ATEC News: September 2019
ATEC Represents the Aviation Maintenance Community on Capitol Hill
Earlier this month an ATEC contingent descended upon Washington, D.C. for its annual Fly-in. This pilgrimage happens each fall to push legislative and regulatory action, meet with key leaders, and conduct critical business for the organization.

The event kicked off with a roundtable discussion with FAA officials. Flight Standards Service Deputy Executive Director Larry Fields and Deputy Director Office of Safety Standards Van Kerns were joined by 12 of their colleagues to discuss a laundry list of regulatory issues impacting certificated part 147 schools.

Coming off the recent publication of the part 147 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking, attendees discussed the impact proposed mandates would have on schools, and the role of accrediting bodies vs. the FAA in overseeing educational quality elements in their technical programs. ATEC strongly suggested—as it did in its comments to the SNPRM—that the FAA defer to Department of Education accreditation requirements on all matters concerning educational oversight, and took the opportunity to educate officials on the role of accreditors. (See presentation by Aviation Institute of Maintenance Vice President Joel English, The Triad in Higher Education.)

The council then discussed a formal letter it sent the week prior, asking the FAA to provide for part 147 “additional fixed locations,” and better facilitate maintenance program expansion into high schools (see related story, below). FAA representatives also gave updates on airman testing system improvements and the anticipated expansion of the Organization Designee Authorization program, an effort that would greatly expand access to testing for mechanic certificate applicants ( see related story).

A lunch briefing by Aeronautical Repair Station Association Executive Vice President Christian Klein gave attendees an update on the grant programs authorized under the recent FAA reauthorization bill ( see related story). Klein encouraged attendees to educate congressional leaders on the need to include funding in 2020 appropriations legislation so that the Department of Transportation can implement the program as d irected (See related story, below).
Klein was joined by Policy Advisory for Senator James Inhofe (OK) Dan Hillenbrand who briefed attendees on a new legislative effort to push part 147 rulemaking. The Senator has championed several legislative initiatives (including a provision in the FAA reauthorization bill mandating promulgation of part 147 within six months, see related story ). The latest legislative effort would direct the agency to issue an ATEC-drafted part 147 within 90 days.

The legislative effort leverages regulatory language provide in the council’s comments to the SNPRM ( see related story ), and mandate that the agency promulgate the language as written by the ATEC community. The plan was initiated after the agency suggested a final rule is still two years away, and publication of a less-than-optimal supplemental proposal ( see related story ).

Attendees were presented with a discussion draft of the legislation in order to solicit review and comment from the community and legislative leaders ( see issue page with more details on the proposal). Hillenbrand asked that the community identify potential Senate co-sponsors, as well as House leaders willing to introduce companion legislation on the House side. A final bill is expected to be introduced soon.
The day concluded with briefings on federal initiatives impacting career technical education from representatives of the STEM Education Coalition and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. STEM’s James Brown and the White House’s Cindy Hasselbring informed attendees on how the council might better align their regulatory and legislative priorities with the Administration, and what resources are available to help the industry communicate their issues and proposed mandates.

A workshop to kick off the first research phase of Choose Aerospace —an organization created to advance awareness in aviation maintenance—rounded out the day. Level 7 Market Research Senior Managing Partner Kathleen Costello led attendees in an open discussion to supplement the firm’s findings at a recent student focus group—held at the University of the District of Columbia Community College. The research project is initially focused on marketing best practices for attracting new talent into the workforce pipeline. Information gathered from students at UDCCC and attendees at the ATEC Fly-in will publish in an initial report later this year.

After a full day of briefings on the issues, attendees were well prepared for meetings with congressional leaders the following day. Aviation maintenance education representatives held 44 meetings pushing ATEC’s top legislative issues , including garnering support for federal grant funding and legislation to fast-track an ATEC-drafted part 147. Efforts were successful, with congressional leaders overwhelmingly in support of all ATEC’s priorities.
After two days of briefings, meetings, and fellowship (thanks to AMFA, AVOTEK, AIM, Piedmont for keeping us fed and watered!), the ATEC board of directors held is semi-annual, in-person meeting to discuss council business. Directors voted in favor of a funding plan that will support the next phase of ATEC development. A 2020 dues increase will support the creation of a new charitable organization that will administer scholarships previously available to aviation maintenance programs and students through the Northrop Rice Foundation , and facilitate the Choose Aerospace coalition. Members will receive additional information about these exciting next steps in the coming weeks.

