Cincinnati, OH — Winning a scholarship gets you access to once in a lifetime opportunities with some of the most sought-after companies in aviation. AWAM Scholarships provide excellent educational opportunities that will increase your credentials, and further develop your skills. For students, scholarship funds will help to upgrade your tool box, pay your way through college and attend valuable networking events. All Scholarships will be awarded March 24th at the AWAM Scholarship Breakfast during the 2018 WAI conference in Reno, NV. The application deadline is November 1, 2017.

This year AWAM is offering 49 Scholarships totaling over $185,000 for students and professionals in the field of Aviation Maintenance. Scholarships include: engine maintenance training from Pratt & Whitney, Safran, and Continental; Aircraft specific training from Bombardier, Southwest, JetBlue, UPS and FedEx; composite repair training from Abaris; AET training from Flamingo Air, Principles of Troubleshooting courses from Delta, and an Inspection Authorization course from Bakers School of Aeronautics. Other scholarships include tools, conference attendance, money for college, and A&P testing including the Oral and Practical. AWAM membership is required to apply, and some scholarships do have gender restrictions as stated in the requirements. 
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AWAM formed for the purpose of championing women's professional growth in the aviation maintenance field by providing information sharing, networking, education, fostering a sense of community, and increasing public awareness of women in the industry. AWAM also assists students with career counseling and mentoring support. AWAM scholarships assist the seasoned mechanic in the advancement of their career by offering industry specific training courses. Many fortune 500 aviation companies gain top notch employees through AWAM. AWAM is a nonprofit organization and an industry leader in supporting diversity. For additional information Visit www.awam.org/scholarships.

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch made formal inquiry into the status of the anticipated revised proposal for 14 CFR part 147, the regulation governing curriculum requirements for aviation maintenance technician schools.

In addition to the update, Sen. Hatch highlighted the need for a rule that provides more flexibility:

"As you may know, Utah schools are home to many aviation education programs, including those for aviation maintenance technicians. I have repeatedly heard from constituents who wish to have updated, less burdensome regulations for these programs. I share in their concerns that the rule is in major need of an update to keep up with the expanding global aviation sector and modernized aircraft."

The FAA has stated than an SNPRM will be issued in October 2017.

Like many of its members, the council starts budget planning in the summer months. Rates for next year's membership and events are set in advance to ensure members can plan for their participation. Please consider budgeting for the following line items:

• Membership, payable Jan. 1, 2018: $350
• Annual Conference, Washington DC, March 17-20, 2018
  • Member registration: $495
  • Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park: $116/night
  • Sponsorship: from $500
  • Exhibit space: from $837
  • Employer expo sponsorship: from $500
• Fly-In, Washington DC, Sept. 12-14, 2018
  • Member registration: $300
  • Residence Inn Alexandria Old Town/Duke Street: $134/night
  • Sponsorship: from $500
• Advertising: from $125

Congressman Gus Bilirakis, representative of Florida's 12th District, joined his distinguished colleagues asking for an update on promulgation of new regulations governing aviation maintenance technician schools. 

In his request, Rep. Bilirakis stated, "I am encouraged to see the FAA recognize the need to modernize and reorganize these important regulations in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice No. 15-10) and I believe the FAA should focus efforts to complete the rulemaking process efficiently."

Bilirakis joins Reps. Lamar Smith (TX), Tom Rice (SC) and Jim Bridenstine (OK) in their call for FAA action on part 147. In a Feb. 12, 2016 response to the Rice/Bridenstine letter, Administrator Huerta stated that "the part 147 rulemaking is among the highest priorities for the FAA."

The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association supports those that aspire to begin or enhance a career in aviation through its RACCA Aviation Scholarship. The purpose of the award is to promote aviation careers and increase awareness of opportunities in the air cargo industry.

Two $750 awards are available to students pursuing a career in aviation as a pilot or aircraft mechanic. For more information and to apply, visit www.raccaonline.org.