Now in its fourth year, the Regional Airline Association's (RAA) University Commons has quickly become a favorite stop on the show floor during the association's annual convention.  

University Commons participants have the opportunity to show off their college or university aviation program while also engaging with RAA member airline executives and attending meeting track sessions throughout the week.  This is the perfect opportunity for future aviation professionals to network with industry leaders.  


RAA is looking for ATEC member schools to join together in Cleveland from May 11-14. Can you be there?

With no exhibitor fee, schools that participate in the commons get:

• 8' clotch-covered table for table-top displays.
• 3 complimentary registrations.
• Evening event tickets.
• Complimentary RAA Associate Membership for One Year ($650 value).

The association also encourages student participation and will wave registration fees for students with valid student IDs.

For more information about University Commons, visit the University Commons event page. Interested? Contact Brett Levanto (brett.levanto@atec-amt.org) in the council's business office for more information.

ATEC surveyed all aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) holding an FAA part 147 certificate in order to assess key trends in the industry and gather data about both student and institutional needs in order to plan future council programs and initiatives.

The survey period closed on Jan. 16, 2015. Out of the 172 AMTS contained in the FAA certificate database, 54 responded – nearly one third of the entire population. This strong participation rate makes the survey a reliable snapshot of the AMTS community.

Take a look at that picture; view an infographic of the results by clicking the image below.

Each year, ATEC recognizes excellence in aviation maintenance training by honoring an outstanding educator and an exemplary student. On March 9, the council announced the 2015 recipients of the James Rardon AMT Student of the Year and the Ivan D. Livi AMT Educator of the Year awards:

James Rardon AMT Student of the Year

Russell Wheatley
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

From the nomination…
Russell is a role model for his fellow students. He is always digging deeper into things, trying to find out why things happen and how to correct problems that arise … Truly, he is one of few students who can so adeptly manage their responsibilities while also providing mentorship to others.

The Rardon award is given in cooperation with the Northrop Rice Foundation. For a complete list of NRF-administered recognition winners, click here.

Ivan D. Livi AMT Educator of the Year

Nancy Jones
Instructor  (15 Years)
Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Chesapeake, VA

From the nomination…
The effect of Ms. Jones' performance as an educator is shown to me on a regular basis. When a graduate who is working in aviation comes back to visit our school, the first person they want to see and thank is Ms. Jones … I have called Ms. Jones the “Mother Teresa of Aviation,” which best describes her personality and dedication as an educator.

Considering the challenges faced by the entire AMTS community, Ms. Jones noted that students, graduates and those who support them all have to make sacrifices. "In addition to attending school, students usually also have a full-time job and families.  This requires a huge commitment that requires sacrifice." 

Unlike other kinds of students, who might be able to invest themselves heavily into more slowly-paced coursework, future A&P mechanics must master complicated material in a short period of time. They drink from a firehouse for 18 months, while balancing their family and personal lives, and try not to drown. Considering these challenges, the council is all the more thankful for the hard work and dedication of Ms. Jones and Mr. Wheatley. 

The honorees will be recognized at this year’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida (be sure to see them there). They represent the very best of the AMTS community and our best hope for the future safety of the flying public.