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Aviation Technician Education Council
  • About
    • Join
    • Benefits
    • Governance
    • Members
    • School Map
    • Leadership
    • Committees
    • Flightplan
    • Awards >
      • James Rardon Student of the Year
      • Ivan D. Livi Educator of the Year
  • Choose Aerospace
  • Issues
    • Regulatory >
      • The New Part 147
      • Airman Certification Standards
      • Standard Occupation Classifications
    • Legislative
    • Competency-Based Programs
  • Events
    • Annual Conference >
      • Register
      • Exhibit
      • Sponsor
      • Employer Link
    • Outreach Meetings
    • Fly-In
    • Choose Aerospace
    • Past Events >
      • 2022 Annual Conference
      • 2021 Virtual
      • 2020 Virtual >
        • Virtual Exhibitors
      • Fly-In 2019
      • 2019 Annual Conference
      • 2018 Annual Conference
      • 2017 Annual Conference
      • 2016 Annual Conference
      • 2015 Annual Conference
      • 2014 Annual Conference
      • 1961-2012 Annual Conference
  • News
  • Pipeline Report
  • Resources
    • Workforce Data
    • Useful Links
    • Job Board
    • DME Map
    • Templates
    • ATEC News Archive
    • Affinity Programs
    • A Member Asked...
    • Webinars
    • Shared Curriculum
    • Outreach Toolkit
    • Member Badge
    • Online Learning Guide
  • The Journal

ATEC Journal: Call for Papers

2/2/2023

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The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. 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. 
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ATEC Releases New Resources for Programs Seeking FAA Part 147 Certification

1/24/2023

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With publication of the new part 147, the trade association has developed the following tools to assist new schools on their path to certification:
  1. Airman Certification Standards Alignment Cross-Reference Form. Under part 147, an aviation maintenance technical school must show alignment with the FAA mechanic airman certification standards. This spreadsheet replicates the knowledge, skill, and risk mitigation elements in a format that allows a program to build a handy cross-reference resource for showing compliance.
  2. Operations Specifications Request Letter Template. This letter template provides a framework for the program's final submission to the FAA, to include all the information required to populate the part 147 certificate's operations specifications. 
  3. Model Quality Control System. Programs that do not have federal accreditation are required to obtain FAA approval of their quality control system. This model manual sets forth the necessary elements to obtain that approval. NOTE: This resource is not intended for use by the majority of part 147 programs that have federal accreditation.

These resources are free or heavily discounted for ATEC members. Use the ATEC member password as the discount code to receive the member rate.
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AMFA 2023 Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

12/28/2022

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees in the aviation industry. 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. 

AMFA annually awards cash scholarships to A&P students. This year's scholarships will be awarded to three individuals in the amount of $2,000 payable to each recipient's institution of higher learning. For more information or to apply, please visit: 
https://www.amfanational.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=Education
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PSI to Drastically Reduce Third-Party Test Center Reimbursement, Effective Jan. 1

12/23/2022

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***Update*** In a Dec. 22 letter, PSI declined to delay testing fee changes that will go into effect on Jan. 1. In its response, PSI states that the decision to decrease third-party test center fee reimbursements by 65 percent was done so "only after extensive analysis to mitigate against any potential risks." While PSI recognized the change would drive some third-party test centers to discontinue offering testing services, it also claimed that the closures "would not have a material impact on either access or availability of testing to any individual." That risk would seemingly be mitigated by PSI opening it's own testing center where third parties leave the network, suggesting the aim it to drive out third-party testing centers and replace them with PSI-run facilities.

Separately, ATEC has requested a singularly complies list of all FAA knowledge testing centers so industry can assess the impact the fee structure change will have on test centers in the new year. Data gathered from that effort will drive advoacy efforts moving forward.

***
​
Last month, the FAA knowledge test contractor, PSI, notified third-party test centers that fee reimbursements for each test administered would be significantly cut in the new year. Since testing rate caps are set by contract (between PSI and the FAA), the change effectively reduces the already narrow profit margin for third-party testing centers by about 65 percent.

PSI oversees more than 750 testing centers, many of those are third-party FAA knowledge test providers maintained by educational institutions and small business. The contractor asserts that the changes are necessary due to increased costs associated with operational security and to ensure "all centers providing the same proctored testing services [are] treated equally and operate under a level playing field, which has not been the case to date.”

