In a Jan. 22 memo, ATEC outlined an issue that has plagued aviation maintenance programs for some time. 

The National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) controls the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) which provides a taxonomic scheme supporting the tracking and reporting of fields of study. The CIP codes are used by U.S. institutes of higher education to categorize the programs they offer.

Agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, utilize commonly-categorized fields of study to determine what is considered STEM and what is not. The memo focuses in on the use of the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list,  used to administer the U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which only considers three of the six commonly-utilized aviation program CIP codes as a “STEM field.”

The memo seeks to educate leaders at the While House Office of Science and Technology Policy on the issue in an effort to expand OPT opportunities for international students, and also grant opportunities which often rely on the DHS framework to set forth STEM program eligibility criteria.

In a Jan. 16 letter, the council invited the "new" Administrator to join aviation education leaders at its upcoming Annual Conference in Fort Worth. In its communication, ATEC set forth the following regulatory priorities for aviation maintenance education:

1. Promulgate a New Part 147. Part 147 is currently undergoing rulemaking, and has been for the last several years. It is of the upmost importance to ATEC stakeholders that the FAA modernize aviation maintenance technician school curriculum so that schools are able to better align training with industry workforce needs. ATEC made significant comment to the 2015 NPRM and the 2019 SNPRM in an effort to influence development of a performance-based rule that will support the aviation industry for decades to come. It is also pushing for a legislative fix through recent introduction of the PARTT 147 Act.

2. Publish Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS). ATEC representatives have been heavily involved in an FAA-industry working group that is developing the new testing standard and accompanying system that will revolutionize how our future aviators are taught and tested. ATEC encouraged the agency to work with the administration to get the standard published as soon as possible. In its deployment of the new testing system, ATEC reiterated its request that the agency use the ACS as the basis for training requirements, to ensure training and testing are correlated, and efficiencies attained.

3. Expand Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) to Mechanic Examinations. Currently, 30 percent of A&P school graduates do not take the exam necessary to receive a mechanic certificate; access to practical testing examiners was identified as one of the top barriers for students seeking FAA mechanic certification. ATEC therefore fully supports expansion of the ODA program to cover practical testing.

Administrator Steve Dickson was sworn in as the FAA administrator by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao on August 12, after being confirmed for a five-year term by the U.S. Senate on July 24, 2019. ATEC looks forward to working with Mr. Dickson's office in the years to come.

***Updated***

Legislative leaders have introduced The Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act (S.3043/H.R.5427), directing the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate a community-drafted part 147. ATEC is calling on the community to reach out to congressional representatives and ask them to sign on in support of the legislation. Indeed, council leaders are planning a "mini Fly-in" for Feb. 19 and invite the aviation community to attend. If interested, email ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire.

The bill--largely based on language ATEC offered in its comments to the part 147 NPRM and SNPRM--directs Congress to replace the current, long-outdated rule with new language, effectively bypassing the rulemaking process and mandating that FAA make aviation education a rulemaking priority.

The legislative effort comes in response to a slow-moving regulatory process (it's been 16 years since the Governmental Accountability Office called for updates to curriculum requirements), and less-than-ideal proposals from the FAA (see the part 147 issue page for more information and timeline of events). The PARTT 147 Act specifically provides regulatory language that would take a performance-based approach, deferring to Department of Education oversight for all matters concerning quality of education, and giving schools the freedom to create curriculum based on competencies and industry needs.

Community leaders are encouraged to take the following steps to solicit congressional support for the PARTT 147 Act:

With an enrollment of 592 students, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is one of the oldest and highly regarded aviation schools in the nation having been founded as the Curtiss-Wright Flying Service in 1927.
 
It became PIA in 1929 and through 1944 trained airframe and engine mechanics for the aviation industry. In 1944 William J. Graham purchased the school and incorporated Graham Aviation as a division of PIA. An aviation electronics (avionics) course was added to the curriculum in 1979, giving students a choice of training for certification as aviation maintenance technicians or aviation electronics technicians. Since 1929, PIA and the Graham Aviation Division have graduated more than 37,000 and 33,000 students, respectively. PIA graduates have been placed in careers throughout every segment of the aviation industry, including commercial air carriers, aircraft manufacturers and general aviation companies. The PIA campus, located on the Allegheny County Airport since 1946, is situated 8 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
 
In order to meet a growing need for qualified technicians in the aviation industry in the new millennium, PIA expanded beyond its Pittsburgh campus and into several branch campuses.  In 2006, PIA began training at its first branch campus near Youngstown, OH. After the success of the Youngstown campus, PIA continued its expansion, opening a Hagerstown, MD, branch in 2011 and, a year later, an aviation maintenance technician school at Myrtle Beach International Airport.
 
