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Aviation Technician Education Council
  • About
    • Join
    • Benefits
    • Leadership
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    • School Map
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    • Committees
  • Issues
    • Regulatory >
      • The New Part 147
      • Airman Certification Standards
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      • Exhibit
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  • Journal

Now Accepting Nominations for ATEC Student and Educator of the Year

11/30/2023

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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, Snap-on, and the Northrop Rice Foundation will see its 25th 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 33rd 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 awards including a monetary award and complimentary registration to attend the ATEC Annual Conference in Tucson where they will be recognized during the award luncheon.

The deadline to submit nominations is February 1, 2024.
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ATEC Annual Conference: Call for Presentations

11/30/2023

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The Council is currently accepting pitches for breakout presentations at the ATEC Conference in Tucson on March 17-20, 2024. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
  • Technical and soft-skills curriculum integration
  • Sharing of best practices and teaching methods
  • Implementation of employer-education partnerships
  • Innovative pathway workforce development programs
  • Highlighted innovations in the aviation maintenance industry
  • A look at successful teaching methods and/or subject matter in other technical fields

Professionals from all segments of the aviation maintenance industry, members and non-members alike, are invited to submit a presentation abstract for consideration. The submission deadline is December 15, presenters will be selected by January 1.
​
Submit a proposed topic and session description to ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire at crystal.maguire@atec-amt.org.
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Upcoming Webinar: Increasing Certification Rates through Progressive Testing

11/15/2023

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December 5th, 2023 1:00 PM CST
Students perform better when training and testing are closely timed. Learn how to use tools like 65.80, early general testing, and certificate ratings to build FAA testing directly into your program and hear from peers who have effectively increased student performance and mechanic certification rates.
Register
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FAA Confirms Timeline For Adding Examiners To ODA Program

10/17/2023

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The FAA plans to expand its Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program to incorporate designated examiners, providing a much-needed expansion of access to designated examiners for aviation technician school graduates seeking certification.

An Oct. 13 letter from the FAA to ATEC confirmed that a draft revision to FAA Order 8100.15, is being reviewed internally.
"The FAA anticipates the revised order will be available for public comment this fall, and we expect to publish the final order in the first half of 2024," Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety David Boulter wrote. "After publication, the FAA will accept applications from interested organizations that qualify for this new ODA type."

Boulter's letter came in response to one from the council reiterating the move's importance and requesting a timeline (https://www.atec-amt.org/news/dme-accessibility-update-atec-pushes-expedited-oda-solution). He confirmed that the new order is both on the way and will be supported by related materials out of AVS-60, the FAA's ODA office.

"[AVS-60] is actively pursuing outreach and education opportunities and developing materials to help implement the revised order," Boulter wrote.
​

Access to FAA-designated examiners has long been one of the biggest hurdles keeping aviation technician school graduates from earning certification--and one of ATEC's top priorities as a result. ATEC has been pushing for a solution, urging the agency to follow through on a meeting held five years ago where it pledged to expand ODA to allow air agency certificate holders, including part 147 schools, to designate examiners.
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​FAA Revises Order 8000.95, Incorporates Changes to DME Qualifications and Responsibilities

10/16/2023

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The FAA’s Designee Management Policy is housed in Order 8000.95. Specific requirements for designated mechanic examiners (DME)—contained in the Order’s Volume 5, Chapter 2—used to mandate that DME applicants exercise the privileges of a mechanic certificate for five years in accordance with part 65 or when employed by a repair station, air carrier, or part 147 school. Revision C mandates the same five years’ experience, but allows the candidate to mix and match experience to meet the requirement.
 
For example, a certificated mechanic with three years’ experience at a part 145 repair station and two years’ experience at a part 121 air carrier would qualify as a designee under revision C, where previously that candidate would not have been eligible.
 
The change, while subtle, will hopefully present new opportunity for stakeholders seeking to increase local testing capacity.
 
The Order also revised the DME limitations section, striking a provision that prohibited a designee from testing an applicant “outside the authorized geographic area without specific approval.” The revision also removed language requiring authorization from a local office to administer a test not listed on the designees Certificate and Letter of Authority (CLOA), a document issued by the agency.
 
While ATEC applauds the edit, there is no positive net effect if local offices will not agree to add additional locations to a DME’s CLOA, since mechanic examiners are still prohibited from testing at a location if it is not listed on their CLOA.
 
ATEC recommends that a future revision remove specific test locations from the CLOA entirely, putting full responsibility on the DME (with FAA oversight) to ensure required equipment is present no matter the testing location. This approach would align with DPE oversight, as set forth in the Order and Notice 8900.485.
 
That recommendation accompanied several others recently submitted by the council, including suggestions to:
  • Alter language to provide flexibility in the event a DME applicant has a short gap in recent experience (most often a few months while transitioning from one job to another);
  • Revise language to refer to tie knowledge and skill requirements to those set forth in the mechanic ACS (as opposed to specifically calling out reciprocating and turbine engine experience);
  • Consider moving back to the 2-to-1 DME to applicant testing ratio.
 