Concerned about the impact on knowledge test accessibility, a coalition of aviation organizations, including ATEC, asked for a delay to the fee structure change. The group estimates that third-party providers administer a significant majority of FAA knowledge tests and that the new fee structure could create substantial financial hardships and ultimately result in a stoppage of service at many of these testing centers.

Absent a delay in the planned change, the new reimbursement rates will go into effect for all third-party test centers on Jan. 1.
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Nominations for Student, Educator of the Year are Now Open

12/21/2022

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Recognizing the student of the year and teacher of year are two of the most important events ATEC does in highlighting the best of the best in each category.

The James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award, presented by ATEC in collaboration with JSfirm.com, will see its 23td award winner next year recognizing outstanding achievement of a full-time aviation maintenance technician student. The award goes to a student who has made a direct impact on classmates, school or  community as demonstrated through academics and actions. 

In its 33rd year, The Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement of an aviation maintenance technology instructor either for a single event or long-term outstanding performance as an educator. 
​

The award honors one of ATEC’s founding fathers, a man who provided leadership for the organization for more than 50 years. In his role at Northrop Rice Foundation, Livi had a passion for providing guidance to aviation and maintenance students and laid the foundation for ATEC to grow and develop into what it is today. His life - spanning nine decades - is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a commitment to serving others. Outstanding achievements can be based on initiative and creativity, attitude and performance, education and training and how these attributes influenced the nomination and the benefits and effects of his or her achievement.

Award recipients will receive a monetary award and travel reimbursement to attend the ATEC Annual Conference in Chicago where they will be recognized during the award luncheon.

The deadline to submit nominations is February 1, 2023.
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New Mechanic Figures Trending in Right Direction, But Major Workforce Shortage Still Looms, ATEC Pipeline Report Finds

11/30/2022

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A healthy but expected increase in newly certificated mechanics last year did not offset momentum lost during the pandemic, leaving the new-technician pipeline at least 20 percent below the levels needed to meet rising demand across civil aviation, the latest ATEC Pipeline Report concludes.
 
The latest edition of the Pipeline Report, produced annually to chart U.S. airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic workforce trends, found that 6,929 individuals obtained their FAA mechanic certificate in 2021—a 33 percent increase from the previous year. While the jump was the biggest in recent history, the increase left the total number of new mechanics short of 2019 levels and did not make up for the previous year’s 30 percent drop in certifications.
 
Considering the significant decline, ATEC estimates that the pandemic cost industry 5,000 new mechanics.
 
The global aviation maintenance industry was facing a shortage of certified mechanics before the pandemic, and the U.S. market was no exception. The downturn's ramifications mean meeting demand now will be even more challenging.
 
"The number of prospects in the mechanic pipeline needs to grow by at least 20 percent to meet industry's needs," said ATEC President and WSU Tech Aviation Program Dean James Hall. "National enrollment at A&P schools is only growing at about 2 percent per year, so we have a lot of work to do.”
 
The council has several initiatives focused on spreading awareness and funneling more students into A&P programs. “The ATEC community is committed to getting more future mechanics into that pipeline,” said Hall. “The vast majority of the council’s planned activities for the coming year are focused on increasing awareness and removing pathway bottlenecks.”
 
Much of that effort is being driven through Choose Aerospace, an ATEC-backed non-profit that is deploying aviation curriculum into high schools across the country. The initiative is focused on getting students on an earlier path to mechanic certification, while building pipelines directly into A&P programs.
 
Other trends noted in the report:

  • Repair stations hired the most new mechanics, scooping up 31 percent of all aviation-employed A&P graduates, followed by regional airlines at 17 percent. Major passenger airlines came in third, but they are the fastest growing aviation employer segment for new mechanic entrants.
 
  • Last year, major passenger and cargo airlines combined to hire 25% of all A&P gradates, up from 15 percent in 2020. If this keeps up, it will put more pressure on sources that traditionally feed skilled technicians to large carriers--notably repair stations and regional carriers—to fill open positions.
 
  • AMTS continue to increase their market share of mechanic production—and by extension their importance in helping industry meet demand. Last year, 67 out of every 100 new mechanics went through A&P school. The other 14 came from military and 19 from civilian work experience.
 
  • Females make up 2.63 percent of the population, a number that is trending up, but only slightly. One positive sign is that 9 percent of all new A&P graduates last year were female.
 
Download the 2022 Pipeline Report & Aviation Maintenance Technician School Directory at https://www.atec-amt.org/pipeline-report.html.
 
