Advocacy in Action: Continuing the Work for Aviation Maintenance Education

ATEC continues to advocate for policies that strengthen aviation maintenance education, expand certification pathways, and address workforce development challenges. Recent efforts reflect the association's ongoing engagement with federal policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Supporting Early FAA Testing Opportunities

ATEC thanks the educators, industry partners, and supporters who submitted comments on petition FAA-2026-9274, which seeks to allow eligible Choose Aerospace students to take the FAA General knowledge test before meeting the experience requirements for mechanic certification.

The public comment period closed September 23. ATEC hopes to see the exemption implemented in time for the next academic year, pending FAA approval.

Advancing Regulatory Priorities

ATEC's regulatory work continues on several fronts. The Mechanic Airman Certification Standards Working Group is incorporating additional industry feedback before submitting its final recommendations to the FAA, with ATEC requesting a two-year implementation period.

Read more about the ACS recommendations.

Following the FAA's release of its first complete three-year Part 147 Minimum Passage Rate Report, ATEC continues to advocate for more detailed, actionable testing data to help schools evaluate student outcomes and improve training programs.

Read more about the passage rate report.

Looking Ahead

Building on discussions during its annual Fly-In, ATEC continues to pursue workforce development funding, improved DME access, and certification modernization. The association is also evaluating potential priorities for future FAA reauthorization, including progressive certification and privileges associated with a General rating.

Read more about ATEC's advocacy efforts at the 2026 Fly-In.