New FAA Bill Boosts Workforce Grants, ACS Development |
|
|
|
A five-year FAA reauthorization bill includes several programs that will expand the aviation maintenance workforce pipeline and benefit part 147 schools directly.
The aviation maintenance and pilot workforce grant programs launched in 2018 become both bigger and broader thanks to language in the bill (Sec. 440). Annual funding for each program jumps from $5 to $20 million. A new, third grant program focused on developing engineers and other manufacturing workers also receives $20 million per year.
Expansion of who can apply for grants means that all part 147 certificate holders are now eligible, regardless of whether they are considering an institution of higher learning. Nonprofit organizations are eligible as well. The maximum grant award in any single year will increase to $1 million per recipient.
The law calls for 20% of grant funding to support eligible projects in low-income communities as part of the newly created Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. Language in the bill also sets aside 2% of the funds "to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants," which should help fund administrative aspects and a more consistent funding timeline.
The changes go into effect Oct. 1, 2024, and will cover four fiscal years, through Sept. 30, 2027. On Oct. 1, 2027, the grant efforts officially become the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness (CAREER) Program. Administration will shift from the FAA to the Transportation Dept.
Lawmakers also addressed several aspects of another ATEC priority: workforce training.
The law directs the FAA to use the Airman Certification System Working Group to review and, if necessary, update the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to ensure they align with current industry trends (Sec. 406). Lawmakers do not set a deadline but urge the FAA to address and resulting recommendations "in a timely and efficient manner."
It also orders the FAA to establish a new working group "to assess and evaluate the appropriateness" of permitting high school students that complete an approved curriculum to take the general portion of the mechanic exam (Sec. 405). While the bill falls short of ATEC's request for a rulemaking directive, the council is hopeful the working group's recommendations will lead to expansion of the general knowledge test eligibility to high school applicants, especially those coming out of Choose Aerospace programs.
Lawmakers were more definitive in the effort to streamline transitions for military maintenance technicians to civilian jobs. The law gives the FAA 18 months to issue a draft rule that, once finalized, would create a competency test that addresses gaps between military and FAA standards (Sec. 426). In parallel, the agency would develop a "relevant" ACS designed to qualify military technicians for civilian ratings. The law also orders the FAA to consider whether a Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council certificate of eligibility satisfies any part 65 oral or written exam requirements.
The bill, signed into law May 17, earmarks FAA and NTSB funding and establishes additional priorities through fiscal year 2028, which ends Sept. 30, 2028. Annual funding outlined in the bill will be approved through yearly appropriations bills.
ATEC will keep members updated on all relevant developments outlined in the 1,100-page law. For an insider look and deep-dive into these and more policy initiatives, join us in September at the annual Washington Fly-in. See more details below.
|
|
|
|
Meeting Planning Committee |
|
|
|
NICOLE GLEATON
Meeting Planning Chair
|
|
We’re thrilled to reflect on the tremendous success of our 2024 conference, boasting record-breaking attendance, the largest exhibitor hall to date, and unprecedented sponsor support. A heartfelt thank you to our gracious host, Pima Community College, and our esteemed presenting sponsor, Bombardier. We extend our gratitude to all attendees whose contributions made this event truly remarkable.
The wheels are already in motion for next year’s conference in Norfolk, Virginia! Aviation Institute of Maintenance is excited to welcome you to our flagship campus’ city, alongside our presenting sponsor, Piedmont Airlines.
Next year’s conference will feature informative sessions, amazing food, open waters, and the return of our beloved beer plane—designed, manufactured, and maintained by one of our own.
Agenda development is underway. Have a topic you’re eager to share with the community? Respond to our call for presentations; details can be found on page 4. Mark your calendars for March 16-19, and be on the lookout for registration, which will open in the fall. Meanwhile, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities abound. Learn more at
|
|
|
|
JARED BRITT
Legislative Committee Chair
|
|
After numerous extensions and months of anticipation, Congress stands on the brink of finalizing a deal to advance comprehensive legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (at the time of drafting this article, the Senate had passed the bicameral legislation, with the House aiming for a final vote by May 17).
This groundbreaking bill is poised to address each of ATEC’s legislative priorities, spanning from expanding the FAA workforce development grant to enhancing the airman certification standard system and establishing dedicated pathways for transitioning military personnel. The committee eagerly anticipates the implementation of these initiatives and their passage to our colleagues in the regulatory committee.
Join us in Washington! The 2024 Fly-in will convene in our nation’s capital from September 17-20. The committee is diligently crafting a purposeful and pertinent agenda, featuring open discussions with regulators, industry stakeholders, and congressional leaders. For further details and registration, please visit www.atec-amt.org/events/2024-flyin.
|
|
|
|
RYAN GOERTZEN
Choose Aerospace President
|
|
ATEC’s flagship initiative, Choose Aerospace, aimed at bolstering new talent pipelines into the industry and part 147 programs, is gearing up for its third academic year.
