Celebrating Aviation Maintenance Technician Day! | | |
Tomorrow, the aviation community comes together to recognize Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day, honoring the skilled professionals who keep aircraft safe and our industry moving forward. We are proud to join in the celebration by recognizing the incredible work of technicians, the dedication of educators, and the ambition of students preparing for careers in aviation maintenance. AMT Day is held each year on May 24 in honor of Charles E. Taylor, the first aviation mechanic, whose legacy lives on in every repair, inspection, and maintenance task performed across the globe today.
Here’s a great video resource to share and use in the classroom to learn more about Charles E. Taylor and the origins of AMT Day.
| | ATEC Board: Call for Nominations | | The ATEC Board oversees council initiatives and objectives. Nominations are currently open to fill two directorships in September—including one AMTS and one high school rep. Nominations will be accepted until July 15. Read more. | | Reminder: ATEC Annual Survey | | ATEC is asking all part 147 schools to participate in an annual survey that will help drive the data used for the Pipeline Report (released at the Fly-in). The main point of contact for all part 147 members received two emails, one to update their company profile information and another with a link to the survey. If you are the POC for your organization and did not receive the requests, please email Tarra Ruttman. Responses are due June 1. | | ATEC Annual Conference: Call for Presentations | | The Council is accepting pitches for breakout presentations at the ATEC Conference in Portland on March 29 - April 1, 2026. Professionals from all segments of the aviation maintenance industry, members and non-members alike, are invited to submit a presentation abstract for consideration. The submission deadline is October 1. Read more. | | Register: ATEC Summer Webinar Series Starts Next Month | | Join ATEC this summer for a series of lunchtime webinars held on select Thursdays. The first three webinars announced will provide information on the CAET credential, a new partnership providing VR training resources to A&P schools, and an update from Choose Aerospace. Bring your lunch, log in, and connect with peers while exploring new tools, technologies, and industry updates. Read more. | | Last Call: Register for the upcoming ATEC Academy, June 3-4 | | | | Join us in Tulsa for ATEC Academy's Educator Professional Development Course! ATEC Academy is an initiative led by executive leadership that addresses the escalating difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled instructors amidst the rising demand for technical workforce. Register here. | | Join us in September for the ATEC Fly-in September 16-19 | | ATEC members will once again crisscross the nation's capital to meet with members of Congress on issues impacting aviation maintenance technician education. The event will include a roundtable discussion with FAA officials, briefings by congressional staff, and ATEC-facilitated meetings with elected lawmakers. | | | Join Us Next Year in Portland March 29 - April 1, 2026 | | Planning is underway for the 2026 conference in Portland, mark your calendar for March 29 to April 1. Early sponsorship and exhibitor registration is open, opportunities are limited so reserve your spot now to maximize visibility and lock in premier placement. | | Help Us Improve Access to Technical Data for A&P Programs | | |
ATEC is working with manufacturing partners to expand access to technical data for educational use in aviation maintenance programs. To support these efforts, we’re asking members to complete a short survey designed to identify common barriers—such as insurance requirements and data subscription costs—that may limit schools’ ability to license and utilize OEM materials.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will help inform ATEC’s ongoing discussions with manufacturers about creating sustainable, affordable access for A&P schools. The deadline to respond is Monday, June 2. Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OPAProgram.
| | Council Expresses Support For ATC Modernization Plan | | The council has joined more than 50 other aviation organizations voicing support of the DOT plan to modernize U.S. air traffic control infrastructure and fast-track funding for the entire project. Keeping aircraft flying safely and efficiently is key to the U.S. aviation industry's stability and growth. The council's support reflects these fundamental needs, which if not addressed draw attention and resources away from issues more central to ATEC's core mission, such as bolstering support for the technician workforce pipeline. Read more. | | ATEC and Choose Aerospace Launch Industry-Recognized Credential for Aviation Maintenance Students | | ATEC, in partnership with Choose Aerospace, is proud to announce the launch of the General Aviation Maintenance Credential, a new industry-recognized certification designed to validate a student’s knowledge of the general subject areas as outlined in the FAA Mechanic ACS. Read more. | | Calling all Master Instructors: Join ATEC Academy | | ATEC is seeking additional members of the community to join its available pool of ATEC Academy mentors. ATEC Academy is designed to empower and support educators who are shaping the future of aviation maintenance. As part of this mission, ATEC is seeking experienced and passionate instructors to serve as mentors, providing critical advice and guidance to a selected group of new AMT instructors and trainers. This is a unique opportunity to share expertise, mentor fellow educators, and contribute to strengthening the aviation maintenance workforce pipeline. Read more. | | | | |
ATEC has partnered with Xennial Digital to bring FAA-aligned VR training tools to aviation maintenance programs. ATEC members receive up to $5,000 off annual licenses for immersive modules like Aircraft Engines and Towing Simulator. Modernize your curriculum and enhance student engagement with this exclusive member benefit.
For more information and to see ATEC's other affinity programs visit: www.atec-amt.org/affinity-programs
| | Get Free Stuff: AAR Surplus Materials for Member Schools | | AAR CORP., Choose Aerospace, and ATEC have initiated a collaborative effort to donate surplus materials for educational purposes. The donated inventory includes fasteners, fittings, hardware, sheet metal stock, electrical connectors, and wiring – all aimed at directly providing industry-specific items to benefit schools’ education programs. Read more. | | Reminder to Submit Your 2025-26 Program Applications! | | Just a reminder to submit your applications for the 2025-26 school year! Your early action helps us better prepare for next year and estimate how many students we will have the privilege of serving. Read more. | | LAST CALL! Teacher Training in Tulsa, June 3-5 | | The three-day event will provide teachers with valuable industry connections to support their programs and a deeper understanding of the career opportunities available to their students. Participants will receive training on the platform, explore hands-on projects that complement computer-assisted learning, and build peer networks with fellow educators. Hosted by Tulsa Tech Riverside Campus, and presented by NORDAM, the training is free and available to organizations that have applied and been approved to use the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum. Read more. | | Sign up for the Choose Aerospace Monthly Newsletter | | Stay in the Loop with Choose Aerospace! Don’t miss out on the latest news, program updates, and industry insights—subscribe to the Choose Aerospace monthly newsletter! Stay connected with initiatives that are shaping the future of aviation maintenance education. | | | | | |