Members are encouraged to submit additional feedback and suggestions to council Leadership.
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Aviation Education Goes to Washington

10/10/2023

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On September 20th, over 40 ATEC members, industry partners, and federal officials gathered in Alexandria, VA to discuss policy updates, legislative priorities, and aviation workforce provisions found in the current FAA reauthorization bill.

After a full day of policy discussions with the FAA and briefings on legislative initiatives, ATEC representatives headed to The Hill and held over sixty congressional meetings representing over twenty states. 

The timing could not have been better as both chambers are poised for a final vote on FAA reauthorization, the bill that will set agency priorities for the next five years. Included in the draft legislative text are provisions that would aid military transition, increase funding available for the FAA workforce grant program, ensure industry involvement in further development of the FAA mechanic airman certification standards, and encourage development of early pathways to mechanic certification.

Thanks to everyone that was able to join the council for this great event. See the program and speaker presentations on the Fly-In event webpage, and plan to join us in 2024. Dates will publish soon! 
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Choose Aerospace: A Briefing for Part 147 Programs

10/4/2023

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This morning, ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire presented a briefing for part 147 programs on how they can utilize the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum to grow enrollment of their A&P program. The webinar gave an overview of the curriculum, how and why it was created, and reviewed commonly asked questions (as set forth on our Q&A page).

If you missed the live version, you can still check out the 45-minute recorded version, below.

You can also download the slide deck here.
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ATEC Joins Letter to Senate Urging Quick Action on FAA Administrator Nomination

9/13/2023

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ATEC joined a coalition of aviation stakeholders asking for consideration of Michael Whitaker as the next FAA Administrator, and strongly urging that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the U.S. Senate move forward as soon as possible on the FAA Reauthorization bill.

“A completed FAA Reauthorization bill and a confirmed Administrator in 2023 will contribute in a substantial fashion to strengthening the agency’s efforts in advancing safety, efficiency, infrastructure, and innovation, supporting the FAA’s workforce, and enhancing the jobs and global competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry,” said the industry group. “We stand ready to work with you on the nomination and reauthorization, and your counterparts in the House who have already passed an FAA Reauthorization bill, to achieve both these results.”

​ATEC joined the following organizations as signatories on the letter:
Aeronautical Repair Station Association
Aerospace Industries Association
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Airports Council International – North America
Air Traffic Control Association
American Association of Airport Executives
Association of Flight Attendants - CWA
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
Aviation Technician Education Council
Cargo Airline Association
Commercial Drone Alliance
Experimental Aircraft Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Helicopter Association International
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
International Council of Air Shows
National Agricultural Aviation Association
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
National Air Transportation Association
National Association of State Aviation Officials
National Business Aviation Association
NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
Recreational Aviation Foundation
Small UAV Coalition
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Vertical Flight Society
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Aircraft Electronics Association’s Regional Events

8/25/2023

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The Aircraft Electronics Association’s regional events provide an opportunity to learn avionics industry best practices, connect with regional shop owners, receive practical avionics training, and learn more about the latest products and services. Educators can register for the one-day event at the discounted rate of $65.

The event also offers the opportunity for registered attendees to take the Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) test and endorsements for FREE. (Need a bit more training before you test? Check out AEA's hybrid class for individuals that want to earn their AET certification: https://aea.net/training/courses/aet/).
 
Use the QR code on the event flyers linked below to register. To see a schedule of events visit aea.net/regionals. For more information, email nickb@AEA.net.
 
September 14, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida
September 28, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
October 26, 2023 in Reno, Nevada
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ATEC signs off on a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

8/1/2023

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ATEC, along with several other STEM stakeholders, recently signed off on a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy regarding feedback on the STEM Education Coalition’s 2018 five-year strategic plan, Charting a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education. The plan proposes a wide range of policies to improve STEM education and bolster the competitiveness of the American workforce. The six key recommendations are as follows.
 
  • Achieving Equity in STEM Education Must Be a National Priority
  • Science Education Must Be Elevated as a National Priority within a Transdisciplinary Well-Rounded STEM Education
  • Increase the Number of STEM Teachers in Our Nation’s Classrooms
  • Support Partnerships with Community Based STEM Organizations, Out of School Providers And Informal Learning Providers
  • Take a Systemic Approach to Future STEM Education Interventions
  • Clarify and Define the Role of Federal Agencies and OSTP in Supporting STEM Education
 
Read more here for additional detail on each recommendation.
 
The STEM Education Coalition is an alliance of education, business, and professional organizations nationwide that works to inform federal, state, and local decision-makers about the critical role that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education plays in enabling students to thrive, innovate, and invent and therefore support American competitiveness and domestic economic development. Coalition members believe that our nation must improve the way our students learn STEM and that the business, education, and STEM communities must work together to achieve this goal.
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FAA Releases Guidance to Aid Testing Transition

8/1/2023

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This morning, FAA published Notice 8900.666, announcing changes to the mechanic certification process. As of today, the mechanic test is based on the Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (previously the Practical Test Standard), and designated examiners will utilize a new system for oral and practical testing, the Mechanic Test Generator (MTG).

