AMTSociety Update

July 14, 2011
Tom Hendershot AMTSociety executive director recently provided this membership update on their website. Since AMT Magazine works hand-in-hand with AMTSociety I felt posting this letter provides non-AMTSociety readers the ability to also understand more of the organizations endeavors. Enjoy, Ron AMTSociety: Our Mission and Achievements AMTSociety has been in existence now for a bit over four and a half years and I was recently queried about why it was formed. It is a result of a group of visionaries, all sharing interests in aviation maintenance that came to the realization our profession was in need of some preventative maintenance. Thus, the creation of an organization, in spite of the rationalization, we are traditionally non-joiners and most like us would not actively participate in a trade organization unless the cause was true. Just to refresh in your minds, our mission is “To actively promote and protect the professional aircraft maintenance technician’s craft and profession, enhance the future of the profession and provide resources and benefits to our membersâ€. It is not nor ever has it been the intent to be a “for profit†entity. Has it been successful? The answer is a resounding “YESâ€! This is apparent as a result of your overwhelming participation and acceptance. In spite of tough economic times, our membership approaches 3,500 individuals and about 50 corporations with a strong continued growth anticipated. Our partnership with Cygnus Business Media, Inc. has resulted in administrative support including planning for our very successful IA Consortium Roadshow Programs and sponsorship of the acclaimed Cygnus Aviation Expo, the premier venue for those supporting aircraft. It also provides a global arena for technicians to demonstrate prowess in the Aviation Maintenance Skills Competition with sought after bragging rights of being “The BEST.†Our members benefit by receiving complimentary subscriptions to AMT magazine along with encouraged participation at AMTONLINE providing 24-hour access to pertinent industry related news and information along with lively forums where no aviation related topic is taboo. A symbiotic relationship with an industry recognized media and promotions organization is a valuable tool in trying to get the word out about whom we are and what we really do. AMTSociety did just participate in the first industry collaborative effort at the FAA National Resource Center in Lakeland, Florida, with representatives of the FAA and the NBAA Maintenance Committee in attendance. The intent is to further define the criteria important to our future including key topics: Revision of the basic A&P curriculum to, a national day of recognition for the AMT, and improved continuing educational resources. A meeting in Washington, D.C., is planned that will lead to discussions with our nation’s legislators. This collaborative effort did provide a renewed positive outlook for the future of our profession with a contemplated initiative to go global, as our dilemma is not just confined to the shores of any one continent. With the goal of providing benefits to the members, AMTSociety offers four $1,500 scholarships each year: Charles E. Taylor Scholarship, William “Bill†O’Brien Scholarship, Thomas E. Hendershot Scholarship, and the Military Scholarship. In 2012, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology will sponsor five, $1,500 scholarships in the form of tuition reduction to attend Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. The scholarships can be used for Aviation Maintenance Technology, Associate of Applied Science Aviation Maintenance Technology, Avionics Maintenance Technology, Associate of Applied Science Avionics Maintenance Technology, Nondestructive Testing, or Associate of Applied Science Quality Control Programs. Award recipients will be determined by AMTSociety’s scholarship committee. All of the progress has made wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the volunteer board of directors. Their passion and dedication to the industry, along with their experience makes them all examples of what the professional AMT is capable of. I guess it just proves what we all already know; when something is broken, what better than a group of mechanics to fix it. Thank all of you for continued support and confidence. Sincerely, Tom Hendershot Executive Director - AMTSociety www.amtsociety.org