Avotek-Online offers Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training to equip new maintenance instructors5/9/2022 Weyers Cave, Virginia—Avotek’s newest online course, Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training, gives instructors the tools and knowledge they will use every day in becoming more effective, specifically in aviation maintenance. The course is a companion to Avotek’s popular book, Aviation Mechanic Instructor’s Handbook, which was released last fall. The book notes that people have different learning styles, so one should deliver the content in various styles. By offering this training in an audio, visual, and online format, author David Jones is following his own advice.
The aviation community has always relied on finding people with the skills needed to do the job, and then employing them to instruct the next generation. Some new instructors quickly discover that they need additional skills and knowledge to become an effective instructor of adult learners. This course includes over 3 hours of material. Jones created the lessons to cover the core concepts that are in the instructor’s handbook. For more information on this course, see https://avotek-online.com/p/aviation-mechanic-instructor-training To order the companion book, go to https://www.avotek.com/shop/aviation-mechanic-instructors-handbook-textbook/ About Avotek Avotek, of Weyers Cave, VA, develops and manufactures modern, fully functional aviation maintenance training systems; publishes a full line of high-quality, up-to-date textbooks that complement its training systems; and offers online training. Avotek has earned an industry reputation for quality and excellence. Our team of authors includes mechanics, inspectors, aviation experts, and instructors. They are actively involved in aviation maintenance training or working in the aviation maintenance field. They bring their expertise to Avotek from colleges, universities, and current hands-on experience.
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WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration is seeking applications for two Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs aimed at developing and inspiring a more diverse pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to join the next generation of aviation professionals. This is the FAA’s second funding opportunity for these programs. A total of $10 million is available for the grants.
The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants will educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will prepare aviation maintenance technicians. Eligible entities can submit applications at www.grants.gov through June 10, 2022. Eligible entities may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for each grant per fiscal year. Last year, the FAA awarded $10 million in grants to more than 30 schools and organizations. The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to public questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd. Potential applicants should visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them to complete their grant application. Nominations for the 20 Twenties class of 2022 are in full swing and Aviation Week Network would like to ask for your assistance.
Do you have or know of any students or interns who are on course to change the face of the aerospace and defense industry? We're looking for those rising stars — the young innovators, passionate believers, and future A&D leaders. The 20 Twenties program was established by Aviation Week Network in 2013 to recognize talented individuals with a bright future in Aerospace & Defense. To nominate a student, please complete this form and then share it with other deans or faculty members who have exceptional students. For general information on the 20 Twenties program, click here. All submissions must be received by April 29, 2022. Have questions? Feel free to contact Anna Dariotis at anna.dariotis@avationweek.com The biggest change in aviation maintenance technician education in half a century is upon us. A new rule to modernize aviation maintenance technician school programs will publish later this month. An advance copy of the new part 147 is available at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/part-147-aviation-maintenance-technician-schools-amts-interim-final-rule.
This morning, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Billy Nolen spoke at the Aeronautical Repair Station Association Symposium revealing that the FAA has "signed off" on the interim final rule and that there is more to come in the weeks ahead. Mere moments later, FAA Deputy Assistant Administrator (Acting) Jana Lozano advised congressional allies that the signed rule was available for review, and that it would publish in the Federal Register in the coming weeks. The rule's effective date will be 120 days after publication. At first glance the interim final rule looks to be aligned with congressional mandates. ATEC will review the language in the coming days and provide a thorough analysis at its upcoming ATEC Annual Conference, scheduled for March 20-23 in Fort Worth. FAA officials will also attend to brief attendees on the rulemaking. Since the PARTT 147 Act was passed by Congress in December 2019 (as sec. 135 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act), ATEC has created a library of resources to prepare schools for the monumental change to aviation technician education. Visit atec-amt.org/the-new-part-147 for resources and previously-recorded webinars to help schools get prepared. ARCS Aviation will soon release the Ekanos, an interactive eBook solution that aligns with FAA mechanic airman certification standards. The eBook will be a valuable resource for A&P programs looking to modernize their curriculums in line with the new part 147.