The Notice also announces release of a revised FAA Form 8610-2, the mechanic certificate application. The new form includes revisions to support the mechanic testing process using the ACS and adjusts the FAA signature block for authorizing mechanic applicant oral and practical testing under 65.80. Download the new form at https://www.faa.gov/forms/. (NOTE: As of today, the FAA has not published the most resent version of the form to its for database. In the interim, ATEC has made the form available here.)
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The 2023 Boeing Technician Outlook: A Closer Look

7/31/2023

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Boeing recently released its latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), which projects commercial jet aircraft demand out over the next 20 years. Of even greater interest to the aviation maintenance world is the annual personnel demand that uses the CMO numbers to forecast the projected need for technicians as well as pilots and cabin crew. 

The major takeaway from the 2023-2042 technician outlook comes as no surprise: the demand for qualified maintenance personnel is not easing anytime soon. Boeing projects a need for 690,000 maintenance technicians to support commercial carriers over the next two decades. That figure is a 12% increase over last year's forecast. ​
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Some of the jump is easily explained by this year's return of Russia and other countries affected by sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Last year's forecast did not include them. This year, they are back in the "Eurasia" geographic sector, which Boeing projects will need 156,000 technicians. Last year, the comparable "Europe" category had a projected need of 120,000.

Elsewhere, Boeing boosted projected needs for every other geographic sector except for one: North America. Here at home, Boeing projects a need for 125,000 technicians over the next 20 years. Last year's comparable figure was 134,000.

Several factors help explain the shift. North America's fleet is projected to have the slowest growth over the forecast period, at 1.8% annually. Along the way, carriers are expected to renew their fleets, welcoming more efficient, less maintenance-hungry models. 

Not only will these new aircraft have the so-called "maintenance honeymoons" that mean little scheduled work over the first 5-10 years in service, but they will need less labor hours throughout their service lives, slightly easing commercial aviation technician-demand pressure.

Airlines in the region also continue to up-gauge their fleets aggressively, preferring aircraft with more seats. This will drive an increase in passenger traffic growth without a lock-step rise in fleet sizes or individual aircraft flights--both of which are key drivers for maintenance demand.

Does this mean demand for new mechanics is waning here at home? Not at all. Boeing's forecast covers only commercial aviation--and jet operations at that. Absent are any projections for business aviation, civil helicopter support and arguably the most intriguing and unpredictable civil segment--the emerging world of advanced air mobility.
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FAA Releases Revision to General, Airframe and Powerplant Handbooks in Advance of Testing Transition

7/27/2023

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UPDATE: Following last Thursday’s release of the revised airframe and powerplant handbooks, the FAA released a revision to the general handbook on July 28. A summary of changes to the general handbook have been added to the story below, which was originally published on July 27.

The week of July 24, the FAA published long-awaited revisions to the General, Airframe, and Powerplant Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbooks. The handbook revisions are in response to the transition to the Mechanic Airman Certification Standard (ACS) as the testing standard on Aug. 1, 2023. The ACS became the part 147 curriculum standard last September, when the new part 147 went into effect.
 
The new release should not require major adjustment to align curriculum training materials. In its most recent Airman Testing Community Advisory (dated July 2023), the agency characterized the forthcoming revision as “minor,” an understatement at best. The changes are mostly editorial in nature and do not align handbook content with the ACS—that necessary and prudent adjustment is expected in the next “major” revision, scheduled for publication in June 2024 (general) and 2026 (airframe and powerplant).
 
Part 147 programs are required by regulation to align curriculum with the Mechanic ACS. Schools should continue to teach all included subject matter—without the benefit of handbook guidance—for any subject area not covered in FAA guidance. That said, given that all test questions must tie back to an ACS code and at least one regulatory reference listed in Chapter 8 of the ACS Companion Guide, if an element is not covered in a regulatory reference (most often the general, airframe, or powerplant handbook or AC 43.13-1), ATEC does not expect the subject matter to be tested.
 
Many thanks to our good friends at ASA who have conducted and shared a list of substantive changes to the handbooks. (For programs using ASA publications, expect the 2024 Test Guides to incorporate the ACS and this latest handbook revision. The publisher’s new versions will begin shipping in October).
 
Both handbook revisions combine two separate volumes into one and make global changes (in many but not all instances) to remove gender-specific pronouns and remove and replace the terms “cockpit” with “flight deck,” “disk” with “disc,” “tow-in” with “toe-in,” “tow-out” with “toe-out,” “fuel/air” with “air-fuel,” “counterweight” with “flyweight,” and “airplane” with “aircraft.”
 
