| ATEC News: November 25, 2025 | | Updates From The Committees | | |
In this season of gratitude, we extend our sincere thanks to the volunteer leaders who generously give their time to advance the council’s initiatives. ATEC committees unite dedicated educators and industry partners, and their work continues to drive our progress. You can find a full list of committees and participants at https://www.atec-amt.org/committees.
We always welcome new voices—if you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to learn more about joining a committee.
| | |
ATEC is continuing facilitation of a working group to make recommendations to update the Mechanic Airman Certification Standards. Member representatives from across the country are contributing to a comprehensive update, building on prior proposals developed by fellow trade associations. This work is also informing recommended revisions to the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Handbooks, ensuring both documents reflect modern expectations for aviation maintenance training and certification. ATEC encourages members to share feedback on the ACS and handbook materials to help shape these essential resources, and stay tuned for briefings on proposed recommendations at the upcoming Annual Conference.
Beyond the ACS effort, the committee remains focused on reducing barriers to airman testing and assisting programs that are making application for Organization Designation Authorization to provide airman testing services. It continues to push for increased discretion and flexibility for designated mechanic examiners to support a more efficient and responsive certification system. The committee is also working with the FAA to implement congressional directives that will ease the transition for military-trained technicians into civilian careers and allow mechanic candidates to begin the testing process earlier in their training pathway. Read more about the committee's work.
| | Sean Gallagan, Regulatory Committee Chair | | Jared Britt, Legislative Committee Chair | | |
The Legislative Committee is celebrating a productive Fall Fly-In, where ATEC members gathered in Washington, D.C. for two focused days of meaningful regulatory and legislative engagement. The event once again served as an invaluable forum to connect with elected leaders and gain insight from administration officials on rules, guidance, and priorities affecting aviation technical education.
On Capitol Hill, attendees educated congressional leaders and staff on aviation technical workforce challenges and encouraged action to ensure appropriated FAA workforce grant dollars are fully funded.
Building on the discussions and momentum generated during the Fly-In, the Legislative Committee is continuing its work to advance recommendations and move key priorities forward. Save the date for next year’s Fly-In, taking place Sept. 23–24, 2026.
| | Annual Conference Committee | | |
We look forward to welcoming you to Portland this spring for the 2026 ATEC Annual Conference, taking place March 29–April 1. Planning is well underway, and the Alaska Airlines Group is excited to host the aviation education community.
In addition to a full slate of educational sessions featuring regulatory updates, best practices, and opportunities for networking and engagement, attendees can look forward to a welcome reception with fantastic views of the city, dinner under the wings of the Spruce Goose, and tours of the Horizon Air Operations Center along with our host school, Portland Community College.
Explore the agenda, see the exhibitor directory, book your hotel accommodation, and register now!
| | Archie Vega, Meeting Planning Chair | | Mike Sasso, ATEC Academy Facilitator | | |
The Academy wrapped its fifth cohort this summer, with graduates representing the Federal Aerospace Institute, Wayne Community College, Tulsa Tech, Cape Cod Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. Since the program’s debut in spring 2024, more than fifty aviation maintenance instructors have enrolled, underscoring ATEC Academy’s commitment to addressing the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified instructors amid rising workforce demand in the aviation-maintenance sector.
ATEC Academy provides a comprehensive professional development pathway tailored for new and emerging instructors in FAA-certificated schools. The program blends two full days of in-person instruction with approximately three months of virtual coursework. Participants explore topics such as active teaching strategies, student behavior management, assessment and evaluation methods, lesson planning, and current trends in technical education. The curriculum places special emphasis on delivering effective hands-on lab instruction and meeting FAA certification requirements.
Another cohort kicked off in October, with additional opportunities launching this spring in Portland and this fall in Tulsa. Registration is now open, and space is limited—early enrollment is encouraged.
| | |
Choose Aerospace has continued to scale both its impact and visibility in the aviation maintenance pipeline. The organization formally launched the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential, an industry recognized exam available exclusively to students who complete the Choose Aerospace general aviation maintenance curriculum, with early success stories like Putnam City Schools—where 9 of 11 students recently earned the credential. The credential is accepted as state approved in Iowa and Oklahoma, with plans to expand those approvals to other states in the coming year.