Learn more about the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum at www.chooseaerospace.org.
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Call for Research Ideas

10/28/2022

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Submit an abstract to be considered for presentation at the ATEC Annual Conference research roundtable.

The purpose of the research roundtable is to provide a forum for ATEC members to share their research. This roundtable is designed to encourage research collaboration, generate interest in aviation maintenance-related research, and encourage journal submissions to the ATEC Journal. Additionally, educators who require publications and presentations for tenure or promotion can use this as an opportunity to satisfy some of the requirements. Presenters will be selected based on abstract submissions as further outlined below.
 
Abstract submission requirements
  • The abstract may be submitted with multiple authors.
  • The abstract should contain a maximum of 250 words.
  • The abstract should summarize the research and discuss how it is pertinent and beneficial to the ATEC community.
Note: The research project does not need to be completed, but each presenter/group must have current or previous relative findings to present at the conference.
 
Abstract review and selection
The abstract is due on Jan. 15, 2022. The review committee will select the abstracts for presentation by Feb. 1.
 
Presentation
The one-hour conference breakout session will comprise of multiple presentations from the abstracts selected by the review committee.
  • Each person or group will prepare a 10-15 minute presentation. The actual duration of the presentation will be assigned as submissions are reviewed.
  • There will be a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of all the presentations.
  • Presenters may use audio/visual aids, but they must indicate what is needed for their presentation before the conference.
  • At least one person (if working in a group) must attend the conference to present. Conference registration fees are not waived for presenters.

For questions and/or comments, contact the roundtable moderator, Daniel H. Siao at Daniel.Siao@mtsu.edu. 

    Submit an Abstract

Submit
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ATEC Elects New Leadership, Welcomes New Directors to the Board

10/25/2022

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During its annual board meeting, ATEC directors elected WSU Tech Aviation Program Dean James Hall as new council president. Jim was originally elected to the board in 2017 and has served on the executive committee as treasurer and vice president. In addition to his contributions to ATEC, Jim was appointed as a member of the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force, a group that recently published recommendations to the FAA Administrator. Jim will serve a two-year term as president.
 
Southern Illinois University's Karen Johnson, who served as treasurer the last two years, was elected as vice president. Karen is also editor of the ATEC Journal and previous chair of the communications committee. Southern Utah University's Jared Britt will serve as treasurer. Jared is chair of the legislative committee and was a leader in the council’s efforts to advocate for part 147 regulatory reform on Capitol Hill.
 
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Director of Campus Operations Gary Hoyle will transition to immediate past president and continue as a member of the executive committee, having served the last four years as president. After more than 50 years in the aviation industry, Gary is planning a much-deserved retirement this summer. The Board still expects to see him at council events early and often.
 
The Board is proud to welcome several new directors, each of which will serve a four-year term:
 
  • Greg Emerson, VP of Base Maintenance, American Airlines. Greg oversees American's global base maintenance operation. He began his aviation career as a technician in the U.S. Navy and then spent 17 years with Delta Air Lines. He earned a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics and aviation safety and management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington.
 
  • Suzanne Markle, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Suzanne oversees the strategic direction and operation of all PIA locations and programs and has been with the organization in various capacities since 1999. She was appointed by the DOT to serve on its Women in Aviation Advisory Board and is a member of the nomination committee for the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Suzanne holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Seton Hill University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from California University of PA, and a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
 
  • Sheryl Oxley, Aviation Program Coordinator, Tulsa Tech. Sheryl joined Tulsa Tech in 2004 as an instructor and has taught A&P curriculum for both high school and adult learners. Prior to joining Tulsa Tech, Sheryl served 27 years in the Air Force and worked with Delta Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, and Bombardier Aerospace. She regularly volunteers for EAA AirVenture and KidVenture and serves as a PAMA Olympic and MRO AMC coach. She has been a Designated Mechanic Examiner since 2008. Sheryl has a Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education from Oklahoma State University.
 
  • Jim Smith, Director of Aviation Maintenance Technology, Marshall University. Jim led the development of Marshall's new part 147 program, writing the curriculum and overseeing certification, construction, staffing, and grant development. He is the former director of RCBI aerospace at the Robert C Byrd Institute, part of the Marshall University Research Corporation, and previously served as the deputy director of Huntington Tristate Airport, and airport operations specialist at Lexington Bluegrass airport. Jim holds a Bachelor’s in aviation business management from Utah Valley University and is currently pursuing his Master's in aviation safety at the University of Central Missouri.
 
  • Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer, U.S. Aviation Academy. Scott was instrumental in standing up U.S. Aviation Academy's part 147 program, which obtained FAA certification in 2021. He obtained his private pilot license at US Aviation Academy and started the airframe and powerplant program in January 2021. Scott graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor's degree in economics and a Master's in economics from the University of North Texas.
 
During its annual meeting the board also recognized exiting and long-time director Ryan Goertzen. Ryan has served on the ATEC board for a decade, including four years as president. Under his leadership, the trade association's operating budget increase 400 percent and its membership more than doubled. He was steadfast in the pursuit to reform 14 CFR part 147, leading congressional advocacy efforts culminating in what ultimately passed Congress as a direct rule. As recognition of his work, fellow directors presented Ryan with a red line copy of the law that directed the FAA to remove and replace part 147 with ATEC-crafted language.
 
While Ryan's term on the ATEC board has ended, he continues on as a founding director and president of ATEC's sister organization, Choose Aerospace. In that role he leads pursuit of an aggressive goal to enroll 10,000 students in the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum by 2027. The aviation technician education community is indebted to Ryan for his service and continued dedication to this community.
 
See the entire directory of ATEC's elected, volunteer leaders at www.atec-amt.org/leadership.
 
Learn more about the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum for high school programs at www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.
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Call for Presentations: Part 147 Best Practices

10/19/2022

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The new part 147 provides new opportunities for aviation maintenance technician schools looking to better prepare students for careers in aviation maintenance. Several annual conference breakouts will focus on these opportunities. To that end, ATEC is seeking representatives from schools and industry to share best practices and experience on the following topics:
  • Industry-driven curriculum. How is your program incorporating employer-driven specifics into your curriculum? How are you leveraging the new rule to better prepare your students to serve local employers? How are industry stakeholders involved in those efforts to tailor coursework to their specific needs?
  • Additional training locations. Under the new rule, schools can teach away from their primary location. How is your program leveraging local employers and/or secondary education to create more exposure for A&P students? How are you leveraging facilities and equipment outside of the school to enhance learning and better prepare students for local jobs? What does the company-educator partnership look like and what challenges did you overcome to put the partnership into place?
  • Competency-based programs. Now that FAA seat time mandates are a thing of the past, how is your program utilizing competencies to move students through the program at their own pace? What other factors (e.g., accreditors, administration buyoff) did the program have to consider when adopting a competency-based program?
Have other innovative ideas or changes you’re making to your program under the new rule on a topic not listed above? We’d love to hear those as well! Send a short summary to crystal.maguire@atec-amt.org. All proposals will be considered by the annual conference committee for presentation at the conference.
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FAA Issues Guidance for Evaluating Previous Experience for Mechanic Applicants Using the ACS

10/17/2022

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With publication of the new part 147 and mechanic airman certification standards, the FAA is adjusting the way it evaluates mechanic applicant experience under 14 CFR part 65.

Up until Sept. 21, applicants with the requisite 18 months (or 30 months for a second rating) experience were required to have verifiable knowledge/skill in 50 percent of the subject areas listed in the appendices B, C, and D for the rating sought.

Moving forward, the evaluation will be based on the mechanic airman certification standard (FAA-S-ACS-1). Part 65 applicants will be required to have experience in 50 percent of the skill elements in the subject areas of the mechanic ACS, as applicable to the rating sought. (FAA officials have clarified that candidates must have experience in 50 percent of skills over all subject areas for the applicable rating, not 50 percent of each subject area.)

Since current guidance still directs inspectors to use the (now defunct) part 147 appendices, the Deviation Memo will stay in effect until the inspector handbook is revised (specifically, FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 2, paragraph 5-1134, and Section 6, paragraph 5-1253).​
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SMART Grants NOFO, Applications Due Nov. 18

9/29/2022

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The Department of Transportation is seeking applications for its new Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants. The program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which authorized and appropriated $500M to support advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety. 

The grant will fund projects that are focused on using technology interventions to solve real-world challenges and build data and technology capacity and expertise in the public sector. Eligible applicants include public, private, academic, and nonprofit organizations; organized labor and workforce organizations; and community organizations and networks.

Grants are awarded in two stages. This particular NOFO is for Stage 1 (Planning and Prototyping Grant) applicants, 30-50 awardees for up to $2M each are anticipated. Another NOFO seeking Stage 1 applicants is expected to publish in FY23.