Ekanos e-books are interactive and engaging, allowing students to see theory concepts in action through animation and virtual exercises within the eBook. ATEC and ARCS Aviation have partnered to provide members receive 20% off standard user fees. For more information, visit the ARCS booth at the ATEC Annual Conference. During the Annual Board Meeting (open to all), scheduled as a precursor to the ATEC Annual Conference, directors will vote on a revision to the bylaws that would create a membership category for non-certificated aviation programs. Academic Membership is intended to serve predominately high schools, to include new programs adopting the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
The board composition would also be revised to retain the seven seats for part 147 certificated school members, but reallocate one of the current five industry member seats for an Academic Member, and specifically a high school representative. Members are encouraged to review the draft revision, and provide feedback before or during the March 20 board meeting. See the draft revision. The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to--
In addition to these, submissions discussing the current situation in classrooms or industry regarding the effects of COVID restrictions or the implementation of the new FAR 147 are welcome. Professionals from all segments of the aviation maintenance industry, members and non-members alike, are invited to submit a paper for publication. The submission deadline for the spring issue is May 1. Authors may be offered the opportunity to present their research via an ATEC webinar and thereafter be considered for live presentations at the next annual ATEC conference. For more information and to submit a paper, visit http://www.atec-amt.org/the-journal.html. The ATEC annual survey is underway. All U.S.-based educational institutions with certificated aviation technical programs are asked to respond.
The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess key trends in aviation maintenance education, gather demographics of the entering workforce, support industry recruitment programs and initiatives, and guide future association activities and priorities. This year's survey will also analyze the impact COVID-19 has had on the aviation technical career pipeline. Aggregate results will be published in the ATEC Pipeline Report this spring, along with the list of participating schools. Specific identifying information regarding programs offered, current enrollment, graduation expectations and dates will also be included in ATEC’s online school directory. Earlier today, ATEC sent each aviation program's designated "primary contact" a link to the survey. If your school did not receive an invitation to participate or would like to confirm your school's primary contact, please email atec@atec-amt.org. Since data from various sources may be required to complete the survey, respondents are advised to collect information before beginning an electronic submission. To aid those efforts, a PDF version of the questionnaire is available for download here. The survey is open Jan. 19 - Feb. 2. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees in the aviation industry. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents.
AMFA annually awards cash scholarships to A&P students. This year's scholarships will be awarded to three individuals in the amount of $2,000 payable to each recipient's institution of higher learning. For more information or to apply, please visit: https://www.amfanational.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=Education Recognizing the student of the year and teacher of year are two of the most important events ATEC does in highlighting the best of the best in each category.
The James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award, presented by ATEC in collaboration with JSfirm.com, will see its 22nd award winner next year recognizing outstanding achievement of a full-time aviation maintenance technician student. The award goes to a student who has made a direct impact on classmates, school or community as demonstrated through academics and actions. In its 32nd year, The Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement of an aviation maintenance technology instructor either for a single event or long-term outstanding performance as an educator. The award honors one of ATEC’s founding fathers, a man who provided leadership for the organization for more than 50 years. In his role at Northrop Rice Foundation, Livi had a passion for providing guidance to aviation and maintenance students and laid the foundation for ATEC to grow and develop into what it is today. His life - spanning nine decades - is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a commitment to serving others. Outstanding achievements can be based on initiative and creativity, attitude and performance, education and training and how these attributes influenced the nomination and the benefits and effects of his or her achievement. Award recipients will receive a monetary award and travel reimbursement to attend the ATEC Annual Conference in Fort Worth where they will be recognized during the award luncheon. The deadline to submit nominations is January 15, 2022. ATEC's foundational arm, Choose Aerospace, is piloting testing aviation maintenance curriculum for deployment in a high school setting. The computer-based content covers the general subject areas in emerging mechanic airman certification standards and provides a unique opportunity for part 147 schools looking to increase program awareness in their communities. The webinar, directed at a part 147 audience, will provide an overview of the curriculum, suggestions on how a part 147 program can structure matriculation agreements with high school partners, and a summary of what is required to adopt and implement the content.
For more information, visit https://www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.html. The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation and Space Education Airport Design Challenge registration opens November 1, 2021.
