ATEC Continues Efforts to Push PARTT 147 Act, Releases Policy Brief

ATEC is doubling its efforts to educate lawmakers about the Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act ( S.3043/ H.R.5427) , bipartisan and bicameral legislation to modernize part 147 regulations dating back to 1962. 

A newly-published policy brief provides a thorough history of industry's advocacy efforts to update the rule, and highlights current FAA proposals that would have a toxic impact on an already inflexible framework.

The brief calls attention to the regulatory challenges schools face during the COVID-19 pandemic. FAA-mandated approvals of online delivery, curriculum changes, and limitations on what can be taught outside the classroom has hindered operations and innovations at part 147 schools. In the brief, the council argues that had the Act been passed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools would be in a different position today.

ATEC encourages the community to share the brief with their legislative leaders on capitol hill, and encourage them to sign on as a co-sponsor to the PARTT 147 Act.

ATEC Survey re COVID Implications

ATEC is running a survey targeted at aviation maintenance technician schools. The objective is to gather information on COVID-19 impacts and identify ways the council can support the community during the on-going pandemic. All FAA part 147 schools are asked to respond to the short, 15 question survey. Take the survey.

ATEC Webinar: Labs During COVID-19

AMTS are adopting longer-term plans to address the reality for many localities—that social distancing measures will be in place through at least the summer, and likely the fall. Many schools have worked through FAA issues and successfully implemented distance learning programs for lecture content, but finding ways for students to complete lab work is an on-going struggle. Hear what other schools are doing to facilitate safe student access to facilities and equipment so they can satisfy hands-on project requirements. Register .

HAI Webinar on Maintenance & Training During Pandemic

ATEC will participate in an upcoming webinar – Maintenance & Training Compliance During A Global Pandemic - on May 14, 2020 at 4:00 PM ET. Crystal Maguire will join by Sarah MacLeod and Brett Levanto from the Aeronautical Repair Station Association to discuss how maintenance and training personnel can continue operations regardless of limitations on personal engagement imposed by the current crisis. Sponsored by Helicopter Association International, the webinar is scheduled for 4 pm EDT. Register .

Regional Outreach Meetings Postponed

The majority of ATEC's outreach meetings scheduled for this year have been officially postponed until 2021. The Tulsa event scheduled for October 20 is still expected to take place as planned. More details are available on the ATEC website. Read more .

Become an EASA Part 66/147 Examination Center

In cooperation with Quality Control Management a Swiss-approved EASA Part 147 training organization, Aircraft Technical Book Company can now authorize FAA part 147 certificated schools as approved EASA testing sites for B1.1, and B2 avionics. Read more .

STEM Ed High on Congressional Agenda in Covid-19 Response

Congress is considering a new initiative in support of STEM education. Legislation would provide education funding for rural and underserved communities, something that has not been addressed in previous Coronavirus relief packages .  Read more .

SFAR Provides Relief on Licensing, Certificate Reviews

FAA published a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) to provide relief for mechanic applicants who have testing periods expiring between March and June 2020. The FAA SFAR extends the testing period by three months for those whose testing period has or will expire between March and June 2020.  Read more .

AvWeek Parses What Keeps A&D Workers Motivated

A survey of young professionals (YPs) by Aviation Week indicated the industry is doing a good job of retaining talent but YPs were interested in advancing their careers, investing in their learning/education and pursuing new challenges. Providing opportunistic learning systems, beyond degree programs, and promoting are key to keeping YPs interested. Read more.

How Covid-19 Has Changed the Industry

New forecasts indicate the global fleet will decline by 1,200 aircraft from 2019 levels forcing a change in workforce demand, according to Oliver Wyman partner and general manager of its Cavok division David Marcontell, who penned a piece in AvWeek . He sees a workforce demand decline of 8,400 AMTs in 2021, “equivalent of grounding 1-2 years’ worth of graduates from training and certification programs around the world. Read more.

Seeking Nominations for 40 Under 40

Aircraft Technology Maintenance Magazine is seeking nominations for its 40 Under 40 Awards designed to honor the excellence of the men and women who keep aircraft safe. Nominations should reflect the nominee’s job commitment, industry involvement and contribution, professional achievement and innovation. Read more .

Resources Landing Page

Aviation maintenance technical schools are facing unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. With massive school closures, part 147 institutions must find innovative ways to serve their students. The new COVID resources page is intended to serve as a resource for schools that decide to go online. Read more.

Community Develops Matrix of Online Content for Part 147

The ATEC community has developed a compilation of online resources for use in the virtual classroom. The matrix will be frequently updated as additional sources are identified, a revised version will be released during the May 21 webinar, mentioned above. The member password is required to access. Read more.

Pre-Recorded Webinar: Nida Corp e-Learning Resources

Get information on courseware, trainers, and equipment provided by Nida Corporation and how schools can incorporate them into their curriculum during school closures. Register here. .

GlobalAir.com's Annual Student Scholarship Open for Enrollment

Deadline August 15

See a list of all aviation maintenance scholarship opportunities  here .