Scholarship support has expanded as well: Choose Aerospace announced its 2025 scholarship recipients (more than $50,000 in awards) and is now launching the new Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship Fund, a national-scale program designed to connect aviation maintenance students with employers and postsecondary opportunities. Look for applications to open next month.
Program enrollment is strong, with 1150 students in 50 active programs across 23 states—a 60% increase over last year. Over 2600 students have participated in Choose Aerospace since its inception. If you have not already, we hope you will reach out to learn how Choose Aerospace can build workforce pipelines into your program or company. And look for plenty of content at the upcoming ATEC Conference!
| | Kelly Filgo, Choose Aerospace, Director of Operations | | Register for the 2026 ATEC Conference | | ATEC’s 2026 Annual Conference returns in Portland March 29–April 1. Join educators, industry partners, and regulators for sessions, networking, and an active exhibit hall. Registration, exhibitor space, and sponsorships are open—secure your spot now. | | | ATEC Academy Offerings Kick off in Portland and Tulsa | | |
ATEC Academy is a three-month professional development course designed to support new and transitioning aviation maintenance instructors with practical training in teaching strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Led by an experienced educator and supported by expert A&P mentors, the program kicks off with a two-day, in-person session.
| | Save the Date: 2026 ATEC Fly-in | | |
Join us in Washington, D.C., September 22–25 to meet with regulators and congressional representatives to champion aviation technician education. More details coming soon.
| | Resource Aids Additional Training Location Requests | ATEC has released a Request Letter Template to help part 147 programs provide the FAA with required information under 14 CFR 147.15 when seeking approval for an additional training site. With 77 new locations added since the updated rule took effect in 2022, this resource offers a clear outline of what inspectors expect. Free for ATEC Members. Read more. | FAA Hosts AMT/Repair Station Safety Stand Down | | |
The FAA is hosting a free two-day online Safety Stand-Down for aviation maintenance technicians and repair stations, offering live webinars, IA renewal credit, and deep dives into critical maintenance practices and safety culture. Read more.
| | Congress Urges FAA to Release Workforce Grant Funds | | |
Members of Congress have formally called on the FAA to immediately distribute Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program funding, citing delays that are slowing progress on workforce pipeline initiatives. The request comes at the behest of ATEC Fly-in attendees who visited with congressional representatives this fall, seeking an update on the status of the grant distributions. Read more.
| | High School Pathway Programs | | |
ATEC members have exclusive access to the directory of schools adopting the Choose Aerospace general aviation maintenance curriculum—a powerful resource for building partnerships and creating seamless pathways from high school programs into AMTS training. By connecting with schools already implementing the curriculum, members can identify potential collaborators, strengthen local talent pipelines, and support students as they transition into aviation maintenance careers. View the directory of schools here.
| | |
Aviation Maintenance Full-Time Tenure Track Instructor, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
A&P Instructor, Thrust Flight Group, Addison, TX
A&P Mechanic, Silverhawk Aviation Academy, Caldwell, ID
Aviation Maintenance Technician Instructor, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Duluth, GA
Aviation Maintenance Instructor, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Fremont, CA
| | Foundation Recognized with Aviation Week Laureate Award | | Choose Aerospace has been selected for a 2026 Aviation Week Network Laureate Award in the MRO category, recognizing its impact in expanding the aviation maintenance talent pipeline. Since 2020, the high school program has reached more than 2,600 students across 40+ schools, providing an early pathway toward FAA mechanic certification. Read more. | | Program Spotlight: Charles Page High School | | Aviation education is gaining momentum at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, OK. Now in its second year using the Choose Aerospace curriculum, instructor Michael Palmer has cultivated a hands-on program supported by industry partnerships, grant funding, and strong community backing. Students are gaining confidence, technical skills, and real-world exposure using genuine aircraft parts and shop-based projects. Read more. | | |
National Business Aviation Association'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. Deadline to apply is December 1, 2025.
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. Deadline to apply is December 19, 2025.
AOPA Foundation Scholarship Program has awards ranging from $2,500 to $14,000 for primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, and aviation maintenance. Deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.
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. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.
A full list of industry scholarships is available at: chooseaerospace.org/industry-opportunities
| | | | |