Stage 2 Implementation Grants will only be available to Stage 1 recipients and will fund up to $15M. The NOFO for Stage 2 is expected to publish in FY23.

For more information, visit ​https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SMART. 
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Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) Publishes Final Recommendations

9/29/2022

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Two years ago, the FAA established the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) in response to Section 602, “Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force,” of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-254).

The group's objective is to encourage high school students to pursue in-demand careers in aviation. The work product provided to Congress sets forth several recommendations for improving aviation career opportunities, those recommendations are grouped in four categories:

  • Early awareness and engagement. Though the task force’s charter targets high school students, the group cautions that industry can’t wait until potential aviators are in high school, the pathway needs to start sooner.
  • Information access. The “connective tissue” of the report’s findings is communication and resource management.
  • Collaboration. All aerospace stakeholders must follow and build on current models (e.g., the aviation workforce grant programs) that stimulate connection among and between employers, schools, community organizations, labor groups, and every level of government.
  • Addressing financial hurdles. Not only is cost a barrier to entry for many careers requiring specific training and/or certification, but there are also structural limitations – including restrictive regulatory practices – that hold back innovation and limit career growth compared to other industries.

Special thanks to ATEC members that served on the task force including ATEC President Jim Hall (WSU Tech), previous ATEC President Ryan Goertzen (AAR Corp), and previous ATEC director Joel English (AIM).

To access the agency’s committee webpage, click here.
To download the report, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting, click here or use the viewer below.
​Full analysis by our good friend and aviation workforce news writer Kathryn Creedy is available by clicking here.
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ATEC Journal: Call for Papers

9/9/2022

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The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. 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

In addition to these, submissions discussing the current situation in classrooms or industry regarding the effects of COVID restrictions or the implementation of the new FAR 147 are welcome. 
 
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 fall issue is October 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. ​
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The 2022 Boeing Technician Outlook: A Closer Look

8/31/2022

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Picture
Last month, Boeing released its hotly anticipated annual forecast, with demand numbers that are oft repeated in workforce development circles. Indeed, ATEC’s annual Pipeline Report relies heavily on Boeing’s personnel projections when calculating its mechanic supply targets.
 
In its 2022-2041 Pilot and Technician Outlook, Boeing projects that over the next 20 years, commercial aviation will need 610,000 new maintenance technicians to maintain the global commercial aviation fleet—134,000 of those in North America.
 
Readers will remember a significant drop in last year’s forecasted demand due to the removal of business aviation and civil helicopter personnel needs from the report’s calculation. This year’s report makes that same exclusion and also eliminates Russian personnel projections, given continued unrest in that region.
 
If we carry over those same exclusions to previous year forecasts (allowing an apple-to-apple comparison), we’ll find that commercial technician demand has actually increased over the last three years, both globally and in North America. Indeed, demand in North America has increased at an average annual rate of 3% since 2019.

Picture
​The big takeaway for FAA-certificated maintenance programs is this: The forecasted demand for maintenance technicians continues its multi-year climb despite pandemic impacts. Boeing’s 2022-2041 Pilot Technician Outlook projects that the North American market will need 134,000 new technicians to support fleet operators and providers of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Forecasted demand for commercial aviation technicians in North America has eclipsed pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10%.
 
One other takeaway succinctly stated in the Boeing report: “The combination of fleet growth, attrition, and replacement will continue to drive high demand for the foreseeable future.” The statement reinforces the message that education and industry must continue to innovate in the aviation technician education space to not only replace those that have left the industry since the pandemic started, but also to meet new demand.
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ATEC Mourns Loss of a Friend...

7/27/2022

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John Edward Wing, age 71, resident of Rowlett, TX, passed away June 5, 2022. He was born November 25, 1950, in Atlanta, GA, to Edward Arthur Wing, Jr. and Joan (Stevenson) Wing. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rockwall. John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John grew up in the Atlanta area and graduated from Lakeside High School in 1968. He met the love of his life, Nancy, when he was only sixteen years old. After being turned down numerous times, John finally convinced her to go on a date with him, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August. Having been given a discovery flight at age 14, he was hooked on flying. He completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, and he took great pride on the fact that he could fly an airplane by himself legally before he could drive a car.

Throughout his early flying days, he worked as a lineman at Epps Air Service at Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Atlanta. He flew as a charter pilot and a corporate pilot after college. He went on to work for Van Dusen Aircraft Supplies, where he started in sales and rose through the ranks to become their National Sales Manager. He later worked for AAR Corporation and Standard Aero before establishing Wing Aero Products, Inc. in 1986. The company was founded with the intent to always treat the customer and his employees with the golden rule in mind.

