AAR CORP., Choose Aerospace, and the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) announce that their collaborative effort to donate surplus materials for educational purposes has reached a significant milestone, with over two million dollars worth of aviation inventory delivered to ATEC member schools in the first six months of the pilot program.

“Since launching our EAGLE Career Pathway Program in 2018, AAR remains focused on finding meaningful ways to partner with AMT schools to help them grow to meet the employment needs of our industry," said AAR’s Senior Vice President of Repair and Engineering Tom Hoferer. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to support aviation maintenance education programs and their students, who may become future AAR employees.”

Donated inventory includes items such as fasteners, fittings, hardware, sheet metal stock, electrical connectors, and wiring – all aimed at providing industry-specific items to directly benefit schools’ education programs. To ensure the donations are tailored to the specific needs of each school, the program allows institutions to select items from an inventory list on a first-come, first-served basis.

ATEC member schools can access the donation request form and inventory list at https://www.atec-amt.org/parts-donation-request (ATEC member account required). Donations pass through Choose Aerospace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and are shipped directly to approved institutions. Schools are asked to cover shipping costs or arrange for pickup at one of AAR’s locations.

The initiative is seen as a transformative venture by AAR’s Vice President of Workforce Development and Choose Aerospace’s President, Ryan Goertzen. Finding a way to take aged inventory and repurpose these items for the education of future technicians is an initiative we’ve been working towards for a long time. AAR is proud to be one of the first to join this partnership, but we do not expect to be the last,” stated Goertzen.

Companies interested in donating surplus material to educational institutions are encouraged to contact ATEC Operations Manager Tarra Ruttman at tarra.ruttman@atec-amt.org.

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Additional information can be found at aarcorp.com. For more information on AAR’s EAGLE Career Pathway Program, visit https://www.aarcorp.com/en/careers/students/.

Choose Aerospace was formed by a partnership of aerospace stakeholders including companies, associations, labor unions, and education institutions, who joined to address the availability of a diverse, qualified technical workforce. A primary objective for Choose Aerospace is to make aerospace career and technical training a priority in secondary schools and to provide multiple career paths to success within the industry. For more information see www.chooseaerospace.org.

ATEC is a partnership of aviation maintenance training schools and employers. The council is dedicated to promoting and supporting technician education through its communications, advocacy programs, and networking events. To learn more, visit www.atec-amt.org.

The 2024 ATEC Annual Conference in Tuscon, AZ was a huge success. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Bombardier, and Pima Community College for hosting us. And of course, we couldn't have done it without our sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors. View presentations, photos, and more here.

An instructor from Purdue University and a student from Pittsburg Institute of Technology have been named the 2024 recipients of ATEC's most prestigious awards. The annual awards are made possible through a partnership with the Northrop Rice Foundation, JSfirm.com, and Snap-on, who provide cash prizes and awards to recipients. Read more.

David L. Jones was recognized by the FAA with two of its most distinguished honors: the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award and the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The awards were presented at the recent ATEC conference in Tucson. Read more.

Join other ATEC members as they head to Washington this fall to get an update on ATEC initiatives, engage with FAA officials, and meet with local representatives on Capitol Hill.

ATEC has joined Clemson University and other industry partners to support a NASA-funded grant initiative to recommend revisions to the FAA mechanic airman certification standards. Read more.

One AMTS position and one industry position will be available on the ATEC Board this fall. Nominations are now being accepted through August 15. Director elections will be held at the September board meeting in Washington DC. Nominate now.

The Journal is currently accepting submissions of scholarly, research, application, or opinion articles. Submissions for the spring edition is May 1. Read more.

For more information and to apply, please visit: chooseaerospace.org/curriculum. Applications are due by June 1, 2024.

The training will take place in Tulsa June 11 - 13. The event is free and available to organizations that have applied and been approved for the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum. Register.

Choose Aerospace is proud to announce its slate of 2024 scholarship and award recipients. This year, a host of partner organizations sponsored over $55,000 worth of scholarships, textbooks, tool sets, training systems, and testing fee credits for educators and future aviators. Find the entire slate of award winners here.