award in recognition of an aviation maintenance technician student’s outstanding achievements demonstrated through academics and involvement that directly impacts the student’s associates, school and/or community.
 
This year, NRF and ATEC recognized two students.
 
Kinsey is president of the Spartan student council and organizes study groups and weekend hands-on learning. He volunteers his time to promote aviation through events such as Spartan Aviation Day, student BBQs, and the Wounded Warrior 5K, and assists with creating new training and refurbished training aids. He also set up a Veterans social group to help students with PTSD and veterans related issues. According to nominator and Spartan campus directory Nicholas Brown, Kinsey is adamant about his studies, at the top of his class, and has achieved a 90% or better on all of his exams.
 
Gries is an active member of the Student Veteran Organization, and volunteers for a variety of activities including student cookouts, fundraisers, and meetings to help support the veteran community. Nominator and AIM program coordinator Tim Murray describes him as “the most talented student currently attending [AIM]” and as the “type of mechanic who fixes problems before they happen.” Gries boasts a 4.0 GPA and has earned a reputation for picking his instructors brains before and after class, taking on extra shops projects when he finishes his assigned tasks early.
 
Both students were presented their awards at the ATEC Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, sponsored by AVOTEK. Congratulations to Jason and Anthony, and best of luck in all your endeavors!

Each February and June, the FAA releases a revised sample exam as representation of the current mechanic written test. The agency supplements the sample with an explanation of any revisions made to the test bank. The latest sample exam and "what's new" document is available at www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_questions/.

The February "what's new" document indicated that no changes were made to the test bank. In March, after inquires from industry, the agency released a revised "what's new," communicating the following changes:

• Knowledge test questions covering the new 14 CFR part 23 rule that went into effect on August 30, 2017 will be developed for future versions of the AMT General Knowledge Exam.
• AMT applicants should be prepared to be tested on Helicopter Aerodynamics on the AMT General Knowledge Exam.
• AMT applicants taking the AMT General Knowledge Exam should be prepared to be tested on the following topics: 14 CFR part 1, coil inductor construction, human errors, maintenance manual documentation, and special flight permits.
• AMT knowledge test applicants should be prepared for calculations that require interpolation.

Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc. (ASA) publishes specific changes made to sample exams for each test roll. That analysis can be found at www.asa2fly.com/FAA-Knowledge-Exams-W22C162.aspx.

The council continues to work through the ACS working group to ensure a documented and transparent process for creating, vetting and revising test bank questions. The FAA is currently utilizing the ACS to review and edit the test bank. ATEC Treasurer and Embry-Riddle University Aviation Maintenance Science Department Chairman Chuck Horning is the industry representative on that review board.

Members are encouraged to provide feedback on student experiences while the test bank undergoes revision to coincide with the new ACS. Send comments to atec@atec-amt.org.

Helicopter Association International has released a workforce needs forecast. The trade group concluded that “unless there are some fundamental changes in policy, outreach, scholarships, and access to financing, the helicopter industry faces large-scale deficits in the amount of available and qualified licensed and certificated pilots and mechanics.”
 
While the study projects a shortage of 7,469 helicopter pilots in the U.S. between 2018 and 2036, the deficit is even more concerning for maintenance technicians. The industry is projected to be short 40,613 certificated aviation mechanics by 2036.
 
More than 50 percent of surveyed operators said the shortage will “definitely or probably” interfere with their company’s ability to grow over the next five years.
 
"Our industry needs to take a hard look at how we do things,” says Matt Zuccaro, HAI president and CEO. “We really don’t have a choice. These numbers show a future where the growth of our industry will be curtailed because operators won’t have the workforce they need. But we have the option to change that future by acting proactively now to recruit the next generation of pilots and maintainers.”
 
Study results and an executive summary are available for download. Helicopter Foundation International Vice President Allison McKay will present the report at this month’s ATEC annual conference in Washington DC. Don’t miss it.

On March 20, ATEC members will crisscross the nation’s capital to meet with congressional leaders on issues impacting aviation maintenance technician education. Get prepared by scheduling meetings with your senators and representatives. ATEC will tell you how.
 
To ensure you get the most out of your time in Washington, ATEC hosted a webinar to help you prepare. The previously-recorded live webinar provides instructions on scheduling meetings with members of Congress and a brief overview of the top issues facing aviation technician education.
 
