Things are moving. A new rule to modernize aviation maintenance technician school programs will publish later this month. An advance copy of the new part 147 is available at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/part-147-aviation-maintenance-technician-schools-amts-interim-final-rule.

This morning, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Billy Nolen spoke at the Aeronautical Repair Station Association Symposium revealing that the FAA has "signed off" on the interim final rule and that there is more to come in the weeks ahead. Mere moments later, FAA Deputy Assistant Administrator (Acting) Jana Lozano advised congressional allies that the signed rule was available for review, and that it would publish in the Federal Register in the coming weeks. The rule's effective date will be 120 days after publication.

At first glance the interim final rule looks to be aligned with congressional mandates. ATEC will review the language in the coming days and provide a thorough analysis at its upcoming ATEC Annual Conference, scheduled for March 20-23 in Fort Worth. FAA officials will also attend to brief attendees on the rulemaking.

Since the PARTT 147 Act was passed by Congress in December 2019 (as sec. 135 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act), ATEC has created a library of resources to prepare schools for the monumental change to aviation technician education. See some of those resources below, and visit atec-amt.org/the-new-part-147 for a thorough analysis and the latest news as it is available.

Download the two-pager to educate leadership and others in your organization on what's coming and how it will benefit technician education.

Tune into a previously-recorded webinar providing a line-by-line overview of language expected to publish as the interim final rule.

A panel of industry representatives answered questions on the congressional mandate, and what schools should do to prepare.

The deadline to register and be included in printer materials is tomorrow, March 11.

The premier event for aviation technician education and workforce development will take place March 20-23 in Fort Worth.

See the agenda, attendee list, and register to attend by clicking the button below.

The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect recruiters, students, and educators. The Employer Link will take place on March 21 and kick off with a student career fair, attracting students from all over Texas, followed by a networking session with educators. Employers can secure a table until tomorrow. More information.

Students from Texas and beyond are invited to attend the Career Fair, taking place at Tarrant County Trinity River Campus on March 21 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Many thanks to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance for picking up the lunch tab! More information.

Exhibitor space is booked, only one spot remains. The hall will include newcomers, TestEquity, Airbus, ARCS Aviation and Xennial Digital, who will join 17 other organizations. Reserve a table.

Buy your colleagues a cup of coffee, give everyone a lift, or cover a few rounds post event. There are still a few opportunities available to support the annual event. Commit here.

The ATEC Journal editorial board says goodbye and thank you for your service to long-time editor David Stanley from Purdue University. We also want to welcome newcomers Richard Johnson of Liberty University and Mike Mackey, previously of Delta Air Lines. The board is now considering submissions for the fall publication. Papers are due May 1. More information.

ARCS Aviation will soon release the Ekanos, an interactive eBook solution that aligns with FAA mechanic airman certification standards. The eBook will be a valuable resource for A&P programs looking to modernize their curriculums in line with the new part 147. Under a new deal with ATEC, members will receive 20% off user fees. More information.

A total of $10 million in Aviation Workforce Development Grants was awarded to pilot and maintenance technician programs across the United States. Read More.

The FAA is now conducting debrief meetings for applicants that requested one before March 3. FAA officials will be on hand to talk about the program's future at the ATEC Annual Conference.

During the Annual Board Meeting (open to all), scheduled as a precursor to the ATEC Annual Conference on March 20, directors will vote on a revision to council bylaws that would create a membership category for non-certificated aviation programs. Academic Membership is intended to serve predominately high schools, to include new programs adopting the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.

The board composition would also be revised to retain the seven seats for part 147 certificated school members, but reallocate one of the current five industry member seats for an Academic Member, and specifically a high school representative. Members are encouraged to review the draft revision, and provide feedback before or during the March 20 board meeting.

The board supports ATEC’s mission and provides leadership and strategic governance. Currently, there are three open directorships for part 147 program representatives. Nominees are elected at the October board meeting, but may also be appointed at any quarterly meeting. Learn more about serving on the Board and submit a nomination here.

In an effort to aid the expansion of mechanic testing capacity, ATEC developed a resource to support a school's assessment of Designated Mechanic Examiners (DME) in their geographical area, and other testing demands given neighboring part 147 programs.

A new map overlays the part 147 programs with FAA DME locations, as published by the agency. Give it a look.

Currently in the final stages of a year-long pilot test, the curriculum covers the general portion of the FAA mechanic airman certification standards and puts students on a direct path to certification; either through direct-employment opportunities or matriculation agreements with partner part 147 programs.

For more information on the curriculum and to apply, visit chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) offers scholarships through the AAAE Foundation. The scholarships are offered to full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are attending any accredited college or university worldwide. Applications are being accepted now through March 31.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and partners provide scholarships annually to future and current aviation students. ​Applications are being accepted now through April 15.

​Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics offers the annual "Pat Napolitano Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Technicians" to graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing a professional aviation technical education. Applications are being accepted now through April 1.

​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.

​Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) Aviation Scholarship promotes and assists in make aviation as a career choice and to make students aware of the opportunities in the air cargo industry. Applications are being accepted now through October 15.

Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship Program offers a total of six $5,000 scholarships divided among three categories: flight training, maintenance training and continuing education. Applications are being accepted now through June 1, 2022.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Chicago