This annual competition is an opportunity for K-12 students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry and STEM concepts and careers. “The Airport Design Challenge is a perfect fit of science, technology, engineering and math which is so much a part of what we do at the FAA and so important to pass on to the next generation.” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. The Airport Design Challenge helps students use the Microsoft game Minecraft to design virtual airports based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts. Students will collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. During the five weeks of organized lesson plans, participants will cover topics ranging from airport layout, pavement and lighting to structures and innovative growth. Program facilitators will use weekly knowledge-check quizzes and screen shots of students’ designs to assess progress and provide feedback. “The one thing that I found most intriguing about this whole program, was that the Airport Design Challenge allows students of all ages to compete at a global level, while also being able to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Arjun Saini a lead on Team Aireos, which placed in the top three during last year’s Challenge. Collaborative work between students, parents and facilitators will focus on applying STEM-based knowledge in math, engineering and career development. While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually. The virtual event is open to both U.S. and international students. Last year, approximately 800 students participated and many more are expected this year. The FAA Airport Design Challenge website has more information about the competition and how to register. Strong momentum at the front of the mechanic pipeline in 2019 was slowed by the historic industry downturn, but the long-term need for more skilled technicians has not changed, says a new report from the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC). This, the 2021 Pipeline Report adds, increases the urgency to the already-established priority of ensuring the pipeline is leveraging all available resources, including capacity in aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS).
In 2020, the FAA issued 30 percent fewer airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificates than it did the previous year—a devastating drop given the workforce development strides made in 2019 when more individuals achieved FAA mechanic certification than in any of the previous 17 years. While the dip is likely an anomaly related to the COVID-19 pandemic's ramifications, the long-term effect of the pandemic on the mechanic pipeline remains unclear. Demand, however, has not changed. Commercial air transport passenger traffic is on track to recover by 2023-24, and the U.S. market is already approaching 2019's capacity figures. Despite the short-term decline in maintenance demand triggered by reduced flying and related employment reductions, long-term forecasts continue to project a shortage in qualified mechanics. The mechanic population is expected to increase 13 percent over the next 20 years, but ultimately fall 12,000 mechanics short of meeting commercial aviation needs in 2041. This optimistic scenario assumes pre-pandemic certification rates return. Despite the overall drop in newly certified A&P mechanics, 2020 did include some positive development. AMTS reported 11 percent of A&P graduates were female, compared to 2.6 percent representation in the broader mechanic population. In addition, 40 percent of graduates represent a racial or ethnic minority. In addition, AMTS enrollments increased 5 percent in 2020—a drop over 2019's increase, but still a welcome sign during an historic downturn. "The entire commercial aviation industry was brought to its knees in 2020, and the mechanic pipeline was no different," said Crystal Maguire, ATEC Executive Director. "Despite the decline in newly certificated mechanics, the uptick in enrollments and the expanding diversity of new graduates are not only encouraging signs, but clues to how we can help bridge the gap between the number of mechanics we will have and are projected to need in two decades.” Industry's need to innovate quickly during the pandemic has led to some positive developments. Virtual learning gained acceptance, for instance, and ATEC's new foundation, Choose Aerospace, was re-envisioned to better serve the maintenance industry by focusing on high school curriculum development. "Successful leadership means embracing the opportunities that a crisis creates," said Gary Hoyle, ATEC President and Director of Campus Operations at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. "ATEC's leadership did not lose its focus on the most important issues to members and the aviation maintenance industry, and are leveraging some of the downturn's silver linings to help our community recover and grow even stronger." Download the 2021 Pipeline Report & Aviation Maintenance School Directory at www.atec-amt.org/pipeline-report Watch the recorded version of the report briefing at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/4171205586628038401 Alexandria, Va. (October20, 2021) – Helicopter Association International (HAI) deeply regrets to announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Summers, director of flight operations for HAI for nearly 18 years and a fixture in the rotorcraft industry since the 1960s. Service information and methods of honoring his memory are pending and will be released as soon as they are available.
