The New Part 147: Where are We Now?
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By: Crystal Maguire, Executive Director
Lots of behind-the-scenes activity is taking place in preparation for the new part 147. The expectation is that a new rule will be issued this summer, so it’s a good time to sit back, take a breath, and assess where we’re at, and opportunities coming down the pike. First, a quick recap: Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 147 governs aviation maintenance technician schools that hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate. The regulation was originally established under the Civil Aviation Administration and re-codified into 14 CFR in 1962. Since that time, neither the regulation, nor the subject areas it dictates be taught, have significantly changed. During the same time, the design regulations mandating the standards to which a civil aviation article must be certificated and maintained have changed innumerable times. These changes have enhanced safety significantly; they also mandate more sophistication and knowledge in maintenance personnel. Everyone agrees the rule needs revising. A 2003 Government Accountability Report (GAO) report called for updates to curriculum requirements, recognizing that certificated programs do "not fully prepare A&P mechanics to work on commonly flown, technologically advanced commercial aircraft,” and that “today’s modern aircraft require A&P mechanics to have a different set of skills than those being taught at aviation maintenance technician schools.” An Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, made up of industry and FAA representatives, issued a December 2008 report with specific recommendations to update static minimum curriculum requirements dictated in part 147. Since then, ATEC has been at the forefront of the demand for change. In November 2015, the FAA issued a part 147 notice of proposed rulemaking. ATEC submitted extensive comments, calling for a less-prescriptive rule that would allow for competency-based programs and the freedom to cater training to industry needs. ATEC’s position was supported by 14 aviation organizations, discouraging the NPRM’s continued reliance on class time at the expense of technical capability. To continue the momentum, ATEC representatives held face-to-face meetings, submitted supplemental comments and garnered legislative support for a rule that would provide better trained personnel to meet industry workforce needs. During roughly the same period of time, an FAA-industry working group undertook a massive effort to improve airframe & powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification testing. The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Airman Certification Standards (ACS) will replace current practical test standards (PTS), and clearly define minimum knowledge and skill requirements for A&P mechanics. Once completed, the ACS will provide the framework for the written, oral and practical mechanic tests; and subsequently, a guide for revising handbooks, oral questions, practical projects and the knowledge test bank. That means outdated questions and projects will be replaced with relevant assessment material, and incorrect, incomplete or inadequate questions and projects will be updated or removed. Promulgation of the new part 147 and AMT ACS development couldn’t be more perfectly timed. The new rule will utilize operations specifications in lieu of static curriculum requirements; industry’s hope is that those operations specifications will simply reference the ACS, ensuring that training and testing are directly correlated. What’s more, the joint FAA-industry committee will periodically review and update ACS standards to ensure it is in line with mechanic knowledge and skill requirements as technology evolves. And, under a new rule allowing for competency-based programs, AMTS can focus on ensuring a student can demonstrate required knowledge, skills and attitudes (as defined in the ACS!), instead of required training hours. ATEC Treasurer and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Associate Professor and Department Chairman Chuck Horning has volunteered hundreds of hours to help usher through the new generation of regulations and standards, “We have an incredible opportunity right now that probably won’t happen again. We started this initiative hoping for a rule change and never dreamed we would have the opportunity to improve the testing process. Now we have the chance to do both and have all the pieces of the puzzle fit like they should.” ATEC will continue to engage with the agency and congressional leaders to support timely promulgation and smooth implementation. The council will also ensure its member schools have the tools and resources required for a successful transition; webinars, curriculum guides, tools and resources are in development. Take advantage of all ATEC has to offer, and support the council's workforce development efforts, by ensuring your membership is current.
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Certificated Schools Respond to FAA Request for Information
At the behest of the FAA, ATEC facilitated a short survey
of all current part 147 aviation maintenance technician schools. The questionnaire addressed competency-based and dual-enrollment programs. Read more.
ATEC Washington Fly-In Registration Open
On Sept. 6-7, 2017, attendees will crisscross the nation’s capital to meet members of Congress, staffers, regulators and industry allies to sound a unified message: together, let's build the technical workforce of the future. Space is limited; register early.
Read more.
2018 Annual Conference Date and Location Set
Next year's main event will take place in the Washington DC metro area March 17-20. Get a sneak peek of the preliminary agenda.
Read more.
Spring 2017 Journal Published
ATEC student of the year recreates the Vin Fiz Flight, a study quantifies the future demand for part 147 faculty, real-world aviation projects are utilized to teach statics, and an examination looks at the differences and similarities in the service and repair of manned vs. unmanned aircraft.
Read more.
ATEC Webinar: Taking Your Part 147 Course Online
The interactive webinar that took place earlier this month is available for download. The presentation gives an overview of FAA guidance for part 147 distance education programs and options available for learning management systems and live virtual classrooms.
Read more.
FAA Updates AC 145-4, Inspection, Retread, Repair, and Alterations of Aircraft Tires
This change to the AC updates the overpressure test procedure: testing to three times the rated pressure is acceptable, but four times the rated pressure is preferred.
Read more.
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Members Only Resources
Job Board
The members-only resource provides a platform for schools to advertise job openings for instructors and administrative personnel. See what's new or submit a job description.
Read more.
Competency-Based Program Library
In anticipation of the upcoming part 147, which will potentially allow for competency-based A&P programs, the council has created a resource library to help educate the membership in advance of the rulemaking. Visit often as resources are added.
Read more.
Question and Answer Bank
Get responses to common regulatory questions, and submit your query utilizing ATEC's repository. A newly added Q&A addresses testing as part of approved curriculum hours.
Read more.
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Aviation Technologies to Offer Online Bachelor's Degree
Southern Illinois University Carbondale will offer an online bachelor’s degree specialization in aviation maintenance management.
Read more.
Alabama Governor Announces Plan To Build $6.5 Million Aviation Training Facility
Governor Kay Ivey announced plans to create the
Alabama Aviation Education Center, a hands-on instructional facility to be located near the Airbus aircraft manufacturing facility in Mobile. Read more.
National Aviation Academy and Delta TechOps Partner to Meet Demand for Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Two entities announce a partnership to assist in meeting the critical demand for qualified aviation maintenance technicians within the aviation industry.
Read more.
South Seattle College Partners with Delta Air Lines
The airline selected the College as an approved partner in training future aviation maintenance technicians for careers with the global aviation company. Read more.
Maintenance Competition Results in Job Offers for Community College Students
Job offers were abundant for Indian Hills students at the 2017 Aerospace Maintenance Competition in Orlando, rewards of tools and equipment valued in the thousands of dollars also made the event worth the trip. Read more.
Spartan College Names New CEO
The U.S. Airforce veteran and former
CEO and chancellor of Kentucky-based Daymar College Dan Peterson will take the reins.
Read more.
GTCC Students Head to National Skills Competition
Winners of the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Conference in Greensboro advance to the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Read more.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Campuses Selected to Partner with Delta Air Lines
With this partnership, the campuses gain an industry resource in their efforts to train students in their quest to become FAA certified aviation maintenance technicians. Read more.
MIAT College of Technology Partners with Delta Airlines
The partnership is established to ensure future aviation maintenance technician positions are filled.
Read more.
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The Aviation Technician Education Council
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