Listen to the recorded webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7713564839695955969.

Download the following handouts provided at the webinar:
PowerPoint presentation
ATEC legislative priorities
Sample invitation email

Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published new career projections in its Occupational Outlook Handbook. The biennial publication provides earnings reports, growth projections and replacement needs for hundreds of occupations, including “Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians.”

(It is important to note that the BLS data does not distinguish between certificated and noncertificated personnel. A request by ATEC and other trade organizations to make the distinction went unheeded in the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification revision.)
 
The latest handbook adopts new methodologies for calculating replacement needs (i.e., how many jobs will need filling due to retirement). Under the new approach, the projected number of openings for new aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians increased from 3,300 to 12,400 per year. And anticipated growth jumped from 1% to 5%—in line with the national average.
 
The change has had positive ripple effects. The U.S. Labor Department-sponsored resource MyNextMove.org historically dubbed aviation mechanic and technician jobs as “less likely in the future.” The new numbers upgrades the aviation maintenance career outlook from “below average” to “average.” (“Bright outlook” designations require 10% projected growth, or 100,000 or more job openings over the next ten years.)
 
BLS Division Chief Michael Wolf says that the new methodology better captures today’s dynamic workforce, “The once-traditional career path of entering an occupation at a young age and working until retirement in that same occupation is no longer the norm for American workers. Now, it’s common for workers to work in a number of occupations throughout the course of their career.” According to Wolf, “The new separations methodology captures these dynamics and allows us to better produce employment projections for workers and businesses to plan for their futures.”
 
While many would insist that careers in aviation maintenance have a better than “average” outlook, the boost in projection numbers could mean better funding for educational institutions that rely on scholarship and grant distributions that are often times prioritized according to BLS data. Programs producing candidates for “growing industries” are—not surprisingly—given precedence over occupations with less anticipated growth.
 
While industry could certainly use a bigger boost given growing workforce concerns, the numbers are certainly moving in the right direction.
 
Want to learn more? Come to the annual conference and hear directly from BLS Division Chief Michael Wolf on the new numbers.

​Early in 2017, the ATEC Board voted to explore options for a new council logo. After months of discussion, thought and persistence, the council is happy to present its new emblem.
 
“Given how much ATEC has grown in the last few years, and the aggressive plan it has to expand its footprint, we thought it was time to reconsider the nearly sixty-year-old mark,” said ATEC President and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Vice President of International Development Ryan Goertzen. “The initial goal was to maintain familiarity, while adding more modern elements.”
 
A special task force was formed to sketch out a new concept that was representative of ATEC’s mission: to promote and support aviation maintenance technician education.
 
“We aimed to create something that represents all sectors of aviation, and all the opportunities available to future aviators,” said ATEC Director and AMT Magazine Chief Editor Ron Donner. “The paper airplane takes us back to where it all began, it is synonymous with education.”
 
The team chose to move forward with the paper plane concept, agreeing that the icon best captured the essence of aviation in education: imagination. “It is familiar, simple, romantic and the foundation of innovation, said ATEC Director and AIM Director of Education Debbie Wiggins. “The flight path is illustrative of where we’ve been, and where we’re going.”
 
“With the new look, ATEC ushers in the next era. The future of the industry depends on the upbringing of the next generation, and ATEC is proud to be part of the equation,” said Goertzen. “I am truly proud of this team and thankful for their dedication and commitment to ATEC to make this project a reality and one that will last many more generations to come.”
 
Members are invited to download the new ATEC member badge, for display on their website and marketing materials.

The Aerospace Maintenance Council hosts annually the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). This year’s event will take place on April 10-11, 2018 in Orlando.
 
The event showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support of our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide a scholarship in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.
 
Awards in the amount of $500-$2500 may be used towards the purchase of tools, books and/or school tuition. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Federal Aviation Administration part 147 program, and registered to compete in the 2018 AMC.
 
The award is supported through the generous contributions of AMC participants and sponsors. Contributions to the scholarship fund are welcome; donors will have the opportunity to present the scholarship during the AMC award ceremony on April 12 in Orlando.
 
For more information and to apply, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship. Applications are due March 15, 2018.