“Words truly fail me today,” says James Viola, president and CEO of HAI. “Hal was an icon in the industry, a subject-matter expert on everything involving helicopter maintenance, and he felt it was an honor and obligation to share his wisdom and experience with the rest of us. We are a better industry because of his passionate contributions, and he will be profoundly missed.” Harold’s aviation career spanned more than six decades. After receiving his A&P license, he worked in Alaska in the early 1960s. Harold joined Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) in 1964, eventually becoming vice president of maintenance, where he presided over maintenance and support for a global fleet with more than 400 helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico alone. He later served as acting chief engineer for a joint venture between PHI and China Southern Helicopter Company in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, where he met his wife, Zhilin. In 2004, Harold joined HAI, where he was directly responsible for managing the fly-in and fly-out each year for HAI HELI-EXPO®. In that role, he would work with local airports to coordinate staging and fueling sites and with the FAA to manage the regulatory requirements, and then managed the arrival and departure of up to 60 helicopters to be displayed on the show floor. Harold also worked with other HAI staff members, regulators, and industry stakeholders to resolve issues for HAI members. Harold was equally active in using his expertise to advance the industry by participating in myriad HAI working groups, industry working groups, and national and international regulatory committees or working groups. He served as the staff liaison to the HAI Technical and Maintenance Working Group, and the Utilities, Patrol, and Construction (UPAC) Working Group. He also actively or previously represented HAI and the rotorcraft industry on the FAA Bird Strike Advisory and Rulemaking Committee working group (ARAC) (completed); FAA Rotorcraft Occupant Protection ARAC working group (completed); FAA HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System); FAA International Vertical Aviation Safety Conference Planning Team; NASA’s Rotorcraft Issue Analysis Team (R-IAT); Rotorcraft Maintenance Programs Industry Group (RMPIG); RTCA SC-237, WG 110, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS); RTCA SC-239, Interference to Radio Altimeters from Certain 5G Networks; RTCA SC-241, Guidance for Cockpit and Cabin Cleaning; and the Southern California Airspace Users WG (SCAUWG). “Harold’s career was massive in breadth,” continues Viola. “He received the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award, which recognizes 50 years of working in aircraft maintenance. I expect many people receive that award at the end of a long and illustrious career. Not Harold. He received his plaque and pin in 2011 and continued to serve for 10 more years. He sent his last email on behalf of HAI literally hours before his unexpected passing. He will be greatly missed as a colleague and friend by many.” # # # HAI is the professional trade association for the international helicopter industry and represents more than 1,100 global companies and over 16,000 industry professionals in more than 65 countries. Each year, HAI members safely operate more than 3,700 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft approximately 2.9 million hours. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community. In support the FAA’s Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force, ATEC is asking its members help distribute an educator survey developed by the Task Force’s Trends Subcommittee. If your organization is, and/or has relationships with K-12 institutions or programs, please forward the following request in support of the group’s objective to encourage high school students to pursue careers in aviation:
Dear Educator, The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) needs your help. YIATF is an advisory group established to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with recommendations that will encourage students to pursue in-demand careers in aviation. The group is examining trends that directly or indirectly encourage or discourage young people from pursuing aviation careers. To assist the Task Force in understanding the role of the educator and what recommendations would best support the goal, the group would like your input. To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.gle/NfH3AHY3U8Doe1An9 We greatly appreciate your assistance on this important effort. While responses from post-secondary education is welcome, the Task Force is especially interested in feedback from the K-12 community. We certainly appreciate our members passing the request along to their local partners in education. Hyannis, MA, September 13, 2021 – As the deadline for Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) scholarships approaches, the organization is in need of applications so spread the word. Contact your students, young friends and others to ensure we can award this important money to deserving students and professionals furthering their aviation careers to become pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians (AMT) and airline managers.