A founding member of ATEC, PIA remains a strong supporter citing its unique role in supporting the aviation maintenance sector and its education needs.
 
“While many aviation related organizations may have some efforts directed to aviation maintenance, ATEC is completely committed to this sector and must be supported,” said Director of Campus Operations Gary Hoyle. “Without supporting ATEC our voices may fall silent. Together members make their voices echo from east to west coast as a roaring lion. Only with dedicated support from industry members and educational institutions can the aviation industry prepare for the future.”  
 
The importance of attending ATEC events, said Hoyle, is in its dedication to developing a concrete plan of action for making positive changes in the aviation maintenance field.
 
“It’s about action, not just words,” he said. “That is PIA’s number one reason for attending and remaining involved. Its proactive mentality directly links with PIA’s mission statement and is integral to further strengthen the already strong foundation of the aviation industry.”

PSA Airlines operates an all-jet fleet consisting exclusively of Bombardier regional jet aircraft. It’s team numbers more than 5,000 employees who assist in operating more than 800 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations on behalf of American Airlines. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, PSA has eight maintenance bases including Akron-Canton, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dayton, Greenville, Norfolk, Pensacola and Savannah.
 
PSA offers top-tier compensation, benefits and stability for our aviation mechanics as well as two pathway programs to assist those seeking careers in commercial aviation maintenance. The Maintenance Student Pathway Program provides financial assistance up to $2,000 toward the Airframe & Powerplant test and the Military Transition Program provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance to those looking to transition out of the military.
 
PSA has been a proud ATEC partner for many years and will be an exhibitor during the ATEC Annual Conference in Fort Worth. It will also be participating in its career fair where it looks forward to collaborating with schools and industry partners and engaging with talent. For more information on PSA Careers click here.

Vocational education is gaining in prominence becoming a viable pathway for students to get a jump start on their careers. Recent coverage by the PBS News Hour Should more kids skip college for workforce training? is part of a new series on reconsidering education.
 
Educators interviewed for the segment indicated the benefit of vocational schools is a two-way street offering an alternative to rising college costs and student debt. Gaining the skills needed to enter the workforce also does not preclude college since a growing number of employers offer tuition assistance in their benefit package.
 
The trend toward the tracking-everyone-to-college approach is problematic, said commenters. Forty percent of those who go to four-year college and 70% of those attending community colleges never earn their degree. Many arrive unprepared, fall behind and end up in debt with no job or skills, no idea what they want to do and a minimum wage job.
 
Those interviewed pointed to statistics bearing out the value of different education programs since test scores are on par with other students. Students get robust academics including Algebra, English and Physics, with 73% scoring above proficient in Math and 90% above proficient in English on statewide tests, nearly matching the statewide averages.
 
At Southeastern High School profiled by PBS, the graduation rate was 90%. While SAT scores lagged, some educators found another statistic more important. Ninety percent were in the workforce, continuing with their college education or in the military, according to follow-up with vocational students at the high school.
 
The high school received 800 applications for the 400 slots available. The situation is similar at the highly competitive Aviation High School in Queens from which two women students ATEC met last year graduated and are either working as an AMT for FedEx while attending Queens College or on a full ride to Cornell.
 
Clearly vocational education – or Career & Technical Education as educators call it – is getting new consideration. Historically, tracked students into college or vocational programs – much of which was based on race, social class, behavioral problems or learning disability tracked to VoTech at much higher levels than their counterparts. Educators cautioned against returning to the old tracking methodology in favor of relying on the student to choose their own path.

JSfirm.com and ATEC have come together to expand on the current exchange agreement, which provides ATEC members a discount on job posts, and facilitates an aviation-maintenance specific job board on ATEC’s website. 

“JSfirm.com has been working with ATEC for a few years with the common goal of helping sustain the aviation industry. We are excited to expand our involvement with ATEC by adding them to our growing list of job distribution partners. ATEC understands the impact JDN partnerships have for both companies and job seekers in aviation, in particular, recent graduates new to the industry,” said Abbey Hutter, Executive Director for JSfirm.com. 

