FAA Reauthorization: Big Win for Workforce Development

Last Saturday, Congress published a five-year FAA reauthorization bill expected to pass both chambers. To the delight of the aviation maintenance community, the bill contains an entire title focused on workforce development, including a directive to create a federally-funded grant program (see related story) and a provision that will require promulgation of part 147 within six months (see related story).

An excerpt of all workforce provisions contained in H.R. 302, Title VI—Aviation Workforce are available here. To summarize--

• Subtitle A, Youth in Aviation, directs the FAA to--
  • Report to Congress on existing outreach efforts, and
  • Establish a Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force made up of industry representatives that will make recommendations to--
    • Encourage high schoolers to pursue aviation-related course work
    • Identify and develop aviation career pathways
• Subtitle B, Women in Aviation, directs the FAA to create a Women in Aviation Advisory Board made up of industry representatives that will make recommendations to--
  • Identify trends that encourage or discourage women pursuing careers in aviation
  • Coordinate industry efforts
  • Expand existing scholarship opportunities, and
  • Enhance training, mentorship, education and outreach programs exclusive to women
• Subtitle C, Future of Aviation Workforce, directs FAA to--
  • Promulgate part 147 final rule within six months, and align with the mechanic ACS
  • Develop guidance or model curricula for AMTS, to include avionics and troubleshooting, and revise it every two years thereafter
  • Conduct a study to--
    • Analyze the Standard Occupational Classification system, and how changes could improve government data for aviation technical careers
    • Analyze the impact regulation (certification, testing, and education) has on employment
    • Develop recommendations on improving regulations governing AMTS
    • Develop recommendations for addressing training program funding and resource needs
• Subtitle C, Future of Aviation Workforce also authorizes $5M in grants (up to $500,000 each) for each of the next four years to support workforce development. Eligible projects include--
  • Development or enhancement of educational programs that teach technical skills used in aviation maintenance
  • Establishment of scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry
  • Development of outreach programs targeting students, underrepresented communities, economically disadvantaged geographic areas, and/or transitioning Armed Forces

While the House is expected to pass the FAA reauthorization bill this week, staffers have indicated that the Senate is increasingly unlikely to vote on the legislation ahead of a Sept. 30 funding deadline. The Senate has made preparations for a week-long extension should the bill not make it to the floor by Friday.