The Choose Aerospace general aviation maintenance curriculum is currently deployed in 31 schools and 574 students across 15 states. With fourteen new applicants and over 300 expected new students for the upcoming school year, enrollment is projected to exceed 1000 students in the coming academic year. In readiness for both new and returning educators, ATEC Academy is facilitating the annual teacher training, slated for June 11-13 at Tulsa Technology Center. We sincerely thank the master A&P instructors who will support the “train the trainer” three-day session, imparting invaluable knowledge to teachers and bolstering our secondary and community-based aviation programs. Further details about the training, which is offered free to Choose Aerospace teachers, can be found at www.chooseaerospace.org/teacher-training.
This year’s teacher training will once again feature an opportunity for employers to network with Choose Aerospace program educators through the Industry Showcase. We acknowledge the vital role of industry support in providing this training at no cost and express our appreciation to participating organizations in advance. To reserve a table, please visit www.chooseaerospace.org/exhibit.
|
|
|
|
MIKE SASSO
ATEC Academy Chair
|
|
ATEC Academy, a board-led initiative, addresses the pressing challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled aviation instructors amidst he growing demand for technical expertise. Spearheaded by a seasoned educator with extensive experience in teacher training and supported by a team of expert A&P master teachers providing mentorship, this exclusive course launched its inaugural cohort in the days leading up to the annual conference in March.
The program commenced with a two-day in-person training and subsequently transitioned to a virtual format, scheduled to conclude next month. Over the course of three months, participants receive comprehensive training in active teaching strategies, student behavior management, assessment methods, lesson planning, and current trends in education, with a specific focus on technical training. While initially designed for new educators in the secondary and post-secondary classroom, it has proven a valuable resource for industry training personnel and seasoned instructors seeking skill enhancement.
Amidst ongoing sessions, the course has garnered enthusiastic
reviews, prompting the scheduling of the next offering. Registration is now open for our second cohort, set to commence at Moore Norman Technology Center on August 10-11, 2024. Responding to initial feedback, the course has been enhanced and is limited to 20 students. Secure your spot now.
|
|
|
|
SEAN GALLAGAN
Regulatory Committee Chair
|
|
The committee has spent some time contemplating its next move in the regulatory arena, following the seemingly smooth transition to the new part 147 and mechanic airman certification standards (ACS). The next advocacy phase will focus on testing system enhancements, ACS revisions, and increased testing accessibility. Eager to delve into these initiatives, the committee looks forward to discussing them with our FAA counterparts at the upcoming ATEC Fly-in (mentioned and linked above in the Legislative Committee report). We encourage you to seize the opportunity for face-to-face engagement with officials tasked with shaping national policies that influence aviation education.
|
|
|
|
ATEC Academy August 10 in Norman, OK |
|
|
|
Registration is now open for our second cohort, set to commence at Moore Norman Technology Center on August 10-11, 2024. Responding to initial feedback, the course has been enhanced and is limited to 20 students. Secure your spot now!
|
|
|
|
ATEC Fly-In September 17-19 in Washington DC |
|
|
|
Join other ATEC members as they head to Washington this fall to get an update on ATEC initiatives, engage with FAA officials, and meet with local representatives on Capitol Hill. |
|
|
|
Annual Conference March 16-19, 2025 |
|
|
|
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 2025 Annual Conference in Norfolk, VA March 16-19, 2025! Early bird exhibitor rates and sponsorships are now available. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Integrating Electric Propulsion Standards into Aerospace Education |
|
|
|
Purdue University is conducting a study on electric propulsion and its integration into aviation technical programs. If you work in the aviation or electric vehicle industry, participation in the following survey would be greatly appreciated. Read more.
|
|
|
|
ATEC Annual Conference: Call for Presentations |
|
|
|
The Council is currently accepting pitches for breakout presentations at the ATEC Conference in Norfolk, VA on March 16-19, 2025. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Serve on the ATEC Board: Nominations Due 8/15 |
|
|
|
One AMTS position and one industry position will be available on the ATEC Board this fall. Nominations are now being accepted through August 15. Director elections will be held at the September board meeting in Washington DC. Nominate now.
|
|
|
|
Now Accepting Curriculum Applications for Fall 2024 |
|
|
|
Choose Aerospace, ATEC's sister foundation, was created to unite stakeholders to grow the pipeline and increase diversity in aviation maintenance. The non-profit is pursuing that mission through development of high school aviation maintenance programs.
The Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum puts high school students on a direct path to mechanic certification, either through direct-employment opportunities or matriculation into a part 147 programs.
|
|
|
|
Choose Aerospace to Host Teacher Training in Tulsa June 11 |
|
|
|
The training will take place in Tulsa June 11 - 13. The event is free and available to organizations that have applied and been approved for the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum. Register.
|
|
|
|
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Available During Industry Showcase |
|
|
|
Come together with educators from various programs nationwide who are adopting the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum for the upcoming academic year. Exhibitors will be provided with tabletop space at the Industry Showcase, along with a directory listing attendees and programs incorporating the curriculum in the fall. Reserve your spot now.
|
|
|
|
Funding Available to Grow High School Aviation Technical Training Programs |
|
|
|
A program that provides high school students a pathway to an aviation maintenance career is expanding for the 2024-25 academic year thanks to a U.S. government grant that will provide financial aid and help grow the list of participating institutions. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Aviation Technician Education Council
|
|
|
|
|
|