Crystal Maguire, Executive Director for The Aviation Technician Education Council, said “We are thrilled to be continuing and expanding our partnership with JSfirm.com. The ultimate goal of ATEC is to enable the aerospace community to meet its workforce needs; partnering with JSfirm.com helps us meet that goal by providing aviation maintenance students and alumni around the country with a free resource to connect with prospective employers.” 

ATEC members who utilize JSfirm.com will receive discounted rates on new purchases to advertise their open positions. In addition to providing aviation industry jobs to the ATEC website, JSfirm.com will provide ATEC with features such as spotlights on ATEC member jobs.  ATEC member schools will also receive a free 30-day ad, annually, to market open instructor positions. To take advantage of the opportunity, ATEC members can send job descriptions to atec@atec-amt.org.

To view ATEC’s job postings page, visit: www.atec-amt.org/job-board.html

FAA Webinars on new airman testing rules now online
ATEC has scheduled a session on the new airmen certification testing requirements which became effective on January 13 during the upcoming ATEC Annual Conference in Fort Worth. In the meantime, the FAA webinar on the requirements has been posted online and includes the Airman Certification Tracking System to get an airman tracking number for those seeking an airman certificate. See below for a link to the information on mechanics and inspection authorization.
 
The Webinar covered the need for all persons taking a Knowledge Test to have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), the removal of the embossed seal on a Knowledge Test Report, and the use of Airman Certification Standard’s codes on some Knowledge Test Reports.
 
Webinar URL: Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Recorded Webinar

Additional resources:
The Airman Testing Branch web page 
FAA Tracking Number Information (FTN) 
FTN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 
Where to Get an FTN? 
Changes to Airman Knowledge Test Reports (AKTRs) 
Important Information for Applicants Pursuing Mechanic, Parachute Rigger, and Dispatcher Certifications 

As apprenticeship programs gain in acceptance, the Department of Labor (DoL) gave the practice a major boost when it approved the Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) apprenticeship program which offers a competency-based occupational framework meeting industry standards.
 
Approved by the DoL Employment and Training Administration’s Office of Apprenticeship, the avionics technician apprenticeship program is a partnership with the Urban Institute and follows the FAA’s announcement a year ago formally recognizing the Aircraft Electronics Technology certification from ASTM’s National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate.
 
"The avionics technician apprenticeship program offers a new career pathway where individuals can simultaneously earn a competitive wage, gain knowledge with structured learning and on-the-job training, and achieve industry-recognized credentials," said Mike Adamson, AEA president and chief executive officer. "It is no secret that the avionics industry must address the challenges posed by a tightened labor market and competition from other industries. Developing a nationally registered apprenticeship program was the next logical step to help cultivate the next generation of avionics professionals. Now that the apprenticeship program has been approved by the Department of Labor, AEA member repair stations have another tool to grow their own and successfully recruit, train and retain high-quality technicians. It is another critical step in our industry's ongoing workforce development efforts."
 
For more on the DoL approval click here.  For guidance or companies and aspiring techs on the apprenticeship program click here.
 
A one-hour training session has been scheduled for March 26 during the 63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee. 

December 30, 2019 – The AMFA National Executive Council (NEC) is pleased to announce that we will be accepting applications until February 28, 2020, for two AMFA Scholarships for 2019. Scholarships will be $2500 and will be payable to each recipient’s institution of higher learning. Last year’s scholarships were awarded to students of South Seattle Community College in Seattle, WA and Hallmark University in San Antonio, TX.

“Contributing to the education of the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians is one of AMFA’s ambitions,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National Director. “We are honored to be offering this opportunity as costs have risen to obtain a FAA Airframe & Powerplant license.”

Those who apply must be currently enrolled in a school or university to gain their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, be a US Citizen, and submit a 500-word essay about the importance of the FAA Hotline, ASAP, NASA ASRS, and safety reporting system as they relate to the aviation industry. The application and further information can be found on the Education page of the AMFA National website.

                                                                                                   ###

Founded in 1962, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.

With the passage of the full $10 million funding for aviation workforce grants, the aviation industry, won a significant victory earlier this week. The aviation maintenance and pilot  grant programs will each be funded at $5,000,000 per year in the FY 2020 budget which began October 1, reflecting the importance Congress puts on aviation workforce issues.

