Strengthening the General Aviation Workforce
A recent study sponsored by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), in coordination with six other general aviation associations, determined that general aviation continues to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy as it supports nearly 1.2 million jobs and $250 billion in total economic output.
These numbers are extremely encouraging for the general aviation industry and will only accelerate as supersonic and electrically propelled aircraft drive deeper into their development phases. It is important that our industry continues to keep pace with innovation to improve safety and focuses intently on workforce development by promoting the amazing career potential available to future generations through general aviation. Even as our nation faces some economic uncertainty from the coronavirus, the resilience of our industry will carry us through these trying times.
General aviation manufacturing and maintenance are exciting and rewarding sectors of our industry and play an integral role in economic growth and opportunity. As manufacturers, we recognize the importance of ensuring that there is a healthy supply of qualified and appropriately skilled aviation maintenance technicians to maintain the products and keep them operating safely and efficiently.
To promote a better understanding of the maintenance and repair sector, GAMA continues to foster outreach efforts that showcase aviation as a personally and financially rewarding career path, promote workforce development through education and STEM initiatives and provide sponsorship or support to numerous maintenance related endeavors. For example, GAMA is working with some of our member company manufacturers and repair stations to develop workforce videos for the aspiring skilled technician. These videos will provide insight into daily job functions, schedule and career opportunities within the manufacturing or repair station community, which differs to that of the typical airline environment.
We are a proud sponsor and supporter of the University of the District of Columbia Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. GAMA is supporting their participation in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, taking place at the 2020 MRO Americas, rescheduled for the fall. This competition, of which GAMA is a sponsor, has teams competing in maintenance events intended to test the skill and knowledge required of an aviation maintenance technician.
Additionally, GAMA supports several legislative and regulatory proposals to update the Airman Certification Standards and to modernize the Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools to ensure that future aviation professionals are trained on current safety practices and technologies. It is essential that these proposals meet the needs of our evolving industry, especially as we begin to broaden into electric and hybrid propulsion, additive manufacturing, remote inspections, cyber security and augmented or virtual reality.
The more exposure that our industry can offer to future generations about careers in aviation, the better off we are. To sustain and grow our incredible industry, GAMA has partnered up with the Air Line Pilots Association and other associations on the Aviation Works 4U initiative. This program, which is aimed at middle and high school students across the country, uses aviation STEM resources and engagement opportunities to expose students to careers in aviation. GAMA is partnering in this program to ensure that both the manufacturing and maintenance sectors are properly represented as rewarding careers opportunities.
GAMA’s Aviation Design Challenge, which is currently underway, offers high school students the opportunity to learn the principles of the science of flight and airplane design through an accelerated program. The teams then apply that knowledge to modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a virtual fly-off. This STEM-based program has reached more than 3,000 students in more than 400 high schools, spanning 47 states and has seen past winners and entrants pursue careers in aviation.
This year, as GAMA celebrates its 50th anniversary. Our focus is on being future ready and taking the aviation industry to new and exciting heights. To do so, it is imperative that we strengthen our workforce and highlight the amazing opportunities that exist in general aviation, especially those in maintenance and repair.