A high-level summary of the substantive changes to each handbook are as follows:

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General (8083-30B)
  1. ​Pages 7-61 to 7-63: Added new subsection entitled HI-LOK™ Fastening System.
  2. Page 7-63: Revised HI-TIGUE™ Fastening System subsection to read: “The HI-TIGUE™ fastener offers all the benefits of the HI-LOK™ fastening system along with a unique radius contour on the thread lead-in, or a raised bead design that enhances the fatigue performance of the structure making it ideal for situations that require a controlled interference fit. The HI-TIGUE™ fastener assembly consists of a pin and collar. These pin rivets have a radius at the transition area. During installation in an interference fit hole, the radius area will “cold-work” the hole. These fastening systems can be easily confused, and visual reference should not be used for identification. Use part numbers to identify these fasteners.”
  3. Page 7-64: Added new subsection entitled HI-LITE™ Fastening System.
  4. Page 8-22: Changed the term “Alodine®” to “Bonderite®” in the Alodizing subsection.
  5. Pages 11-23 to 11-25: Revised Figure 11-39 addressing vernier scale readings and accompanying text setting forth example 2 (last sentence on page 11-23 through the end of that paragraph on the following page).
  6. Page 12-14: Added new sentence to the end of first paragraph under Electron Flow: “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially defines current flow using electron theory (negative to positive).”
  7. Page 12-29: Revised last sentence under Current Limiter subsection to read “The schematic symbol for the current limiter shows two triangles pointing to each other with a line on both sides of the triangles.”
  8. Page 12-30: Revised Figure 12-67 (added current limiter symbol).
  9. Page 14-31: Deleted subsection entitled “Decoding Human Factors,” previously located under the Other Resources subsection (three remaining subsections are unchanged).

​Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe (8083-31B)
  1. Pages 1-8 and 1-9: Added “Reinforced shell” as the third class of monocoque fuselage types and added a new subsection entitled “Reinforced Shell Type” (on page 1-9) with the following subtext: “The reinforced shell has the skin reinforced by a complete framework of structural members.”
  2. Page 1-38: Added the following new paragraph under the Access & Inspection Panels subheading: Quick access to the accessories and other equipment carried in the fuselage is provided for by numerous access doors, inspection plates, landing wheel wells, and other openings. Servicing diagrams showing the arrangement of equipment and location of access doors are supplied by the manufacturer in the aircraft maintenance manual.
  3. Pages 3-15 to 3-17: Added three new subsections under the “Seams” heading to address “Fabric Seams,” “Sewn Seams,” and “Doped Seams.” Also added a new Figure 3-21 Fabric Seams and renumbered subsequent Figures in Chapter 3.
  4. Page 4-32: Modified the first paragraph under the “Rivet Strength” subheading setting parameters for replacing rivets when a replacement rivet has lower strength properties or when the rivet hole becomes enlarged, deformed, or otherwise damaged.
  5. Page 5-20: Added the following paragraph directly under the Soldering subheading: Soldering is a method of thermally joining metal parts with a molten nonferrous alloy that melts at a temperature below 800 °F. The molten alloy is pulled up between close-fitting parts by capillary action. When the alloy cools and hardens, it forms a strong, leak-proof connection.
  6. Pages 11-65 to 11-67: Added new subsections to the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) subheading (which starts on page 11-63) entitled Testing Considerations for 406 MHz ELTs (starting on page 11-65) and 406 MHz Testing (on page 11-67).
  7. Page 11-70: Added a new section entitled Aircraft Communication Addressing & Reporting System (ACARS).
  8. Page 13-23: Added new leading paragraphs under Landing Gear Position Indicators section.
  9. Page 13-44: Added new figure 13-44 and renumbered subsequent figures in Ch 13.
  10. Page 14-2: Added new text to the Fuel Storage System section (last four sentences at the end of the first paragraph) to address fuel dump systems.
 