John has flown an airplane from coast to coast, both for business and pleasure. He especially had an affinity for the mountains and the American west. It was often by flying that John and Nancy took pleasure in being able to show their girls the world. Traveling was one of his and Nancy’s favorite things to do together. When they weren’t travelling by air, John enjoyed taking the family on cruises. They have been to all fifty states and thirty-eight foreign countries. John loved introducing people to the joy of aviation, and so many of those he took flying for the first time caught “the flying bug” and entered the industry themselves. In 2017, John received the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, signifying fifty years of safe piloting experience. This rare award has been issued to just over 7,000 pilots in U.S. history.

John enjoyed playing golf whenever he got the chance. He would frequently combine his love of aviation with his love of golf and would invite friends on fun golf trips all over the U.S., especially to scenic destinations.

His sense of humor was always present in everything he did, and he had the most infectious belly laugh you’ve ever heard. John was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel special. He was affectionately known as “Poppy” to his two grandchildren, and he loved being a grandfather. He dedicated his whole heart to his girls, and everyone who knew him knows that his family was the most important thing in his life.

John is survived by his loving wife: Nancy (Lane) Wing; daughters: Kelly Folds and husband Jonathan, and Katie Smith and husband Ben; grandchildren: Matthew Folds and Emily Folds; sister: Susan Palmer and husband Bob; brothers-in law: Steve Lane and wife Marta, and Jeff Lane and wife Molly; and nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Steven.

https://www.resthavenfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Wing-2/#!/Obituary 
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ARCS Aviation to release Ekanos August 2022

6/17/2022

1 Comment

 
Ekanos is an interactive eBook solution that aligns with new FAA mechanic airman certification standards (ACS). Ekanos e-books are interactive and engaging, i.e., students can watch theory concepts in action, for example, animation of aircraft engine working, or hydraulic system schematic working and perform virtual practices like using a maintenance tool and performing procedures and experiments within the eBook. Ekanos is an effort of ARCS to make aircraft maintenance technician training easy and effective. 
 
Ekanos includes detailed curriculum coverage of general, airframe, and powerplant courses and are accessible from any device, anywhere, 24x7. Supplemental VR and AR activities can be added based on customer requirements.
The eBook will be a valuable resource for A&P programs looking to modernize their curriculums in line with the new part 147 and certification standards. Ekanos suits as a quick and ready-to-use solution for aircraft maintenance training organizations looking for out-of-the-box solutions to address ACS elements new to part 147 curriculums.

ATEC and ARCS have partnered to provide members 20% off standard user fees. For more information, pricing, and subscriptions, visit https://ekanos.online/ or reach out to Natalie LaFlam at natalie.laflam@arcsaviation.com or Barjes Alotaibi at barjes@arcsaviation.com.

Information on this and other ATEC member discounts are available on our Affinity Page.

More information on the eBooks and the partnership with ATEC will be given during our live webinar on July 25 at 1pm CT. Please use the link below to register. 
Watch the Recording
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FAA Publishes the New Part 147

5/24/2022

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​After more than a decade of advocacy by industry stakeholders, the FAA has promulgated a new part 147​. The regulation will usher in a new approach to aviation technical training, one that provides more freedom and flexibility for educators and their industry partners. 

The new Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 147 goes into effect in 120 days and will continue to govern aviation maintenance technician schools that hold an FAA certificate.

The new rule is in line with congressional mandate originating on Dec. 12, 2019 with introduction of the Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act (S.3043/H.R.5427). The bill was industry-supported, bipartisan and bicameral, and championed by Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), the late Don Young (R-Alaska), and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.). On Dec. 27, 2020, the PARTT 147 Act was signed into law as part of the massive coronavirus relief package, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R.133/Public Law 116-260).

The new rule introduces a performance-based regulation that will massively change the way FAA approves and oversees aviation technical programs.

Under the new rule, for nationally accredited programs, the FAA will defer to Department of Education accreditors in all areas concerning quality of education, meaning the agency will no longer approve curriculums, methods of instructional delivery (i.e., no more FAA distance learning authorizations required), how and where educational content is consumed (i.e., schools will have the opportunity to provide training at an additional fixed location, such as a high school), grading systems, testing schedules, or class sizes. And under the watchful eye of national accrediting bodies, AMTS will assess educational outcomes in lieu of meeting seat time mandates—aligning aviation maintenance education with common practice in other technical-related programs.