“Affording an aviation education is increasingly difficult and our members and associate members are dedicated to ensuring there is funding available,” said President Stan Bernstein. “In recent years, we have helped students pursue AMT, airline management and pilot careers. Providing scholarships to deserving young people interested in a career in aviation is one of the most important efforts RACCA undertakes each year.” RACCA, representing 50 air cargo carriers, many of which feed the FedEx, DHL and UPS networks, provides scholarships to assist in the payment of tuition, flight training, or to obtain new or additional licenses. The organization makes four $2,500 awards each year in November. The RACCA Aviation Scholarships were established for the purpose of promoting and assisting in pursuing aviation as a career choice and to make students aware of the opportunities in the air cargo industry. Bernstein noted flying for a RACCA carrier is a valuable way to build flying time because it gives pilots experience in flying on a schedule, inclement weather, dealing with inflight and procedural issues surrounding cargo as well as night flying, operating in busy airspace, cockpit resource management and required record keeping, all of which are part of airline operations. To qualify for the four scholarships, applicants must be: · A college student currently enrolled in an accredited aviation program. · A resident of the United States. · Currently carry a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship # 1 will carry the additional requirement of obtaining a letter of introduction from an existing RACCA member or RACCA associate member since the goal is for candidates to learn about the air cargo industry. If there is a RACCA member or associate member in a candidate’s immediate area, candidates should arrange to visit their operation and become familiar with all the opportunities in the growing air cargo industry. If there is no member close, candidates should call a member and tell them who they are and ask questions about the air cargo industry. The deadline for applications is October 15, 2021. Selections are made by November 30 and distributed on December 15 to an accredited school. The RACCA Aviation Scholarship application is available on the RACCA Scholarship Website. --30-- About RACCA The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) is dedicated to representing and serving approximately 50-member Part 135 and Part 121 cargo carriers who have about 1,000 aircraft in their fleets. Their role in the aviation industry is meeting the cargo needs of small communities and connecting them to the national transportation aviation system, many via the global networks of FedEx, UPS and DHL. RACCA focuses on improving safety and representing its members in Washington. September 30, 2021
Weyers Cave, Virginia—Avotek is pleased to announce publication of Thomas Eismin’s Avionics: Systems and Troubleshooting, third edition. The textbook remains an advanced avionics resource for engineers, technicians, educators, and their students. Readers will gain a better understanding of line troubleshooting and computer-controlled aircraft, functional concepts of avionics systems, and the entire aircraft. Thomas Eismin, an experienced avionics professor and author, said, “This advanced textbook will bring avionics students well ahead of any FAA advanced electronics requirements and satisfy the needs for both corporate and air carrier technicians.” For this third edition, Mr. Eismin’s improvements include updating the content with technological changes and FAA regulations; adding technical information for modern aircraft (i.e., Cessna Mustang, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350); updating the discussion on fiber optic data transfer systems; updating material on sensor technologies, data link services, and airborne broadband for passenger entertainment; and more. For more information on this book and the updated content, see https://www.avotek.com/avotek-releases-avionics-systems-and-troubleshooting-third-edition-by-thomas-k-eismin/ . About Avotek Avotek, of Weyers Cave, VA, develops and manufactures modern, fully functional aviation maintenance training systems; publishes a full line of high-quality, up-to-date textbooks that complement its training systems; and offers online training. Avotek has earned an industry reputation for quality and excellence. Our team of authors includes mechanics, inspectors, aviation experts, and instructors. They are actively involved in aviation maintenance training or working in the aviation maintenance field. They bring their expertise to Avotek from colleges, universities, and current hands-on experience. This week, Boeing released its hotly anticipated annual outlook, with demand numbers that are oft repeated in workforce development circles. Indeed, ATEC’s annual Pipeline Report (scheduled to publish by the end of the month!) relies heavily on the Boeing forecast when calculating its mechanic “supply” targets. In its 2021-2040 Pilot and Technician Outlook, Boeing projects that over the next 20 years we’ll need 626,000 new maintenance technicians globally—132,000 of those in North America—to fly and maintain the global commercial aviation fleet. Avid readers of the annual report will immediately notice a stark difference in this year and last year’s bright, shiny technician demand infographic number—it goes down by more than 100,000 technicians globally (and 60,000 in North America). This year’s forecast calculation—unlike the two previous years—does not include business aviation and civil helicopter personnel demand. That is, this year’s demand numbers are based only on the 20-year fleet forecast for commercial aviation aircraft (with more than 30 seats) whereas last year the projection numbers considered commercial + business aviation + helicopter fleet demand. Digging deeper into the subtext of previous year reports and we see that commercial aviation technician demand in North America actually increased seven percent—from 123,000 (the number forecasted in 2019 and 2020) to 132,000. Global demand for commercial aviation technicians goes down, but only by three percent. Since the demand calculation is based primarily on fleet forecast, the global downturn in technician projections is likely due to the pandemic-induced decline in the growth trajectory. The report indicates as much, stating: “Those in this industry who emerge from market downturns have historically resumed their growth trajectory through collaboration, adaptation, and innovation.”
The report goes on to say—as it has in previous years—that the projections assume a steady stream of “newly qualified personnel to replace those who have left or will soon exit the industry through mandatory retirement, early retirement, recent layoffs and furloughs, and ongoing attrition.” As we know, replacing retiring personnel is a stark challenge all on its own. Given most maintenance schools utilize the annual Boeing forecast to support recruitment efforts, marketing teams will have their work cut out for them to clearly and succinctly explain the difference between 2020 and 2021 projections (if you find a creative solution, let ATEC know!). But, whether the Boeing forecast includes helicopter and business aviation demand or not, it still paints a stark picture requiring an aggressive playbook to meet future workforce needs. ATEC's foundational arm, Choose Aerospace, is proud to announce its slate of 2021 scholarship and award recipients including two students, hailing from Liberty University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), who claimed the top cash award.