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant (8083-32B)
  1. Page 1-8: Added two sentences to the end of the Crankshaft Balance subsection to direct a runout check of a crankshaft as the first step to engine overhaul.
  2. Page 1-38: Added last paragraph to Compressor Section (right before Compressor Types subheading) to address vortex dissipaters.
  3. Page 1-40: Added the following new paragraph under Axial-Flow Compressor subheading (starting with "The axial flow compressor...).
  4. Pages 1-43 and 1-46: Added “Reverse-flow type” as a fourth basic type of combustion chambers (added as number 4 in the second numeric list on page 1-43) and added a description of a reverse-flow combustor (page 1-46, paragraph directly before Turbine Section subheading).
  5. Page 2-8: Added new first sentence under the Carburetor Types section header to make clear there are two types of aircraft carburetors (float-type and pressure-type).
  6. Page 2-41: Revised system categories for engine driven fuel pumps (numeric list under Main Fuel Pumps (Engine Driven) subheader) to “Nonconstant displacement” and “Nonpositivie displacement” (previously Constant displacement and Nonconstant displacement, respectively) and inserted new text in the subsequent paragraph (starting with “A nonpositive-displacement pump produces…” and ending with “…pump pressure relief valve opens.”).
  7. Page 3-2: Added new sentence to Basic Carburetor Induction System subsection regarding application of carburetor heat to operating engine (third sentence in last paragraph).
  8. Page 3-3: Added new sentence to Induction System Icing subsection (fourth sentence in next-to-last paragraph) regarding application of carburetor heat or induction system anti-icing when icing is not present.
  9. Page 3-4: Inserted new text to the Induction System Inspection & Maintenance subsection (at end of second paragraph) regarding importance of filter system cleaning.
  10. Pages 3-4 and 3-5: Added new subsection entitled Extinguishing Engine Fires. 
  11. Page 3-12: Added new sentence to the A Typical Turbosupercharger System subsection (at end of second paragraph) regarding impact of not closing turbocharger waste gate.
  12. Page 3-14: Added new sentence to the Turbocharger Controllers & System Descriptions subsection (in the first paragraph) regarding impact of destabilization of waste gate or controller.
  13. Page 3-17: Added new sentence to the Turbine Engine Inlet Systems section (at end of second paragraph) regarding inlet ducts design function.
  14. Page 3-19: Added new sentence to Bellmouth Compressor Inlets subsection (after first sentence in first paragraph) regarding most common use of bellmouth inlet duct.
  15. Page 4-3: Inserted new text in Primary Electrical Circuit subsection (after second paragraph) setting forth the three basic events required to fire a spark plug when its piston is in the prescribed position.
  16. Pages 4-12 through 4-14: Added new section entitled Types of DC Generators, added new figures 4-21 through 4-25, and renumbered subsequent figures in Chapter 4.
  17. Pages 4-16 to 4-17: Added new subsection entitled Engine Indicating & Crew Alerting System (EICAS).
  18. Page 6-31: Added new paragraph to Turbine Engine Oil System Maintenance section (last paragraph on page) regarding checking and servicing aircraft engine oil.
  19. Page 6-32: Added new sentence to Reciprocating Engine Cooling Systems subsection (last sentence on page) regarding blast tube cooling functions.
  20. Page 7-16: Added new sentence to the Constant-Speed Feathering Propeller subsection (at the end of the first paragraph) regarding propeller position prior to engine shutdown.
  21. Page 7-20: Added 6 new paragraphs after first paragraph of Autofeathering System section.
  22. Page 7-21: Added new text to Aluminum Propeller Inspection section (third and fourth sentences) regarding prohibition of repairs to shanks and manufacturer’s limits.
  23. Page 8-1: Changed “Sudden Stoppage” subheading to “Engine Sudden Stoppage or Propeller Strike” and replaced first two sentences with: “Engine sudden stoppage causes a very rapid and complete engine stoppage. Propeller strikes can cause either reduction in speed or a complete engine stoppage.”
  24. Page 8-7: Inserted new text to Disconnection of Engine Controls subsection (end of second paragraph) regarding control rod end test hole.
  25. Page 9-7: Inserted new paragraph to Fire Extinguishing Agents subsection (second paragraph) regarding carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent.
  26. Page 10-2: Inserted new paragraph to General Overhaul Procedures section (last paragraph in that section, right before subheading Receiving Inspection) regarding Safety Bulletins.
  27. Page 10-24: Inserted new text to Cylinder Head Temperature Indicator subsection (at end of second paragraph) regarding further interpretation of cylinder head temperature gauge (figure 10-39).
3 Comments

FAA Announces Additional Aviation Maintenance Workforce Grant Funding

7/17/2023

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The Federal Aviation Administration is now accepting applications for Round 3 of the Aviation Workforce Development Grants for Aircraft Pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers. The program, created by Congress in the 2018 FAA reauthorization bill, authorized $10 million in funding annually for pilot and maintenance workforce development programs.

The grant program will award recipients in increments up to $500k. Applications are due August 16, 2023. The FAA will be hosting a technical assistance webinar on Tuesday, July 25th to help potential applicants understand the grant program and requirements for applying. You can register for the webinar here.

For more information, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd
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ATEC Journal: Spring 2023

7/3/2023

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Picture
Check out the latest issue of the ATEC Journal. As we all continue to become accustomed to the new FAA Part 147 and Airman Certification Standards and their implementation into our programs and classrooms, this issue of the ATEC Journal includes some applicable topics. ​
Read it
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Knowledge Test Accessibility Remains Watch Item

6/28/2023

1 Comment

 
A reduction in how much FAA knowledge test contractor PSI reimburses third-party testing centers is not resulting in significantly reduced capacity for FAA knowledge tests--at least according to the agency.

Responding to a letter sent by an industry coalition, including ATEC, the agency said the data it has "does not indicate that changes imposed by PSI have created any obstructions to FAA airman certification." Among testing centers offering FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKTs) before 2023, 98% continue to do so, the agency added.

Testing capacity is key to ensuring prospective mechanics have a clear path to obtaining their airframe and powerplant licenses. PSI's fee changes, effective Jan. 1, 2023, and the resulting reduction in an already narrow profit margin for third-party testing centers, threatened to reduce available capacity.

While FAA's feedback is encouraging, the issue is far from settled. ATEC will continue to monitor the AKT testing process and push for improvements to ensure testing remains as accessible as possible for prospective certified mechanics.
1 Comment

Congress Continues Reauthorization Drafting Process, Introduces Language in House and Senate

6/28/2023

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Transportation leaders in Congress are queuing up a host of bills over the summer legislative session, including the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill set to expire Sept. 30.