As part of the part 147 certification requirements, the FAA will continue to oversee a program's facilities, equipment, and instructor qualifications, control the certification standards (i.e., mechanic airman certification standards) that drive school curriculums, and continually assess AMTS performance through analysis of student passage rates. And most importantly for aviation safety, the FAA will retain the ultimate decision-making authority when it comes to issuing mechanic certificates, which it only does after through assessment of an individual’s skill and knowledge.

In preparation for the upcoming effective date, ATEC has put together a host of resources and events to support the transition. Visit the The New Part 147 landing page for more information.
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Call for ATEC Director Nominations, Due August 1

5/24/2022

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The board supports ATEC’s mission and provides leadership and strategic governance. Each fall, the ATEC nominating committee undergoes a selection process to fill vacating directorships, this fall both industry and school representative slots are available. New directors will be elected during a fall board meeting. Learn more and submit a nomination here.
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Happy AMT Day!

5/24/2022

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In celebration of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, members provided materials and resources that could be used in the classroom to commemorate the efforts of aviation maintenance professionals and the achievements of Charles Taylor:
  • A PowerPoint presentation (provided by the Aviation Institute of Maintenance) provides an overview of the life of Charles Taylor.
  • AMT Magazine’s May issue included an article written by Charles Taylor in 1948 while he was living in retirement in California. It was first published in Collier's on Dec. 25, 1948 and was reprinted in Air Line Pilot in December 1978. It was provided by Charles Edward Taylor II, the great-grandson of Charles Taylor. It’s well worth the read.
  • Flight Safety Detectives Podcast: John, Greg and Todd talk about the impacts of Taylor’s work in the earliest days of aviation.
More to share? We’ll add to the list each year so send ATEC your contribution! ​
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ATEC Recognizes 2022 Student and Educator of the Year

5/24/2022

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An instructor at Federal Aerospace Institute and a student from Blue Ridge Community College have been named the 2022 recipients of ATEC's most prestigious awards. The annual awards are made possible through partnership with the Northrop Rice Foundation and JSfirm.com, who provide cash prizes as well as registration, travel and accommodations to the ATEC Annual Conference.
 
FAI educator Brad McDonald was named the Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award for 2022, while BRCC Student Waren Lelewa was named the James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year for 2022.
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Lelewa was recognized for being a pioneer among distance learning students during his first year, attending online courses from his home country of Indonesia. Upon obtaining his visa, he was able to join BRCC in person while maintaining a 4.0 GPA across the board.
 
“His workmanship is of the highest quality and he is never satisfied with anything less than his very best,” said Professor Fred Dyen.  “Outstanding is his minimum criteria for any laboratory based projects and all of the instructors have no problem in assigning Waren to work on any airworthy aircraft or components.”
Nominations for educator of the year recognize AMT instructors who, either through a single event or over the span of a career, have a direct impact on aviation maintenance students.  McDonald is the first educator from Federal Aerospace Institute to receive the award.
McDonald is a certified A&P, a certified pilot, and is currently pursuing a business degree. In November of 2020 he turned a dream into a reality when he opened the doors to the first postsecondary FAA certified 147 school. Since then he has created a learning environment that embraces hands-on learning through restoration projects and virtual reality lessons.
 
“He has earned the respect and reputation as an ambitious, motivated, and passionate instructor and mentor, as well as an integral source of knowledge within the aviation community,” said Marketing Director Marion Rapp. “Mr. McDonald fosters excellence in an energetic environment and embraces the diversities of all students.”
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Both Lelewa and McDonald received a cash award and was honored at the ATEC Awards Luncheon on March 21 during the ATEC Annual Conference in Fort Worth.
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From left to right: Choose Aerospace President Ryan Goertzen, BRCC Faculty and Student of the Year Nominator Fred Dyen, Student of the Year Waren Lelewa, Educator of the Year Brad McDonald, Federal Aerospace Institute Marketing Director and Educator of the Year Nominator Marion Rapp, ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire
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Avotek-Online offers Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training to equip new maintenance instructors

5/9/2022

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Weyers Cave, Virginia—Avotek’s newest online course, Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training, gives instructors the tools and knowledge they will use every day in becoming more effective, specifically in aviation maintenance. The course is a companion to Avotek’s popular book, Aviation Mechanic Instructor’s Handbook, which was released last fall. The book notes that people have different learning styles, so one should deliver the content in various styles. By offering this training in an audio, visual, and online format, author David Jones is following his own advice.