Angelo Cosentino of Liberty University and Julio Lorenti of PIA were each granted $2,500 to pursue their aviation careers. Lorenti is in the third of four semesters toward completing his Aviation Maintenance studies while Cosentino, from Pittsburgh, PA, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance. “Funding the education of deserving aviation students and leaders is one of the most important missions for this organization,” said Choose Aerospace President Ryan Goertzen. “The industry has a daunting task to meet workforce demand projections, and it is our privilege to encourage students to choose aerospace careers through our scholarship program.” “I’ve been drawn to mechanics since I was young since my father is a diesel mechanic,” Cosentino said. “After 15 years working in the accounting world, I decided to take my love for mechanics and passion for nuances and explore the world of aviation. My ambition is to maintain my relentless pursuit of perfection and strive to make aviation and my community a better place. I want to give my daughter an example to follow and opportunities to do better and achieve more.” Cosentino joined the aviation industry in middle school when he became a member of Civil Air Patrol inspired by his first commercial flight. “I gained a desire to serve others with aviation through the Civil Air Patrol which ultimately led me to pursue both pilot and mechanic certificates. My career path, which includes aerial survey or public safety sectors of aviation, provide a unique opportunity to accomplish by goals of helping others.” He expects his studies to help him develop as a mechanic and an aviator. He is a student ambassador for the school’s aeronautics program where he worked with a fellow aviator and Associate Dean Dr. Mitchell Morrison, to develop future leaders in all aspects of aviation and sharing aviation with those in our community. He assists the student-led High Flight Mentoring Program as a Lead Mentor, counseling mentors as they tutor and coach underclassmen and new students. Cosentino is also a Safety Officer for our National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) flight team and a student representative on the Safety Committee. Lorenti is pursuing an Aviation Maintenance Technology degree and is driven to success by his small daughter who inspires him to be the best he can including becoming class president despite only joining PIA in January. He also formed a collaborative study group which he credits for his 3.85 GPA and his place on the directors list. “Since being class president, I have been invited to sit in on additional meetings such as the accreditation meeting,” he wrote of his experiences and how they helped his success. “I always take advantage of these opportunities as they give me the chance to get to know people in the field of aviation and hopefully put me in a good place when searching for my career path in the future. I became an ambassador for PIA through their Instagram page, which is helping to promote the school through social media. Most recently, I got a part-time job with Ryder Jet at the Hagerstown Regional Airport helping refuel and park planes. Between work and school, I am fully committed to the field of aviation.” This year, a host of partner organizations sponsored $37,000 worth of scholarships, textbooks, tool sets, training systems, and testing fee credits for educators and future aviators. Scholarship donors include the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA), Snap-On, Nida Corporation, AVOTEK, Aircraft Technical Book Company (ATBC) and CertTEC. The entire slate of award winners are as follows: Choose Aerospace $2500 Scholarship Julio Lorenti, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Hagerstown Angelo Cosentino, Liberty University ARSA $1000 Scholarship Fawn Carrington, Tulsa Technology Center ASA $1000 Scholarship Jared Vigar, Purdue University Daniel Kicinski, Liberty University Snap-On Tool Set Temitayo Afolayan, Connecticut Aero Tech School Avotek AMT Series Textbooks Nicholas Alatis, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Eric Zamora, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College Abigail Carreiro, Cape Cod Community College Ethan Sprague, Northland Community and Technical College Tanner Empey, Southern Utah University ATBC EASA Part 66 Study Set Amber VanEvera, Liberty University Ahmed Assoul, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Fremont Gardenia Davis Lopez, Honolulu Community College Makana Mai Kalani Smith, Honolulu Community College ASA A&P Textbook & eBook Set Kelly Quillman, Tulsa Technology Center Avotek Avionics Textbook Set Oluwaseun Ajayi, Broward College Robert Delghiaccio, Teterboro School of Aeronautics Reminton Prentice, Lansing Community College Kyla Wilson, Eastern Florida State College Caleb Scott, Southern Illinois University Carbondale CertTEC AET Certification Exam Testing Scholarship Lillia Farr, Letourneau University Sebastian Parker, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Freemont Vinicius Ribeiro, Teterboro School of Aeronautics ATBC A&P Textbook Set David White Jr., Honolulu Community College Kayla Klopman, Broward College Brin Barnett, Southern Utah University Nida Training System Des Moines Public Schools Avotek Dale Hurst Memorial Instructor Scholarship David Ortiz, Central New Mexico Community College Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you to our generous sponsors. Look for the 2022 Choose Aerospace scholarship applications to open in December! At long last, after a multi-year application process, Blue Ridge Community College received FAA approval to offer its Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Course through distance learning.