Passage resulted from work done by a 40-member state and national aviation coalition, led by ARSA and including ATEC.

The technician program supports a wide variety of aviation maintenance workforce development recruitment and training activities. Grants of up to $500,000 may be used to:

• Establish new educational programs that teach technical skills used in aviation maintenance, including purchasing equipment, or to improve existing such programs.
• Establish scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry.
• Support outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry to primary, secondary, and post-secondary school students or to communities underrepresented in the industry.
• Support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged geographic areas.
• Support transition to careers in aviation maintenance, including for members of the Armed Forces. 
• Otherwise enhance aviation maintenance technical education or the aviation maintenance industry workforce.

​The maintenance grant program was designed to facilitate public-private collaboration and innovation. In order to be eligible, a grant application must be supported by an aviation business or union, a school and a governmental entity.

The November 26 Federal Register contained notices requesting comment on the pilot and technician programs in an effort to assess the reporting burden for grant applicants and recipients, ARSA announced.
 
This week Congress passed legislation providing for full funding for the aviation maintenance and pilot grant programs at $5,000 each per year. 
 
Deadline for comments is January 27, 2020. The Technician Program notice can be found here.
While the pilot education program notice can be found here.

Duncan Aviation, Bombardier, Collins Aerospace and Piper Aircraft are all on the leading edge of a new trend in aviation education and hiring by launching apprenticeship programs with local schools to help fill the workforce shortages they are experiencing.
 
Apprenticeships have been a valuable way to bring in new talent abroad but not so in the US and was a major recommendation during the FAA Workforce Summit held earlier this year.
 
Just 21% of companies responding to AvWeek’s 2019 Workforce Study survey have apprenticeship programs but that is expected to increase by 10% in the coming year. With 94% of interns offered full-time jobs and an 88% acceptance rate, apprenticeships are becoming an important workforce source.
 
Duncan Aviation recently rolled out its Airframe Technician Apprenticeship Program during National Apprenticeship Week.
 
The announcement of Duncan’s program follows a similar announcement Collins Aerospace is partnering with Coast Alabama Community College to create aviation maintenance technician apprenticeships at its aerostructures facility in Foley. The four-to-seven-year program includes on-the-job training, college credit toward an associate’s degree in airframe technology and an FAA airframe license.
 
“The aviation industry is currently seeing a workforce shortage for qualified aircraft technicians as the number of retiring certified Airframe Technicians is higher than the number of young adults expressing interest in the field of aircraft mechanics,” explained Chair Todd Duncan.
 
With 7.2 million job openings in the United States, apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways in which employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and transferable credentials, said the Department of Labor (DoL) which has an apprenticeship website with guidance for developing such programs.
 
Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training that gives participants a clear career path and national credential from the DoL through an earn-as-you-learn program. Duncan Aviation has offered apprenticeships, or full-time careers that include on-the-job training and instruction, to interested candidates for the last few years. By on-boarding new team members as Tech Helpers, experienced technicians would offer guidance and on-the-job training. Read more.

The Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) founded a new chapter for members in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
Designed to encourage pursuit of aviation maintenance as a career the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 16 was founded by United Airlines Senior Manager Airframe & Overhaul Kim Pritchard and two United Airlines colleagues Marilyn Adkins and Keri Martin who inaugurated the new chapter with a pre-holiday Happy Hour on December 5. 

“Our AWAM chapter is committed to continuing to work hard on outreach for the under-represented, and to encourage females to pursue STEM-based positions,” said Pritchard. “Chapter officers are developing 2020’s calendar of events. In honor of our New Chapter 16 – “Sweet 16 we are offering a discount of only $16 for 2020 to enjoy all the benefits of membership – networking, free skill-building workshops, family and member social activities, community volunteerism, and much more!” 
 
Chapter 16 has also launched a Facebook page and wants to spread the word to build membership.

Beginning January 13, 2020, the FAA will launch improvements to the way it tests airman certificate applicants and affects. This information pertains to ASI’s, ASI’s with TPE and DPE oversite, as well as the TPE’s, and DPE’s.
 
Any applicant wishing to take any Airmen Knowledge Test (AKT) for any of the airmen certificates (Mechanic, Inspection Authorization, Parachute Rigger, and any Pilot certificate) will be required to have an 8-digit FAA Tracking Number (FTN) prior to taking the test.
 
