ATEC News: Congress Agrees on Five-Year FAA Funding Package

ATEC News: September 2018

FAA Reauthorization: Big Win for Workforce Development

On Saturday, Congress published its five-year FAA reauthorization package. 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 is 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

The House passed 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 chamber has made preparations for a week-long extension should the bill not make it to the floor by Friday.

News

ATEC Fly-In Wrap Up

FAA reauthorization passage comes on the heels of the ATEC Washington Fly-In, where aviation maintenance community representatives held more than 50 congressional meetings to voice support for provisions ultimately included in FAA reauthorization. Get the meeting materials and see a few candid shots. Read more.

Congress Issues Part 147 Directive: What Now?

ATEC and its industry allies successfully secured congressional support for a new part 147 . A new law will direct FAA action on the long-awaited rulemaking within six months. So what does that mean for AMTS? Read more.

ATEC Board Welcomes New Directors

At its September meeting, the ATEC board moved a slate of directors vetted and recommended by the nominating committee. The council is happy to welcome the newest additions to the board, and thanks those departing. Read more.

FAA Releases Revised Airframe and Powerplant Handbooks

The handbooks are part of a series directed at persons preparing for certification as an airframe or powerplant mechanic. The latest version replaces 2012 editions. Read More.

Resources and Opportunities

Webinar: A Closer Look at the Boeing Forecast

The manufacturing giant will host a short webinar to brief the maintenance community on its latest forecast, which estimates that 754,000 technicians will be needed worldwide by 2037. The online event is free for members . Register now.

ATEC Journal: Call for Papers

The peer-reviewed publication provides an opportunity for educators, administrators, students and industry representatives to share teaching techniques and research. Paper topics in the fall edition are considered for presentation at the annual conference. Submissions are due Oct. 1. Read more.

On Demand Webinars: Now Available

Miss the summer webinar series? Catch the seminars, highlighting several issues pertinent to aviation maintenance education, on demand. Attendees receive a certificate of attendance for professional development. Register Now.

Annual Conference News

Mark Your Calendar for Wichita 2019

The next ATEC Annual Conference will take place on March 17-20 in Wichita. Coordination is underway. See the preliminary agenda and plan to join us. Registration will open soon. Read more.

Exhibit Your Service or Product

Introduce your company to more than 150 representatives of the aviation maintenance education community. Exhibitors have dedicated space in the exhibit hall, are recognized in conference materials, and receive passes to attend the entire event. Read more.

Introducing the Employer Link

For the third-straight year, ATEC will facilitate a networking event to connect educators and industry recruiters. Employers are encouraged to register early to ensure maximum marketing exposure. Read more.

The Inaugural ATEC Student Career Fair

For the first time, the Employer Link will incorporate a student career fair, taking place directly before the employer-educator networking reception. All students are encouraged to attend, which promises on-site interviews and job offers. Register Now.

Scholarships & Grants

Southwest Grant Applications Due Oct. 22

Aviation-focused schools focusing primarily on developing skills and identifying job opportunities for individuals without a college degree are eligible to apply for awards up to $50,000. Read more.

AWAM Scholarship Applications Due Nov. 1

Last year, the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance awarded $140,000 in scholarships to 30 recipients. Opportunities are available for students, instructors and the current workforce. Read more.

RACCA Scholarship Applications Due Oct. 15

Over $21,000 has been added to the coffers of the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association Scholarship Program so far this year to aid prospective pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. Read more.

HFI Scholarship Applications Due Nov. 30

Helicopter Foundation International (HFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, annually offers up to 19 scholarships to help support students studying to become part of tomorrow’s helicopter industry. Read more.