|
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.
0 Comments
The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to--
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.  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.  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. 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 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. 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. 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.  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 Avotek-Online offers Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training to equip new maintenance instructors5/9/2022 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. 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.  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. 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 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. ARCS Aviation will soon release the Ekanos, an interactive eBook solution that aligns with FAA mechanic airman certification standards. The eBook will be a valuable resource for A&P programs looking to modernize their curriculums in line with the new part 147.
Ekanos e-books are interactive and engaging, allowing students to see theory concepts in action through animation and virtual exercises within the eBook. ATEC and ARCS Aviation have partnered to provide members receive 20% off standard user fees. For more information, visit the ARCS booth at the ATEC Annual Conference. During the Annual Board Meeting (open to all), scheduled as a precursor to the ATEC Annual Conference, directors will vote on a revision to the bylaws that would create a membership category for non-certificated aviation programs. Academic Membership is intended to serve predominately high schools, to include new programs adopting the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
The board composition would also be revised to retain the seven seats for part 147 certificated school members, but reallocate one of the current five industry member seats for an Academic Member, and specifically a high school representative. Members are encouraged to review the draft revision, and provide feedback before or during the March 20 board meeting. See the draft revision. The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to--
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 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. The ATEC annual survey is underway. All U.S.-based educational institutions with certificated aviation technical programs are asked to respond.
The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess key trends in aviation maintenance education, gather demographics of the entering workforce, support industry recruitment programs and initiatives, and guide future association activities and priorities. This year's survey will also analyze the impact COVID-19 has had on the aviation technical career pipeline. Aggregate results will be published in the ATEC Pipeline Report this spring, along with the list of participating schools. Specific identifying information regarding programs offered, current enrollment, graduation expectations and dates will also be included in ATEC’s online school directory. Earlier today, ATEC sent each aviation program's designated "primary contact" a link to the survey. If your school did not receive an invitation to participate or would like to confirm your school's primary contact, please email atec@atec-amt.org. Since data from various sources may be required to complete the survey, respondents are advised to collect information before beginning an electronic submission. To aid those efforts, a PDF version of the questionnaire is available for download here. The survey is open Jan. 19 - Feb. 2. 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 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 22nd 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 32nd 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 Fort Worth where they will be recognized during the award luncheon. The deadline to submit nominations is January 15, 2022. ATEC's foundational arm, Choose Aerospace, is piloting testing aviation maintenance curriculum for deployment in a high school setting. The computer-based content covers the general subject areas in emerging mechanic airman certification standards and provides a unique opportunity for part 147 schools looking to increase program awareness in their communities. The webinar, directed at a part 147 audience, will provide an overview of the curriculum, suggestions on how a part 147 program can structure matriculation agreements with high school partners, and a summary of what is required to adopt and implement the content.
For more information, visit https://www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.html. The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation and Space Education Airport Design Challenge registration opens November 1, 2021.
This annual competition is an opportunity for K-12 students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry and STEM concepts and careers. “The Airport Design Challenge is a perfect fit of science, technology, engineering and math which is so much a part of what we do at the FAA and so important to pass on to the next generation.” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. The Airport Design Challenge helps students use the Microsoft game Minecraft to design virtual airports based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts. Students will collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. During the five weeks of organized lesson plans, participants will cover topics ranging from airport layout, pavement and lighting to structures and innovative growth. Program facilitators will use weekly knowledge-check quizzes and screen shots of students’ designs to assess progress and provide feedback. “The one thing that I found most intriguing about this whole program, was that the Airport Design Challenge allows students of all ages to compete at a global level, while also being able to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Arjun Saini a lead on Team Aireos, which placed in the top three during last year’s Challenge. Collaborative work between students, parents and facilitators will focus on applying STEM-based knowledge in math, engineering and career development. While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually. The virtual event is open to both U.S. and international students. Last year, approximately 800 students participated and many more are expected this year. The FAA Airport Design Challenge website has more information about the competition and how to register. Strong momentum at the front of the mechanic pipeline in 2019 was slowed by the historic industry downturn, but the long-term need for more skilled technicians has not changed, says a new report from the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC). This, the 2021 Pipeline Report adds, increases the urgency to the already-established priority of ensuring the pipeline is leveraging all available resources, including capacity in aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS).