Thanks to all the speakers, sponsors, and attendees that made this year’s Fly-in a success. Through events like the Fly-in, ATEC ensures your voice is heard. If you weren’t able to participate in Washington there are more ways to get involved. Invite a member of congress to your school and show them what you do in your community. Volunteer to serve on an ATEC committee. Attend our annual conference next April in Fort Worth. Join us in building the future.

Download event materials, speaker presentations, and photos at atec-amt.org/fly-in-2019.
ATEC News
ATEC sends FAA letter to further high school partnerships
​ATEC's Pipeline Report concludes AMT production needs to increase 30% to meet the growing demands of the aviation maintenance industry at a time when AMT enrollments are shrinking. For that reason ATEC asked the FAA for better guidance for aviation maintenance programs wanting to expand their reach to high schools. Read more .
ATEC Journal: Closing date for Submissions Nears
The peer-reviewed ATEC Journal 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. 15. Read more .
Webinar: How-To: Early Test Exemptions
ATEC will host a webinar on how to submit an early-testing exemption. Scheduled for October 11 at 2:00 pm EDT attendees will learn the steps required to submit a request for exemption from § 65.75(a), to allow the institution to administer the aviation mechanic general written test after AMTS students successfully complete the general portion of the curriculum (but before meeting the experience requirements of § 65.77). Register here
R egister for ATEC Outreach Meeting in Everett, WA
Area schools, companies, and regulators are invited to attend a local outreach meetings, free to all attendees thanks to our generous host. The next event takes place at Everett Community College Register here .
Welcome New Members
The following organizations joined our ranks since July. Welcome and thank your for supporting the council through membership!
Industry News
Aviation Subcommittee Schedules Hearings on FAA Reauthorization Progress 
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee will hold hearings next week on the progress made by FAA and DOT to implement the FAA reauthorization bill passed last year. “A Work in Progress: Implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018” is scheduled for Thursday, September 26 at 10 a.m. in 2167 of the Rayburn House Office Building. More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and live webcast, can be found  here  once available.
Legislative Update on Funding AMT, Pilot Grant Programs
Appropriations for the workforce grant program industry managed to get into the FAA Reauthorization   may fall short; industry is making the case for investing in America’s aviation workforce. It urges stakeholders to contact legislators in support of full funding for both AMT and pilot programs.   Read more. 
Good News, Bad News from AvWeek Workforce Study
The good news is, 81% of the aviation/aerospace workforce would recommend their careers. The bad news is translating that into more workers and that is the challenge according to the recently published Aviation Week , Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and American Institute of Aerospace and Astronautics (AIAA) study. The conclusion, as outlined in a recent podcast, shows women leave the industry citing workforce culture and lack of advancement and racial and gender diversity remains a huge problem despite strides in the C-Suite. Read more .
Scholarship Opportunities
Inhofe seeks comment on creation of national center to advance aviation
A National Center for the Advancement of Aviation (NCAA) is part of proposed legislation introduced by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and is designed to “support and promote civil, commercial and military aviation programs and address the demands and challenges associated with ensuring a safety and vibrant national aviation system.”

“The legislation would foster a diverse and reinvigorated aviation workforce, facilitate new and expanding STEM education opportunities for high school students…serve as a central repository of safety and economic data and support research and collaborate on training methods and new technologies,” he said in introducing the bill.

The senator is trying to develop a public/private collaboration ensuring the development and sustainability of the aviation workforce and is seeking feedback on his bill. NCAA would be an “independent, non-government center to secure the future of American aviation.”

He has published a Discussion Draft of his bill.
Annual Conference News
Mark Your Calendar for Fort Worth March 2020
Next year's premier aviation education event will take place at Tarrant County Community College, Trinity River Campus in downtown Fort Worth. Mark your calendars for March 29-April 1. Registration will open in November.  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. Reserve a spot.
Sign Up for the Employer Link
For the fourth-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. Registration for students that want to participate in the career fair will open early next year.  Reserve a spot. .
Share Your Research
​Submit an abstract to be considered for presentation at the conference. A breakout roundtable will provide a forum for ATEC members to share their research, encourage collaboration, and generate interest in aviation maintenance-related issues.  Learn more .
Book Accommodation
A room block is secured at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, within walking distance of the Tarrant County Campus. Secure the $169 USD per night group rate early, space is limited.  Book online.
Sponsor the Event
Community contributions make the event possible, and ensures registration fees remain flat for all attendees. See the opportunities and commit your support.  Sponsor. .
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