BRCC has for years sought FAA authorization to provide the course—approved through the FAA's Specialty Aircraft Examiner Branch—to students remotely. FAA officials were hesitant to allow the remote offering given the lack of inspector guidance specific to Light Sport Repairman Training online delivery. In a Sept. 29 letter to FAA, ATEC advocated for a stream-lined approach to distance learning approvals for aviation maintenance technician schools that provide FAA-approved curriculum outside of part 147. ATEC argued that part 147 programs already go through rigorous approval processes to obtain distance learning authorization and that duplicative review is inefficient and unnecessary. While (unfortunately) the FAA did not approve the online delivery based on BRCC’s current part 147 distance learning authorization, the school did use its part 147 distance learning procedures as the basis for its application. Ready, Set, Start! The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-On is Back in April 20229/9/2021 Kenosha, Wis., September 8, 2021 – The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on is back on for 2022!
“We’re very happy to be back hosting the AMC and hope that teams from around the world can join us in showcasing their maintenance and troubleshooting skills next April in Dallas,” said Ken MacTiernan, Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition. The AMC coincides with the MRO Americas 2022 Convention, April 25-28, at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The annual competition for aircraft maintenance professionals and aspiring students has been cancelled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Team registration opens Oct. 1 at https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/. MacTiernan said excitement of the AMC’s return is growing within the maintenance community, as several airlines, MROs and schools have already verbally committed to fielding a team in next year’s competition. “The AMC is a great venue for everyone to reconnect and stand proud again for our craft,” MacTiernan said. “Although the travel industry certainly slumped over the past year, we’ve never really left. Mechanics were still fixing airplanes. Students were still in school. Manufacturers were still building aircraft. “The AMC is back, but collectively as a maintenance community, we never really left.” Over the past several years, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on has grown to become a widely attended international aviation experience for both technicians and fans. The venue provides certified AMTs from major airlines, MROs and OEMs, as well as military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools, the chance to test their skills against their peers. Participants compete in more than 20 events, including challenges such as airframe damage inspection, cable rigging, fiber optics, engine fan blade removal and many others that test their knowledge, skill and team work. The team earning the overall best score takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the coveted award signifies the highest standard of excellence in aviation maintenance. The O’Brien Award is a traveling trophy that debuted at the 2013 competition. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the 5-foot-tall trophy in their facility for a year. In addition to the trophy, Snap-on is awarding more than $75,000 in tools and equipment as prizes to the top finishers in the competition. In 2019, the five-member team from United Airlines Team Cleveland won the O’Brien Award for the third straight year. For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900, or visit https://www.snapon.com/Aviation; for information on the 2022 Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on, visit https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/. About Snap-on Industrial Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $3.7 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Secretary Buttigieg and Administrator Dickson, encouraging the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to swiftly implement congressionally-mandated interim final regulations in support of aviation maintenance training schools.
