February 28, 2025

Letter From the Director

Greetings Choose Aerospace Family! 

Spring Break is just around the corner, and it’s the last big chance to rest before the final push to the end of the school year! Do you have any exciting plans? Or are you looking forward to simply unwinding and recharging? Rest looks different for everyone—some seek adventure, others prefer quiet moments, and many of us have hobbies that bring a deep sense of relaxation. However you go about it, taking a break is vital for our mental and physical health. 



For me, I love getting lost in my creative outlets. Whether it's building model airplanes, 3D printing, or designing laser cut artwork, I know I’ve truly relaxed when I lose track of time because I’m so immersed in the process. Another great way to recharge is by spending time with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying good company. 

Speaking of good company, I’d like to invite you to join us in the Choose Aerospace Teacher’s Lounge on Facebook! We already have about a dozen members in the group and would love to see you there. This online space is designed to be a welcoming community for CA teachers and those who support them. Most of you are teaching this curriculum solo, and that can feel a little isolating. The CA Teacher's Lounge is a place to connect, share experiences, and take a break with your peers. We’d love to have you join us. Click HERE to enter the lounge.


As Spring Break nears, take time to recharge however that looks for you—because a strong, refreshed community is the foundation of great education! If you ever want to chat, just let me know. 


Warm regards,

Kelly Filgo

Director of Operations


News

Program Funding for the 2025-2026 School Year

As we prepare for the next school year, funding for Choose Aerospace programs remains a top priority. While we anticipate continued support from grants and donors, factors like federal budget changes and program growth may impact available scholarships. Learn how we’re planning to prioritize funding and how local communities can help sustain aviation education. Read more.

Important End-of-Year Checklist Coming Soon

Teachers, keep an eye on your inbox next week for an important email from Kelly! As we approach the end of the school year, we know how busy your schedules are, and we hate adding more to your plate. However, there are a few key tasks we need to complete to successfully close out this program year and prepare for the next one. 


Here’s what topics to expect in the upcoming email: 

  • Annual Program Application and License Agreements – We’ve streamlined the process to make it easier, and you’ll have plenty of time to get everything signed. 
  • End-of-Year Data Collection – Your program’s success is important! The data we gather will help us share your impact with stakeholders and secure continued support. 
  • ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential Participation – A great opportunity for graduating students to earn an industry-recognized credential highlighting their hard work and achievements. 


This email will include all the necessary details, so please be on the lookout. Thank you for everything you do to support your students and aviation education! 

Call For Photos

Want to see your photos featured in Choose Aerospace publications, newsletters, or on our website? We’re looking for images showcasing the incredible work happening in aerospace education. Drop you photos here!


Please ensure you follow your school's institutional policies when sharing images. Choose Aerospace values student privacy and is committed to responsibly showcasing content. By submitting photos, you confirm you have the necessary permissions to share and feature the images. We can’t wait to spotlight your amazing contributions to the aerospace community!

Events

Last Call! ATEC Annual Conference - March 15-21

The agenda is live, and includes programming tailored to Choose Aerospace initiatives. Don’t miss the opportunity to mark your calendars and finalize your travel plans. Registration is open, and spots are filling quickly! Choose Aerospace programs also enjoy discounted admission to the Annual Conference. Please email Tarra Ruttman with any questions on regsitration. Join us in Norfolk for a memorable week of collaboration and innovation. We look forward to seeing you there! Register by March 5th to be included in printed attendee list. Register here.

Aviation Maintenance Curriculum Teacher Training, presented by NORDAM and ATEC Academy Kick-off June 3, 2025

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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. ​

Register
Sponsor

ATEC Academy - Summer 2025

Pairing our Teacher Training event with ATEC Academy provides a chance for participants to develop relationships with Part 147 teachers. The ATEC Academy summer cohort begins June 3rd in Tulsa. Register here.

Join us for the 2025 Fly-in on September 16 in Washington, DC

You're invited! Join ATEC members this September as we 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. Learn more.

Member Resources

Get Free Stuff: AAR Donates Surplus Materials

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.

Aviation Maintenance Technician School Partners

Want to partner with a local aviation maintenance school where your students can continue on their path to certification? With your ATEC membership, you can see what schools are in your area via the school map! View the map.

In Case You Missed It

Aviation’s Latest Labor Shortage


Addressing the Challenge: Airline and MRO Initiatives for Recruiting Maintenance Technicians


US Aviation Academy Launches in Minneapolis with New Classrooms


New Air Force Plan: Just 7 Aircraft Maintenance AFSCs in 2027