Aviation Technician Education Council Names New President

April 14, 2018
Gary Hoyle currently serves as the Director of Campus Operations for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and has been PIA’s representative at ATEC for 12 years.

The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) has announced the appointment of its new president - Mr. Gary Hoyle. Hoyle currently serves as the Director of Campus Operations for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Hoyle has been PIA’s representative at ATEC for 12 years and previously served as ATEC Treasurer and Vice-President.  Hoyle’s incredible experience and ongoing advocacy for improving and increasing awareness of aviation maintenance education makes him a perfect fit for the office of ATEC President. 

After graduating PIA in 1967, Hoyle went on to work for Sikorsky Aircraft, United Airlines and served in the US Army as a helicopter crew chief in the Vietnam War. He returned to PIA in 1973 to pursue an Associate’s degree, and immediately began his 44 year career (so far) at the school.

Founded in 1961, ATEC is an organization who promotes and supports aviation maintenance technician education. By working with the FAA and other regulatory agencies, ATEC encourages positive changes to the regulations and rules that govern part 147 schools like PIA. ATEC also provides news, networking opportunities, resources and continuing education opportunities to the aviation community.

ATEC recently published a report with the following key findings of critical importance to the aviation industry and businesses that depend on aviation: Mechanics are retiring faster than they are being replaced. New entrants make up 2% of the population annually, while 30% of the workforce is at or near retirement age. Schools have the capacity to double production of A&P candidates. While institutions are ramping up recruitment activities and expect enrollment to increase, there is significant opportunity for industry employers to help define career paths and attract more students into the pipeline. Aviation must increase its focus on retaining A&P candidates. Twenty percent of candidates pursue careers outside of the industry and only 60% elect to take the FAA mechanic certification test. While the percentage of female A&Ps is increasing, it remains low, at less than 3%. This presents an opportunity to help address a looming shortage. 

According to Boeing’s 2016 Current Market Outlook, the aviation industry will require more than 118,000 maintenance technicians by 2035 in North America. According to PIA Career Services officials, employers are seeking A&P mechanics with strong soft skills, leadership qualities and dependability - all skills required to grow and advance within a company.  The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a median salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians at $60,270 (medians are not reflective of starting salaries). Since 1929, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics campus has been training certified and work-ready aviation maintenance technicians in high demand with programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Electronics. PIA’s flagship program, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has been providing quality aircraft mechanics for over 85 years. This program provides students with the opportunity to test for the prestigious FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification, the “golden ticket” to a career in aviation maintenance.