The FTN, which replaces the applicant ID number, is unique and permanent number assigned to each registered user in the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
 
It is up to the applicant to obtain an FTN and information and instructions on obtaining a FTN can be found on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system website  where applicants will need to register.
 
Applicants for FAA certificates such as Mechanic, Parachute Rigger, Dispatcher, etc. that do not yet have an electronic certification path in IACRA will continue to use the paper application forms. For those certificate types, IACRA is only used for obtaining an FTN prior to registering for an airman knowledge test. There are also instructions for those who have lost their AKTR test results. For all knowledge tests taken before January 13, 2020, applicants must contact the FAA Airmen Certification Office (AFB-720) for copies of AKTRs.
 
As previously reported, the FAA will host four webinars, two on Thursday, Dec. 19, and two on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to explain the new testing system, including the FTN requirement. The FAA notice on the changes can be found here.

​December 12, 2019
For Immediate Release

Contact: Crystal Maguire, crystal.maguire@atec-amt.org, 703-548-2030

JENKS, Oklahoma – Today, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives issued bipartisan, bicameral legislation that, if signed into law, would modernize long-outdated maintenance training regulations and better aid the education community in supporting America’s growing aviation industry.

The Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act (S.3043/H.R.5427) would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to replace current training requirements with a new, community-drafted regulation that would establish a performance-based oversight system. Under the new law, aviation maintenance technician schools certificated and governed by Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 147, would have the flexibility to teach content that is reflective of today’s high-tech environment.

Senators James Inhofe (R-OK), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representatives Don Young (R-AK) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) are original co-sponsors of the PARTT 147 Act.

“Innovation in the aviation and aviation maintenance industries has led to safer and more efficient aircraft. However, outdated regulations have prevented schools from implementing modern curriculum to teach students the skills necessary to maintain and repair modern, sophisticated aircraft,” Inhofe said. “I am proud to introduce this legislation today which would empower schools with the flexibility to teach core curriculum reflective of the technical advances happening across the aviation and aerospace industry, would reduce restrictive government regulations, and would ensure schools are graduating successful students into productive mechanics on the flight line or maintenance floor.”

“When it comes to transportation, Alaska’s unique geography can present many challenges. Aviation is one of the most important means of traveling our state, and the demand for air travel requires a strong workforce of both aviators and the mechanics who support them,” said Young. “Current FAA regulations mandate a particular curriculum for maintenance technicians, but this curriculum has not been meaningfully updated in more than five decades. The PARTT 147 Act is a fix that is long overdue.”

“The new regulation would be a game changer for aviation programs,” said Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Director of Campus Operations and ATEC President Gary Hoyle. “Industry has been asking for an updated regulation for 15 years. It is past time for our community to be given the opportunity and flexibility to create programs that better meet demand for highly-skilled technical personnel. We applaud the leadership and willingness of our congressional representatives to further escalate the issue and provide long-awaited relief from prescriptive requirements.”

An overwhelming number of aviation stakeholders signed on to a letter in support of the PARTT 147 Act, including--

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Aeronautical Repair Station Association
Aerospace Industries Association
Aerospace Maintenance Council
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Airlines for America
Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance
Aviation Suppliers Association
Aviation Technician Education Council
Experimental Aircraft Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
International Air Transport Association
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Modification and Replacement Parts Association
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transportation Association
National Business Aviation Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Regional Airline Association
The Aviation Mechanics Coalition

The stakeholder support letter can be found here.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

An ATEC one-pager on the issue can be found here.

For more information about industry’s work to modernize part 147, including resources and a timeline of events, visit www.atec-amt.org/part-147.

###

About ATEC: ATEC is a partnership of aviation maintenance training schools and employers. The council is dedicated to promoting and supporting technician education through its communications, advocacy programs and networking events. To learn more, visit www.atec-amt.org.

The FAA awarded a new airman knowledge testing contract call the Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS).  The contract is a comprehensive, best-practices approach aimed at enhancing the overall quality of FAA Airman Knowledge Testing.  As a result, there are several enhancements going into effect on January 13, 2020.

To help educate and inform all people who take, or will take an FAA Knowledge Test on or after January 13, 2020, the FAA will host 4 Webinars in support of the new testing system.  The Webinar will cover the need for all persons taking a Knowledge Test to have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), the removal of the embossed seal on a Knowledge Test Report, and the use of Airman Certification Standard’s codes on some Knowledge Test Reports.

