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 Aviation Institute of Maintenance PowerPoint presentation (available under the “history” section of the shared curricular materials page) 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.
• Delta Tech Ops video celebrates its maintenance technicians.

More to share? We’ll add to the list each year so send ATEC your contribution! 

ATEC's executive director and several AMTS representatives are part of a recently-expanded FAA/industry working group that will create procedures for developing and maintaining FAA mechanic test questions.

The working group was originally created in 2011 to revise pilot testing standards, which suffer from the same woes as its maintenance counterpart. The group developed an Airman Certification Standard (ACS) that serves as a guide for FAA test writers. The new ACS will roll out for instrument and private pilot certification this summer. 

The working group was expanded in response to ATEC's request that the mechanic test bank be released for review and comment. ATEC is hopeful that the "compromise" position, development of a working group to address the root cause, will provide a framework to ensure mechanic certificate applicants aren't forced to memorize incorrect answers and study outdated material.

For more information on the working group's activities, visit the Airman Testing web page.

In response to an FAA inquiry regarding ATEC's request for a competency-based part 147 regulation, ATEC submitted supplemental comments to the part 147 notice of proposed rulemaking.

Redefining the use of time is the single most significant policy enabler for competency-based learning models; ATEC therefore reiterated its request that the agency remove all prescriptive requirements from part 147, which would allow AMTS to incorporate competency-based learning models into their programs. The supplemental comments also gave specific examples on how AMTS programs could change under a competency-based regulation, and relieve FAA of burdensome and unnecessary oversight responsibilities.

The comments supplement ATEC’s previous comments to the NPRM, and an aviation industry coalition letter and STEM coalition letter in support of those comments.

Each year, ATEC recognizes excellence in aviation maintenance training by honoring an outstanding educator and an exemplary student. At the Annual Conference in Atlanta, the council announced this year’s award recipients, who represent the very best of the AMTS community. Thanks to all those who nominated students, colleagues and friends, and congratulations to our very deserving winners.

James Rardon Student of the Year
Joel Brashear, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
​
After serving six years in the Air Force, Joel enrolled at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology where he is on the President’s Honor Roll (achieving a 4.0 each term) and receives awards for perfect attendance. He is active in the student council, leads volunteer and charitable efforts and is president of the AMT Society local chapter, communications officer for the Student Veterans for America, Spartan Chapter and captain of the school’s 2016 Aerospace Maintenance Competition team.

Joel’s commitment to and respect for his future profession was apparent in the letters faculty and administration sent in support of his nomination. Joel’s instructor Ron Worthington presented his award stating, “In my twenty plus years as an aviation maintenance technician educator, I have not found a student who is more deserving of this prestigious award.”

The Rardon award is given in cooperation with the Northrop Rice Foundation, which supports the advancement of aviation maintenance careers through scholarship.

Ivan D. Livi Educator of the Year
Mark Peeples, Director of Aviation Systems Technology, Wayne Community College

Mr. Peeples has more than 40 years experience in aviation. After serving 25 years with the U.S. Navy, he graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2002 with a degree in aeronautics and holds a pilot certificate with instrument rating and an A&P mechanics certificate. He has dedicated the last 15 years to serving the future aviation technician.

Mr. Peeples was nominated by his college Dr. Ernie White who stated in his recommendation: “Mark is clearly an outstanding professional, mentor, and colleague, as well as an exceptional instructor. He consistently places students first in the classroom and is willing to come early or stay late to help students to be successful… Like hours on a place, Mark has touched many students and as he continues to climb to altitude, leaving behind the legend of a complete aviation maintenance educator.”