The aviation community has always relied on finding people with the skills needed to do the job, and then employing them to instruct the next generation. Some new instructors quickly discover that they need additional skills and knowledge to become an effective instructor of adult learners. This course includes over 3 hours of material. Jones created the lessons to cover the core concepts that are in the instructor’s handbook.

For more information on this course, see https://avotek-online.com/p/aviation-mechanic-instructor-training
To order the companion book, go to https://www.avotek.com/shop/aviation-mechanic-instructors-handbook-textbook/

About Avotek
Avotek, of Weyers Cave, VA, develops and manufactures modern, fully functional aviation maintenance training systems; publishes a full line of high-quality, up-to-date textbooks that complement its training systems; and offers online training.
Avotek has earned an industry reputation for quality and excellence. Our team of authors includes mechanics, inspectors, aviation experts, and instructors. They are actively involved in aviation maintenance training or working in the aviation maintenance field. They bring their expertise to Avotek from colleges, universities, and current hands-on experience.
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FAA Accepting Applications for Aviation Workforce Development Grants

5/3/2022

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WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration is seeking applications for two Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs aimed at developing and inspiring a more diverse pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to join the next generation of aviation professionals. This is the FAA’s second funding opportunity for these programs. A total of $10 million is available for the grants.

The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants will educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will prepare aviation maintenance technicians. Eligible entities can submit applications at www.grants.gov through June 10, 2022.

Eligible entities may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for each grant per fiscal year. Last year, the FAA awarded $10 million in grants to more than 30 schools and organizations.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to public questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd.
​

Potential applicants should visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them to complete their grant application.
Learn More
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ATEC Leaders Brief Broader Community on New Part 147

4/11/2022

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On April 6, ATEC participated in an Aviation Week webinar entitled "Change Finally Comes to Part 147 Training." 

SUU's Jared Britt, AMFA's Justin Madden, AAR's Ryan Goertzen, and ATEC's Crystal Maguire gave an overview of the "road to reform," how stakeholders engaged with Congress to order the agency to revamp the rules, and how schools will adjust under the new regulation to teach aspiring aviation technicians.

Watch the full recording at aviationweek.com/mro/webinar-change-finally-comes-part-147-training.

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Aviation Week's 20 Twenties Program

3/29/2022

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Nominations for the 20 Twenties class of 2022 are in full swing and Aviation Week Network would like to ask for your assistance.

Do you have or know of any students or interns who are on course to change the face of the aerospace and defense industry? We're looking for those rising stars — the young innovators, passionate believers, and future A&D leaders. 

The 20 Twenties program was established by Aviation Week Network in 2013 to recognize talented individuals with a bright future in Aerospace & Defense.

To nominate a student, please complete this form and then share it with other deans or faculty members who have exceptional students.
​
For general information on the 20 Twenties program, click here. 
All submissions must be received by April 29, 2022.
Have questions? Feel free to contact Anna Dariotis at anna.dariotis@avationweek.com
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The New Part 147 is Here

3/10/2022

1 Comment

 
The biggest change in aviation maintenance technician education in half a century is upon us. A new rule to modernize aviation maintenance technician school programs will publish later this month. An advance copy of the new part 147 is available at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/part-147-aviation-maintenance-technician-schools-amts-interim-final-rule.
 
This morning, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Billy Nolen spoke at the Aeronautical Repair Station Association Symposium revealing that the FAA has "signed off" on the interim final rule and that there is more to come in the weeks ahead. Mere moments later, FAA Deputy Assistant Administrator (Acting) Jana Lozano advised congressional allies that the signed rule was available for review, and that it would publish in the Federal Register in the coming weeks. The rule's effective date will be 120 days after publication.
 
At first glance the interim final rule looks to be aligned with congressional mandates. ATEC will review the language in the coming days and provide a thorough analysis at its upcoming ATEC Annual Conference, scheduled for March 20-23 in Fort Worth. FAA officials will also attend to brief attendees on the rulemaking.
 
Since the PARTT 147 Act was passed by Congress in December 2019 (as sec. 135 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act), ATEC has created a library of resources to prepare schools for the monumental change to aviation technician education. Visit atec-amt.org/the-new-part-147 for resources and previously-recorded webinars to help schools get prepared.
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