ATEC Board of Directors Meet in Washington with Lawmakers and Industry Organizations
Last month the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) board of directors held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The ATEC mission is to advocate for aviation maintenance schools in the areas of curriculum improvement, technical and financial support, while promoting mutually beneficial relations with government and industry groups. For four days in September, the council made that mission front-and-center in the nation’s capital.
On ATEC’s behalf, representatives from many of this country’s Part 147 aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) joined two industry members to wear a path around Washington. They brought their message to the halls of Congress, opening the eyes of both members and their staffs to the particular challenges that aircraft maintenance schools face today. ATEC representatives also met with FAA officials to discuss regulatory activities affecting aviation maintenance schools.
Board members also strengthened their industry ties by engaging a broad coalition of trade groups, including the National Business Aviation Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, Regional Airline Association and Aeronautical Repair Station Association. Together, the council will work with these representatives of the aviation world to build a robust supply of highly skilled, highly trained aviation maintenance workers who will ensure the safety of the global flying public for years to come.
“It was probably the best four days in ATEC’s history in supporting and developing initiatives that affect our membership,” said Ryan Goertzen, current ATEC president and president of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. “There is a great deal of activity going on right now with the rewrite of Part 147, which has not seen significant change in over 40 years. We positioned ourselves not only to continue leading on 147, but to advocate on behalf of our members and their students for years to come.”
In August, ATEC transitioned its Business Office to Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, the Virginia-based law firm that also represents the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA). The council’s officers and board members are working together with the firm to formulate key initiatives that will ensure the future of aviation maintenance providers, their customers and the men and woman who keep it all working.
To be part of this work, you can join ATEC at its annual conference next year in Orlando, FL. In the meantime, keep up with everything that is going on in the world of aviation maintenance schools by visiting: www.atec-amt.org.
AMTSociety Education/IA Refresher Events
The next series of AMTSociety Education/IA Refresher training events are scheduled. Visit www.amtsociety.org to register.
Denver, CO
Nov. 3, 2014 (Monday)
The Summit Conference and Event Center
411 Sable Blvd., Aurora, CO 80011
Tulsa, OK
Dec. 5, 2014 (Friday)
Tulsa Tech Riverside Campus
801 E. 91st, Tulsa, OK 74132
Atlanta, GA
Jan. 16, 2015 (Friday)
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport Millennium Center
2031 Sullivan Rd.,
College Park, GA 30337