ATEC has engaged with our industry allies and provided considerable input into the legislative text, and this month, both the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction released their respective proposed language.

On June 14 the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved its version, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), which will now go to the floor for a vote.

The Senate Commerce Committee has not passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, but draft text was released in early June. A committee “markup” date—a key step required before the bill can advance to the Senate floor—has not been set.

Once passed through their respective bodies, the bills will go to Conference Committee to work out the differences before they are ultimately sent to the President. Thus, several steps remain before the language becomes law, and each present an opportunity to further influence national policy and support for aviation technical education.

All of ATEC’s legislative proposals are addressed in one or both versions of the bill, a testament to the council’s influence and the strong coalitions built in furtherance of workforce development initiatives. While final provisions were generally greeted with enthusiasm, ATEC will continue to push for refinements as the text progresses through the process.

Here is how each of the council’s legislative priorities are currently addressed:
  • Increase and expand workforce grant program funding. In the last reauthorization bill, passed in 2018, Congress established the Aviation Workforce Development Grants program, authorizing $10 million in funding for pilot and maintenance workforce development programs. There is wide-spread support for the program’s expansion as evidenced by language in both the House and Senate versions authorizing funding for an additional five years, adding a manufacturing program, and increasing the maximum amount available to each grantee. The Senate version (Sec. 501) would maintain the $10 million in funding for pilot and maintenance and add on an additional $10 million for the manufacturing program. The House version (Sec. 301 and 302) allocates $15 million for each of the three programs and would also expand eligibility to including non-profit organizations and any part 147 program (whether it is considered an institute of higher education or not). While ATEC will support any legislation that continues the highly popular program, it prefers the House language given the increased funding and eligibility provisions.
  • Improve airman testing and airman certification standard systems. The council implored Congress to direct the agency to implement recommendations submitted by an agency-industry working group calling for timely publishing of time-critical safety information and continued engagement with community partners to continually improve the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and accompanying guidance materials. Proposed legislation on the House side (Sec. 313) would direct the agency to publish a process for updating and maintaining the ACS, guidance, and handbooks and to access methods to increase access to knowledge testing, including increased utilization of part 147 proctoring systems and the accuracy of public sample knowledge tests. The House version also directs the agency to publish the mechanic ACS within 18 months, a misdirected mandate given the standard was published last September along with the new part 147. The Senate (Sec. 510) has taken a more clean-lined approach, directing the agency to obtain industry recommendations on maintaining and updating ACS, and reengaging with the ACS working group so ensure testing and training remain correlated.
  • Provide access to general knowledge testing earlier in the training cycle. Under the current regulatory framework, high school aviation maintenance programs may not refer their students to an FAA-approved testing center to take the general written knowledge test. ATEC proposed a modification to part 65 to allow applicants to sit for the general knowledge test prior to meeting experience requirements. The Senate has incorporated provisions into its draft text (Sec. 503) giving the FAA two years to publish a study on the aviation maintenance technician pipeline and barriers for students enrolled in high school aviation maintenance programs. While added with good intention, ATEC’s position is that the study would not provide any value and would only delay rulemaking efforts. House language (Sec. 312) differs but is similarly problematic. Representatives there have suggested an “evaluation” of aviation maintenance curriculum, an “assessment” of opportunities to allow a high school student to take the general knowledge exam, and submission of working group recommendations to “facilitate the approval of aviation maintenance curriculum for use by a high school or secondary school educator.” ATEC’s position is that any provision directing the agency to “evaluate” or “approve” curriculum is outside the FAA’s purview and any text directing study of those initiatives should be stricken from the legislation.
  • Expedite military service member transition into civilian aviation careers. The council joined a coalition of stakeholders asking Congress to direct creation of a military competency exam that will provide a pathway to mechanic certification for existing servicemen and women, similar to the pathway available to military pilots. House (Sec. 504) and Senate (Sec. 311) language both direct agencies to improve career transition but in largely different ways. If passed, the House version would create a working group to evaluate the regulatory environment and provide recommendations for policy improvements. Preferrable language in the Senate takes a more forceful approach, directing the agency to create a military competency test and associated ACS and better leverage the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC).

​ATEC members are encouraged to reach out to their respective congressional leaders to provide
necessary feedback and/or support for these initiatives as the FAA reauthorization bill makes its way through the respective committees and chambers.
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The New Part 147 Is Officially Official

6/12/2023

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While the rule has been in effect for months, the FAA's Part 147 update process officially wraps up June 13 with the publication of the final rule in the Federal Register, replacing the interim final rule issued last May.

Bureaucratic details common to rulemaking but having no effect on the regulation's contents or industry's compliance required publication of both an interim and final version. As expected, the final rule's text is unchanged from the interim version, which was issued with an additional industry comment period. The new performance-based regulation went into effect in September 2022. The council has covered its contents and their ramifications extensively here.