Please use one of the links below to register for a Webinar:

• Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 @ 0900CT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3290728754096644365
• Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 @1400CT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5945066371780481804
• Wednesday, Jan 8, 2020@ 0900CT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/271072900526379533
• Wednesday, Jan 8, 2020 @ 1500CT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1586454944718590477

Additional resources:

• The Airman Testing Branch web page https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts/.
• FAA Tracking Number Information (FTN) https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts/media/ftn.pdf
• FTN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts/media/ftn_faqs.pdf
• Where to Get an FTN? https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx
• Changes to Airman Knowledge Test Reports (AKTRs) https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts/media/aktr_changes.pdf
• Important Information for Applicants Pursuing Mechanic, Parachute Rigger, and Dispatcher Certifications https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts/media/info_for_mechanics.pdf

An overview of the new system will also take place at the upcoming ATEC Annual Conference in Fort Worth.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Airman Testing Branch at this email address: AirmanKnowledgeTesting@faa.gov.

​A notice in today's Federal Register solicits comment on the collection of information from eligible entities by the FAA to select and oversee grant recipients, an important step towards implementation of the aviation technician workforce and pilot education grant programs created by last year’s FAA bill. The notices (there is also a notice for the pilot program) are related to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and provide an estimate of the reporting burden for grant applicants and recipients.
 
While the action does not formally initiate the grant programs, they suggest FAA is moving in the right direction.

However, Congress has yet to appropriate the necessary FY 2020 money FAA needs to implement the programs.  As previously reported, the FY 2020 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (T-HUD) bill contains full funding for both ($10 million total - $5 million each).  The Senate’s T-HUD package contains partial funding ($5 total).  The most recent appropriations continuing resolution expires on Dec. 20, so the next few weeks will be crucial in determining final FY 2020 spending levels.
 
ATEC is asking the community to continue asking Congress and FAA to fully fund and initiate these important grant programs.  Advocacy resources (including our most recent coalition letter to Congress) are available on the Aeronautical Repair Station Association website at at http://arsa.org/legislative/grant-program-action-center/.

​The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), with a tradition of excellence in education over four decades, has 13 campuses nationwide where the job placement rate for the 4,100 students averages 72%. Its graduates have been hired by such important industry players as JetBlue, Delta, United and Southwest as well as GE, AAR and Dallas Airmotive.

AIM has been an ATEC member for over a decade with its top educational administrators active in on committees and the ATEC board. AIM is "co-hosting" the 2020 conference in Fort Worth, providing day-to-day coordination support and hosting attendees at its Irving location for a tour and lunch.

“Being a part of our industry’s educationally-related organization is a responsibility of schools and allows us a vantage point for new regulations being adopted by the FAA,” said AIM Vice President Operations Joel English, who serves on ATEC’s board. “We actually have the opportunity to influence the FAA’s thinking about Part 147 regulation as members of the FAA attend our meetings and interact with us and understand the innovations at the schools. Without schools pitching in with their membership dues, ATEC would never be able to be at the table with the FAA, and all parties would miss out on this special relationship.”

English views the ATEC’s annual conference as one of the industry’s most important events because it enables the collaboration of schools, practitioners, employers and regulatory agencies to develop innovative solutions on what Part 147 training will look like in the future. The Career Fair provides a critical opportunity to match the talents of graduates to fill employer’s needs and address the critical shortage in the industry.

Founded with the goal of supplying training materials for aviation maintenance educators, AVOTEK has been an ATEC member for more than 30 years. 

“The importance of the work done by ATEC means schools, the companies supporting the schools, and the companies hiring maintenance technicians should all be supporting the efforts of ATEC,” said Avotek’s Jeff Strong, recounting why Avotek is such a strong supporter of the organization. “Recent history has shown that ATEC is fighting for this industry's needs, all the way to Capitol Hill, and we are proud to be a part of that effort.”

During next year’s annual conference, Avotek will showcase its education materials designed to help educators prepare students for careers in the aviation maintenance industry. These include its recently released books: Avionics: Beyond the AET, Advanced Composites, Helicopter Maintenance, and Transport Category Aircraft Systems. In addition, it will showcase its latest online courses. Those include Slick Magnetos, J34 Turbojet Engines, Vapor Cycle Air Conditioning System, Bernoulli’s Principle and Principles of Sound. 