In 2020, the FAA issued 30 percent fewer airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificates than it did the previous year—a devastating drop given the workforce development strides made in 2019 when more individuals achieved FAA mechanic certification than in any of the previous 17 years. While the dip is likely an anomaly related to the COVID-19 pandemic's ramifications, the long-term effect of the pandemic on the mechanic pipeline remains unclear. Demand, however, has not changed. Commercial air transport passenger traffic is on track to recover by 2023-24, and the U.S. market is already approaching 2019's capacity figures. Despite the short-term decline in maintenance demand triggered by reduced flying and related employment reductions, long-term forecasts continue to project a shortage in qualified mechanics. The mechanic population is expected to increase 13 percent over the next 20 years, but ultimately fall 12,000 mechanics short of meeting commercial aviation needs in 2041. This optimistic scenario assumes pre-pandemic certification rates return. Despite the overall drop in newly certified A&P mechanics, 2020 did include some positive development. AMTS reported 11 percent of A&P graduates were female, compared to 2.6 percent representation in the broader mechanic population. In addition, 40 percent of graduates represent a racial or ethnic minority. In addition, AMTS enrollments increased 5 percent in 2020—a drop over 2019's increase, but still a welcome sign during an historic downturn. "The entire commercial aviation industry was brought to its knees in 2020, and the mechanic pipeline was no different," said Crystal Maguire, ATEC Executive Director. "Despite the decline in newly certificated mechanics, the uptick in enrollments and the expanding diversity of new graduates are not only encouraging signs, but clues to how we can help bridge the gap between the number of mechanics we will have and are projected to need in two decades.” Industry's need to innovate quickly during the pandemic has led to some positive developments. Virtual learning gained acceptance, for instance, and ATEC's new foundation, Choose Aerospace, was re-envisioned to better serve the maintenance industry by focusing on high school curriculum development. "Successful leadership means embracing the opportunities that a crisis creates," said Gary Hoyle, ATEC President and Director of Campus Operations at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. "ATEC's leadership did not lose its focus on the most important issues to members and the aviation maintenance industry, and are leveraging some of the downturn's silver linings to help our community recover and grow even stronger." Download the 2021 Pipeline Report & Aviation Maintenance School Directory at www.atec-amt.org/pipeline-report Watch the recorded version of the report briefing at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/4171205586628038401 Alexandria, Va. (October20, 2021) – Helicopter Association International (HAI) deeply regrets to announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Summers, director of flight operations for HAI for nearly 18 years and a fixture in the rotorcraft industry since the 1960s. Service information and methods of honoring his memory are pending and will be released as soon as they are available.
“Words truly fail me today,” says James Viola, president and CEO of HAI. “Hal was an icon in the industry, a subject-matter expert on everything involving helicopter maintenance, and he felt it was an honor and obligation to share his wisdom and experience with the rest of us. We are a better industry because of his passionate contributions, and he will be profoundly missed.” Harold’s aviation career spanned more than six decades. After receiving his A&P license, he worked in Alaska in the early 1960s. Harold joined Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) in 1964, eventually becoming vice president of maintenance, where he presided over maintenance and support for a global fleet with more than 400 helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico alone. He later served as acting chief engineer for a joint venture between PHI and China Southern Helicopter Company in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, where he met his wife, Zhilin. In 2004, Harold joined HAI, where he was directly responsible for managing the fly-in and fly-out each year for HAI HELI-EXPO®. In that role, he would work with local airports to coordinate staging and fueling sites and with the FAA to manage the regulatory requirements, and then managed the arrival and departure of up to 60 helicopters to be displayed on the show floor. Harold also worked with other HAI staff members, regulators, and industry stakeholders to resolve issues for HAI members. Harold was equally active in using his expertise to advance the industry by participating in myriad HAI working groups, industry working groups, and national and international regulatory committees or working groups. He served as the staff liaison to the HAI Technical and Maintenance Working Group, and the Utilities, Patrol, and Construction (UPAC) Working Group. He also actively or previously represented HAI and the rotorcraft industry on the FAA Bird Strike Advisory and Rulemaking Committee working group (ARAC) (completed); FAA Rotorcraft Occupant Protection ARAC working group (completed); FAA HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System); FAA International Vertical Aviation Safety Conference Planning Team; NASA’s Rotorcraft Issue Analysis Team (R-IAT); Rotorcraft Maintenance Programs Industry Group (RMPIG); RTCA SC-237, WG 110, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS); RTCA SC-239, Interference to Radio Altimeters from Certain 5G Networks; RTCA SC-241, Guidance for Cockpit and Cabin Cleaning; and the Southern California Airspace Users WG (SCAUWG). “Harold’s career was massive in breadth,” continues Viola. “He received the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award, which recognizes 50 years of working in aircraft maintenance. I expect many people receive that award at the end of a long and illustrious career. Not Harold. He received his plaque and pin in 2011 and continued to serve for 10 more years. He sent his last email on behalf of HAI literally hours before his unexpected passing. He will be greatly missed as a colleague and friend by many.” # # # HAI is the professional trade association for the international helicopter industry and represents more than 1,100 global companies and over 16,000 industry professionals in more than 65 countries. Each year, HAI members safely operate more than 3,700 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft approximately 2.9 million hours. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community. In support the FAA’s Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force, ATEC is asking its members help distribute an educator survey developed by the Task Force’s Trends Subcommittee. If your organization is, and/or has relationships with K-12 institutions or programs, please forward the following request in support of the group’s objective to encourage high school students to pursue careers in aviation:
Dear Educator, The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) needs your help. YIATF is an advisory group established to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with recommendations that will encourage students to pursue in-demand careers in aviation. The group is examining trends that directly or indirectly encourage or discourage young people from pursuing aviation careers. To assist the Task Force in understanding the role of the educator and what recommendations would best support the goal, the group would like your input. To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.gle/NfH3AHY3U8Doe1An9 We greatly appreciate your assistance on this important effort. While responses from post-secondary education is welcome, the Task Force is especially interested in feedback from the K-12 community. We certainly appreciate our members passing the request along to their local partners in education. |
ATEC NewsStay tuned for updates on everything ATEC members need to know as well as ways that you can help the council and the AMTS community. Categories
All
Archives
September 2022
|
RSS Feed