Among them: transition to a new Mechanic Airman Certification Standard (ACS) as the official testing standard for the mechanic test (written, oral, and practical). This happens on Aug. 1, and is the final piece in a years-long puzzle to revamp and improve Part 147. The revised ACS ensures newly trained mechanics are better prepared for current industry technology.

Other changes that the new rule brought include the FAA, for nationally accredited programs, now deferring to Department of Education accreditors in all areas concerning quality of education. This means the FAA no longer approves curriculums, methods of instructional delivery, how and where educational content is consumed, grading systems, testing schedules, or class sizes. For a deeper dive, check out ATEC's executive summary of the bill here.
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Spotlight On Mechanics' Wages Shows Steady Increases

6/7/2023

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A post-pandemic shortage of frontline workers, notably pilots and mechanics, has forced companies to shift business strategies. In many cases, wages are going up as a result.

Some research by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) underscores the gains that mechanics are making, at least in the big-airline world. At the beginning of 2023, 10 U.S. airlines had so-called "top-of-scale" hourly wages for mechanics of at least $50 per hour, with Southwest Airlines, whose mechanics are represented by AFMA, leading the way at nearly $59 per hour. 

Of course, the top possible wage is only one part of a mechanic's contract. Another key metric is how long it takes to get there. The range for nine those top 10 carriers was eight years of service or less, with Southwest and Delta Air Lines offering the speediest paths to the top, at 5 and 6.5 years, respectively.

Add it up, and mechanics at these carriers can reasonably expect yearly annual wages of $100,000-120,000 within five to eight years. And that's before adding in often-available overtime.

Data from ATEC's most recent Pipeline Report suggest the bottom end of the wage scale is also moving in the right direction. A survey of aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) holding an FAA certificate used to compile some report data found an average starting hourly rate for certificated AMTS alumni at $25.49 per hour (or $53,019 annually), an increase of 12 percent over last year and nearly 20 percent over the past 2 years. "This steep increase in entry-level pay is further evidence of the growing demand for technical personnel," the council noted in the report.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay for all aircraft mechanics and technicians—both certificated and non-certificated—at $31.52 per hour, or $65,562 annually (per 2022 data rates).

As the figures suggest, mechanic pay ranges widely. But the bottom-line trends show it is also going up across the board. While it means higher costs for operators and repair stations, this is ultimately good news. Well-paying careers help attract candidates, and aviation needs a steady pipeline of new mechanics.
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Bills Look To Expand Workforce Training Funding Sources

6/6/2023

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Bipartisan efforts are underway on both the House and Senate sides of Capitol Hill to broaden the eligibility of 529 plans used to pay for college.

The plans--named for the federal tax code section that covers them--were originally set up to encourage families to save money to pay for degrees from four-year universities. But Congress has expanded the list of eligible expenses, covering many trade schools, for instance. Two recently introduced, identical bills would add aviation programs to the list.

Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Aviation Workforce Development Act in the Senate, while Mike Collins (R-Ga.) backed an identically named bill in the House. The bills would permit 529 money to pay for certain pilot and aviation technician training not already eligible for the funds. 

ATEC is among some 20 industry groups that have expressed support for the bills, as they fit into the broader strategy of helping encourage more candidates to consider aviation careers. The legislation would not change anything for most aviation maintenance schools, however, as the majority of them are accredited and therefore are eligible recipients of 529 funds. 

“Families use 529 plans to save for their children’s future education. But we know that our next generation of workers need options beyond traditional four-year college degrees, such as apprenticeships, trade schools, and more," said Senator Cantwell. "By allowing 529 plans to cover FAA-certified commercial pilot and aviation maintenance courses, this bill helps remove cost barriers for students considering a career path in Washington state’s thriving aviation industry."

The council will continue to urge Congress to expand workforce development initiatives through these and other bills.
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ATEC Outreach Meeting Recap - Tulsa

6/6/2023

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On May 31, in conjunction with Choose Aerospace, ATEC hosted an outreach event in Tulsa to discuss the latest initiatives to support the new part 147, learn how the implementation is going at A&P schools in the region, and how FAA-certificated programs can partner with emerging aviation maintenance high school programs to increase enrollment. Presentation slides can be found here.

Attendees included representatives from Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Metro Technology Center, Southwest Technology Center, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, and Tulsa Technology Center, which accounts for 5 of the 6 AMT schools in OK, as well as representatives from the FAA.

Thanks to American Airlines for hosting the event, and for providing an amazing tour of it's Tulsa maintenance base!
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Council Urges Expansion of FAA Workforce Grant Program

5/29/2023

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As Congress prepares to craft and debate the next FAA reauthorization bill, perhaps no topic will be more closely watched than workforce development.
​
It's no secret that a shortage of key frontline workers such as pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers is a threat to near-term industry stability and growth. This is why the council and several other industry organizations are calling on Congress to extend and expand the FAA's successful Aviation Workforce Development Programs.

Authorized by language in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, the law empowered the FAA to launch two programs--one for mechanics and one for pilots. They have been wildly successful, attracting nearly $200 million in requests for $20 million in funding distributed so far, including $10 million earlier this year.