In speaking of the annual conference, Strong said: “This is the one event where we can meet with the largest percentage of our customers in the same place at the same time. For our type of business, this is the best of all worlds. We love to catch up with our customers (and potential customers) to hear about their successes and what challenges they are facing. This informs us of what support we can offer to help, whether it be classroom trainers, textbooks, or online courses.”

Last week, ATEC announced that congressional leaders were gearing up to introduce legislation that would direct the FAA to promulgate very specific, community-drafted language in place of the current 14 CFR part 147.

The initiative stems from proposed language ATEC offered in its comments to the recent FAA part 147 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM). If signed into law, provisions would require FAA deference in all matters concerning quality of education and set forth a performance-based infrastructure whereby schools would utilize emerging airman certification standards as the basis for their curriculum.

Click on the image below and listen to the recorded version of the live briefing, which took place Nov. 19, 2019. (Things may have changed by the time you hear it!). You may also download the slide deck here.

ATEC members can access the full suite of pre-recorded webinars at www.atec-amt.org/webinars. 

​ATEC is supporting new legislation that is part of an effort to address workforce shortages and increase diversity. Promoting Service in Transportation Act (HR 5118) – would create public service campaigns to raise awareness of aviation and other transportation careers.

Introduced by Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Don Young (R-AK) and Angie Craig (D-MN), the legislation specifically called out such careers as aviation maintenance technicians, pilots, safety inspectors, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, mechanics, engineers, and other transportation professionals.”

We urge our members to contact your representatives asking them to support this important initiative. 
​
The bill is supported by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Helicopter Association International (HAI).

​In this issue: Read about a mixed method study on the implementation of an aviation maintenance camp and how to incorporate recordkeeping requirements into the classroom. Learn more about Westfield Technical Academy's unique program that provides high school students the qualifications needed to take the A&P test.

Update: After the Senate passed the FY 2020 appropriates package for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies, which included only $5 million in funding for both the pilot and AMT grant programs, a coalition of aviation organizations, including ATEC, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging adoption of the House-passed bill affording $5 million for pilot training and $5 million for AMT training, as called for in the FAA reauthorization. Read the letter.

With last week’s passage of the FY 2020 appropriates package for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies, the workforce grant programs moves forward but at half the funding level called for in the FAA reauthorization, which prescribed $5 million for maintenance grants and $5 million for pilot grants. The Senate bill calls for $5 million for both the maintenance and pilot grant programs. House and Senate conferees must now gather to determine the amount of funding for the two programs in the final conference report/appropriations bill. 

An industry coalition – consisting of 42 aviation organizations, including ATEC – will shortly be sending a letter to House and Senate appropriators urging full funding. While the coalition acknowledges Senate passage as a step in the right direction, it urged everyone to get involved in ensuring appropriators know the importance of these grant programs especially given the vagaries of the FY 2020 appropriations process.

For more information, see the previous news post, AMT, Pilot Programs May Fall Short, or download the legislative issues one-pager on the Legislative advocacy page.

After forecasting the need for 640,000 new technicians over the next 20 years, Airbus is partnering with Snap-on to train the next generation of technicians preparing high school seniors for careers in aviation.
 
The nine-month program, which also includes partnerships with L.S. Starrett Co. and Daniels Manufacturing Co., is initially geared toward Alabama high school seniors providing a connection between schools and Airbus’ manufacturing plant in Mobile. The Snap-on certifications enable students to master tool usage skills and hands-on knowledge of such disciplines as precision measuring instruments, precision electrical termination, structural sheetmetal assembly, mechanical and electronic torque, multimeter and tools at height.
 
Snap-on certification courses emphasize tool theory, application, and usage: three areas of study that equip students with an essential foundation for proficiency, productivity, and safety. The certifications provide conformity to an established standard and will be integrated into the existing course curriculum being taught by FlightPath9, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Airbus instructors.   
 
 “We partnered with Snap-on because Airbus uses Snap-on tools in the U.S. Manufacturing Facility, and it had already developed these certifications for the aviation industry,” said Michelle Hurdle, director of economic and community development, Airbus Americas. “It’s a good match for the students in the training program who will join the Airbus team upon successful completion of the FlightPath9 program.”
 
John Gamble, education partnerships manager, Snap-on Industrial agreed. “The partnership Snap-on has with Airbus is a perfect example of the types of collaboration we seek within the aviation industry, helping to create a program that will improve the skills and knowledge of tomorrow’s technicians.”