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Section 135 of the law directs the FAA to remove the current regulation and replace it with community-drafted language that would modernize long-outdated training requirements. The Act directed FAA to issue the new rule by March 27, 2021. While the rulemaking is scheduled for publication in November, Congress warned against further delays: "As original sponsors of the language, we encourage and request swift implementation of the directive in support of aviation maintenance training schools, which have a large part to play in the aviation industry’s recovery from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," said the letter. "Given the immediate and increased need for expanding aviation workforce programs, it is imperative the part 147 rulemaking remains a top priority for the FAA." The letter also called for immediate publication of the long-overdue Mechanic Airman Certification Standard (ACS). The ACS is an important piece of the new part 147, which will require schools to align curriculum with the standard. Congress reiterated its intent that the standard be published in a way that would not disrupt FAA's ability to regularly revise the ACS to align with industry standards, as is the current practice with other certification standards. Led by Sen. James Inhofe (OK), the letter was signed by several original co-sponsors of the PART 147 Act, including Sens. Tammy Duckworth (IL), Jerry Moran (KS), Shelly Capito (WV), John Howeven (ND), Deb Fischer (NE), and Richard Burr (NC). For more information about the part 147 interim final rule, download the executive summary or visit the part 147 issue page. NORFOLK, Va. (August 24, 2021) – Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) and Piedmont Airlines are proud to announce an expanded partnership to provide Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) students with necessary training and a conditional offer of employment through a beta test tuition payment program. Through this new Tuition Payment Program, a limited number of students will receive a conditional offer of employment with Piedmont Airlines and full payment of tuition and fees as they work toward their AMT certificate
Upon successful completion of the 12- month program and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airframe and Powerplant examination and licensing, students will have the opportunity to work for American Airline’s premier east-coast regional carrier, Piedmont Airlines at one their six maintenance base locations. Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s AMT program will be condensed to allow for students to complete the program and become employed in about a year. In addition, AIM will provide an employer grant match of 20 percent of its standard tuition cost and grants can be utilized to cover remaining program costs. “We are excited to be able to continue to expand and enhance our partnership with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance,” said Jessica Weney, Senior Maintenance Recruiter for Piedmont Airlines. “This partnership will provide a more accessible opportunity for students wishing to pursue a career in aviation maintenance while creating a talent pipeline for Piedmont well into the future.” Said Ashley Oden, Campus Executive Director, “We are thrilled to be working with Piedmont Airlines to bring this incredible opportunity to those who seek a future in aircraft maintenance. With the overwhelming demand for aircraft mechanics now and in future years, it’s impressive to see an employer investing in the training of their future workforce. We look forward to working with them to produce well trained and highly qualified team members.” With two maintenance bases and Piedmont’s Corporate Headquarters less than 150 miles away, AIM’s Norfolk campus is centrally located to recruit new AMT’s to Piedmont while staying close to home. AIM and Piedmont will be hosting an open house on Saturday, August 28, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm to interview potential candidates at AIM’s Norfolk campus. Interested applicants can call Ashley Oden at 757-363-2121 for more information or stop by the Open House at 2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518 on August 28. About Aviation Institute of Maintenance Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is a network of aviation maintenance schools with campuses coast-to-coast in the United States and headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va. AIM students are trained to meet the increasing global demand of commercial, cargo, corporate and private aviation employers. AIM graduates are eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration exams necessary to obtain their mechanic’s certificate with ratings in both Airframe and Powerplant. AIM’s campuses are in the following major metro areas: Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, San Francisco Bay, Orlando, and Norfolk. Learn more at www.AviationMaintenance.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AIM.edu. About Piedmont Airlines Piedmont Airlines, Inc. is a premier regional carrier of American Airlines, providing service both on the ground and in the air across the United States. Every day, nearly 9,000 aviation professionals foster a mission of caring, compliance and communication on and off the airfield. Piedmont is headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, and operates a fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets. Piedmont Airlines’ ground handling team can be found in more than 80 airports across the United States providing award winning ground service to passengers of American Airlines. Learn more about what’s happening at Piedmont by visiting https://piedmont-airlines.com/and connect with Piedmont on Twitter @piedmontair and atFacebook.com/workforpiedmont/. The FAA recently released revised versions of the FAA mechanic test sample exams (dated Aug. 12, 2021), for general, airframe, and powerplant. The sample exams are intended to provide a representative sample of the types of questions that a mechanic applicant will see on the actual knowledge tests. They are suitable for study material, but are not necessarily actual test questions.
This latest series of sample mechanic exams are still keyed to Learning Statement Codes (LCSs), unlike their pilot test counterparts which key each question to published airman certification standards. The Mechanic Airman Certification Standard is still in draft form, and is expected to be published by the FAA this fall. Until then, students will continue to reference the legacy Learning Statement Reference Guide, when evaluating subject areas shown to be deficient on the knowledge test. ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire participated in Aviation Week Network's MRO Podcast, Back To School, highlighting the shift to digital learning for aviation technical schools in response to the pandemic. Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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