Given the documented need to develop more certified mechanics, the council is urging Congress to allocate $50 million for the program in the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill, as recommended in the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Report. ATEC also recommends expanding grant eligibility to include non-profit organizations, clarifying that part 147 schools are eligible for grants and that a past award grant doesn’t bar you from a future grant, and allocating funding to FAA personnel to run the program. A program to share case studies of successful grant awards is also recommended.

The council has sent information and proposed bill language to key lawmakers outlining its plan. Others joining the effort include the Aeronautical Repair Station Association and Aerospace Industries Association, which is calling for grants applicable to manufacturing jobs. A group of key senators is also onboard and has called for the program's expansion in a letter to leaders on the influential senate appropriations committee.

In the most recent round of awards, eleven organizations were given $5 million in Aviation Workforce Development Maintenance Technical Workers grants. The full list of grant awards for both the maintenance-worker and pilot-development grants and related projects is available on the FAA's website.

A subsequent round is expected to open for applications in the coming weeks; ATEC will keep its members informed on any new developments.
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Proposed Bill Would Make FAA's Women in Aviation Advisory Board Permanent

5/29/2023

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Women have out-numbered men since the late 1940s and make up about half the country's workforce, U.S. Census data show. But in most aviation occupations, women hold less than 20% of the jobs, and the figure has not moved much in decades.

Helping change this--and get aviation much-needed workers in key positions--was the reason Congress established the Women in Aviation Advisory Board in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act. The board's assignment: develop a set of independent recommendations to the FAA Administrator on how to encourage and support female students and aviators to pursue a career in aviation. WIAAB delivered, via a report to the FAA.

Now, some lawmakers want WIAAB to have a permanent place within the FAA. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) have jointly introduced the Promoting Women in Aviation Act. The bipartisan bill would make the WIAAB a permanent body within the FAA so it can continue to provide valuable insight on best efforts to recruit, promote and retain more women in aviation.

“It is frustrating that women are still dramatically underrepresented among pilots, mechanics and other critical roles in our aviation workforce—especially at a time when we face such an acute need for more workers in this industry,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the Chair of the Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation Subcommittee, I’m proud to help introduce this legislation with Senator Peters to establish a Women in Aviation Advisory Committee so we can help expand outreach, level the playing field for women and encourage them to enter the aviation industry—strengthening the aviation workforce while helping keep the flying public safe.”
​
The bill "would help strengthen the aviation workforce at-large as well as address pilot shortage challenges that have especially disrupted air service in rural areas as well as maintenance technician pipeline challenges that have hurt the aviation supply chain," the senators said in a joint statement.

The council, which supports common-sense legislation that fosters aviation workforce development programs, will follow the bill's progress and keep members up to date.
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GAO Releases New Report on Mechanic Demand

5/22/2023

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The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the aviation workforce of the future, including the current and future supply of aircraft mechanics. In a report published on May 17, 2023 (GAO-23-105571), GAO found that while the number of newly certificated mechanics grew in recent years, it could not make any concrete conclusions about the suspected shortage of aircraft mechanics.

"The supply of individuals with new mechanic certificates grew from 2017 through 2022. The total pool of mechanic certificates also increased; however, these data provide limited information about the supply of aircraft mechanics, as the number of certificate holders who have left the industry since 2017 is unknown," said the report. "Additionally, available data provide limited information on the extent of demand for aircraft mechanics."

The report went on to say that despite the lack of information, aviation stakeholders interviewed reported challenges maintaining sufficient numbers of mechanics. Those same interviewees reported increased wages--a vital metric evidencing a talent shortage--an indicator that is not yet replicated in Bureau of Labor Statistics' labor market data.

Find the full report and links to previous GAO reports on aviation maintenance workforce on ATEC's Workforce Data landing page.​
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DME Accessibility Update: ATEC Pushes Expedited ODA Solution

5/16/2023

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One of the biggest hurdles keeping aviation technician school graduates from earning certification is access to FAA-designated examiners--and the issue is only getting more challenging.

The most recent ATEC Pipeline Report showed 40% of graduates do not take the exam necessary to receive FAA mechanic certification. That's up 10% from just a few years ago.

The issue, which remains one of the council's top regulatory priorities, is on the FAA's radar. The agency plans to expand its Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program to include delegated examiners, but progress has been slow. In early May, the council wrote to FAA Acting Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety David Boulter to reiterate the issue's importance to the aviation maintenance community--and the need to act fast.

"Five years ago, the agency called a meeting with industry stakeholders to discuss a planned expansion to the ODA program that would allow air agency certificate holders (including part 147 schools) to manage their own testing delegates, greatly expanding capacity to meet student testing demand," ATEC wrote. "Since then, industry has eagerly awaited the welcomed change; unfortunately, the policy approval process has stalled while testing capacity challenges have grown worse."

The FAA's plan is to revise the Airman Certification ODA Order (8100.15) to include examiners. But a timeline provided several years ago is slipping. ATEC's letter asks for an updated schedule and urges "expeditious expansion" of the ODA program "to include examiner delegations."

Read the full letter here.
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