TO: ATEC Members
FROM: Ryan Goertzen, President
RE: ATEC January 2016 Update

STAYING THE COURSE ON BEHALF OF THE AMTS COMMUNITY

Fellow Educators, Industry Members, Colleagues and Friends,

It’s hard to believe that January is almost over and soon the AMTS community will be descend upon Atlanta for ATEC’s Annual Conference (make sure it’s on your calendar: April 9-12…better yet, make sure you’re registered)...

Download the full letter at: ​http://www.atec-amt.org/uploads/1/0/7/5/10756256/atec-presidentletter-official-20160201.pdf?. 

​Each year, ATEC solicits aviation technician educators to suggest topics of interest for presentation at the annual conference. Several responded to the call and submitted abstracts for consideration; two were selected by the review committee. The following papers will be presented at the ATEC annual conference in Atlanta on April 9-12, 2016. Thanks to all those who submitted papers for consideration!
                                                             
Can an A&P Technician be Aliterate and Still be Competent?
Terry Michmerhuizen, Assistant Professor, College of Aviation, Western Michigan University
Aliteracy, is defined as “having the ability to read, but choosing not to.” Since one of the primary causes of maintenance related aviation accidents is the failure to follow procedures, the aviation industry can certainly benefit from an improved method for communicating technical information. The presentation will look at the benefits of utilizing a more integrated approach to developing clear and effective work instructions.
 
The Future of Maintenance Training Using New Teaching Technologies
Denis Manson, Instructional Designer, Aviation Australia
Younger generations, the new maintenance workforce, are demanding greater engagement in training materials. The presentation will focus on implementation of a virtual training environment, including 3D training models and gaming techniques, for training and assessing the next generation.

On Jan. 22, ATEC submitted a letter requesting a deviation to experience requirements for Designated Mechanic Examiners (DME) found in Order 8900.2A. The overly restrictive language has created difficulties for those seeking and renewing DME designations across the country. Although the agency plans to release new inspector guidance (Draft Order 8000.95 CHG 2) this summer that will alleviate some concerns, many of the most experienced AMTS instructors will be ineligible for designation until then.
To see more from ATEC on this issue, click here.

​The part 147 rulemaking working group continues to develop ATEC’s comments to the aviation maintenance technician school notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (see previous stories here, here, here and here). The working group will solicit member feedback on the proposed rule, giving the council time  to finalize and gather industry group support before submission. Comments to the NPRM are due Feb. 1, 2016.

Nominate an outstanding aviation maintenance technician student or instructor and apply for Northrop Rice Foundation (NRF) aviation scholarships by Jan. 31. As a benefit of membership, these opportunities are only available to members of ATEC and NRF.

ATEC Awards
 
If you know someone who through academic excellence, community involvement or professional skill makes a direct, positive impact on their associates, school and community, nominate them for one of ATEC's annual awards. The student and educator of the year get to attend the 2016 ATEC Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. For eligibility and evaluation criteria, and to complete an online nomination form, please click the appropriate link below:
 
James Reardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award

Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award
 
Northrop Rice Foundation Scholarships

Like ATEC, NRF is also dedicated to AMT education and the future of the industry. Scholarship applications from eligible students, instructors, veterans and schools are due Jan. 31. Review the list of 2016 opportunities and apply today.

On Jan. 8, ATEC joined more than 350 other organizations in a letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Carl. D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Perkins supports career and technical education (CTE) programs through grants to states. It is long-overdue for overhaul and has come under fire in recent years for being out of touch with the needs of the modern workforce.
 
The broad show of support for action on Perkins represents the growing recognition that technical, hands-on training provides students with more opportunity and employers with essential human capital. The law has long been the federal government’s central tool in supporting efforts by schools and businesses to grow essential skills; the association and its allies asked lawmakers to enhance areas that can boost the modern economy.
 
The group contends the government can most effectively utilize federal spending on technical programs when curricula consider workforce demand. To ensure such consideration exists, the letter asked that reauthorization legislation align CTE programs with the needs of labor markets and support collaboration between educators and employers.  
 
“CTE is an effective tool for improving student outcomes and helps prepare both secondary and postsecondary students with the necessary academic, technical and employability skills required for successful entry into the workforce,” the letter said. “Indeed, CTE prepares students both for college and careers.”
 
The association will continue to support this broad coalition of businesses and industry groups to build the right educational infrastructure. After graduating from programs rooted in strong CTE skills, students will have options. By taking advantage of federal policy and working locally to meet labor demand, so will the aviation community.