As we close the year, the council would like to recognize its slate of volunteer leaders. Thank you to our executive team and committee chairs for their commitment and dedication to the trade association, and for ensuring the council's initiatives remain focused on its mission to promote aviation technician education. Take a moment to read what committees have been up to this year and what is planned for 2023! And make your New Years resolution to support ATEC through service by joining a committee.

ATEC President & Dean, Aviation & Manufacturing National Center for Aviation Training, WSU Tech

The following committee briefings are reprinted from the ATEC Journal's fall 2022 edition, published earlier this week.

The committee’s attention is now shifting to implementation of the airman certification standards as the new testing standard, and necessary updates to FAA guidance and handbooks. And now that the ACS is in place, the council will ensure it is an active and engaged participant in the ongoing revisions that will drive both training and testing. Follow that initiative and other regulatory priorities at https://www.atec-amt.org/regulatory.

With a new rule in place, and a relatively “easy” transition, the committee is refining its legislative priorities in preparation for FAA reauthorization. An ongoing list of what we’re focused on is available at https://www.atec-amt.org/legislative.

If you have not already, we encourage you to sponsor, exhibit, and/or register at atec-amt.org/2022-annual-conference.

All our employer partners are encouraged to sign up to participate in the Employer Link, taking place on March 28. More information available at https://www.atec-amt.org/employer-link.html.

Applications are open to adopt the curriculum for the 2023-2024 academic year. Learn more at chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.

Every year, ATEC has the distinct honor to recognize one student and one instructor that have made exemplary contributions to aviation technical education. Winners receive a cash prize and travel to receive the award in person at the ATEC Annual Conference. Nominations are due Feb. 1. Read More.

Last month, the FAA knowledge test contractor, PSI, notified third-party test centers that fee reimbursements for each test administered would be significantly cut in the new year. Since testing rate caps are set by contract (between PSI and the FAA), the change effectively reduces the already narrow profit margin for third-party testing centers by about 65 percent. A coalition, including ATEC, has asked the testing contractor to reconsider the change. Read More.

The 2022 Pipeline Report, published last month, found a healthy but expected increase in newly certificated mechanics last year did not offset momentum lost during the pandemic, leaving the new-technician pipeline at least 20 percent below the levels needed to meet rising demand across civil aviation. Read More.

The council is accepting research abstracts for inclusion in a roundtable discussion a the ATEC Annual Conference. The purpose of the research roundtable is to provide a forum for ATEC members to share their research, encourage research collaboration, and generate interest in aviation maintenance-related research. Abstracts are due Jan. 15. Read More.

The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect recruiters and educators during a networking reception on March 28. See who will be there and reserve a spot.

New opportunities are available for companies that want to showcase their products or services to aviation technician education. Book now to reserve your spot, private meeting rooms spaces is available but limited. 

Join United, AIM, ASA, Avotek, PIA, JSFirm.com, Airbus and PSA Airlines as sponsors. Sponsorship not only supports the conference, but ATEC activities year-round. Commit here.

Reduced rates are available in the heart of downtown Chicago. Book online by March 6 to secure group rates at the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile. Book now.

Q: I understand that the new part 147 allows our students to take the general test as soon as they’ve completed the general curriculum. What needs to be included on the required “authenticated documentation,” and what is the difference between the authenticated documentation required for early general testing, and the authenticated documentation required for a certificate of completion?

A: Before the new rule was published, most part 147 schools had an exemption from the FAA to allow their students to take the general knowledge test when the student completed that part of the curriculum. The new rule allows AMTS to provide students that opportunity without an exemption. (NOTE: If you have an exemption, it will expire under the new rule, no need to get it renewed.) Full Answer Here.

Choose Aerospace, ATEC's sister foundation, was created to unite stakeholders to grow the pipeline and increase diversity in aviation maintenance. The non-profit is pursuing that mission through development of high school aviation maintenance programs.

The Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum puts high school students on a direct path to mechanic certification, either through direct-employment opportunities or matriculation into a part 147 programs.

Applications are open for the 2023-24 academic year. For more information, visit chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.

​Choose Aerospace provides awards to current and aspiring aviation students, schools, and instructors. Cash awards, testing fees, books, tools, and more are up for grabs. Applications are open through February 15, 2023.

The Alaska Airmen's Association (AAA) has a wide variety of scholarships available to students pursuing degrees in aviation. Applications will be accepted January 2 - March 1, 2023. ​

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation has, since its inception, awarded more than $1.5 million to students seeking careers in the aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance industry, as well as technicians from AEA member companies. Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-24 school year.

AOPA Foundation Scholarship Program has awards ranging from $2,500 to $14,000 for primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, and aviation maintenance. Applications are being accepted now through February 10, 2023. 

The Experimental Aircraft Association's scholarship program encourages, recognizes and supports excellence among those studying the technologies and the skills of aviation. These annual scholarships help outstanding students who demonstrate financial need to accomplish their goals. Applications are open now through March 1, 2023. 

​​The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and partners provide scholarships annually to future and current aviation students. 

​​National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)'s scholarship program offers nearly $100,000 annually in cash awards as tuition reimbursement for enrolled students, and nearly the same amount in monetary and training awards for working professionals in business aviation, including pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians.

​​Professional Aviation Maintenance Association provides scholarships and awards to current and future aviation maintenance professionals. Applicants must be members of PAMA. Applications will be accepted January 1 - March 1, 2023.