On Feb. 19, a group of ATEC representatives visited Washington DC for a "check in" with congressional representatives to push the Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act (S.3043/H.R.5427).
The bill, which has broad industry support and largely based on language ATEC offered in its comments to the part 147 NPRM and SNPRM, directs the FAA to replace the current, long-outdated rule with new language. The legislative effort comes in response to a slow-moving regulatory process and industry's call for a performance-based approach, elements that are not present in the FAA's current regulatory proposals.
The group met with 18 congressional offices in one day, focusing on members of the aviation subcommittee in both the House and the Senate. The meetings came in the wake of a Feb. 11 House congressional hearing on workforce development, a venue congressional leaders used to highlight the need for modernized aviation training.
"Our group included representatives from all sectors of education, including private colleges, four-year public institutions, and community colleges," said Southern Utah University Director of Global Aviation Maintenance Training and ATEC Legislative Chair Jared Britt. "And we had outstanding support from industry, including MRO, airlines, and labor. It made a powerful statement in our congressional meetings."
ATEC members are encouraged to capitalize on the momentum and reach out to members of Congress asking them to sign on as co-sponsors of the bill. See the grassroots action toolkit for resources and instructions.
Special thanks to the following individuals for taking a few days to support the cause:
- AAR Corp. Vice President Workforce Development Ryan Goertzen
- AAR Corp. Manager Government Affairs Melissa Borom
- Southern Utah University Director of Global Aviation Maintenance Training Jared Britt
- Southern Utah University Aviation Executive Director Michael Mower
- Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Legislative Affairs Director Justin Madden
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance Vice President Operations Joel English
- University of the District of Columbia Community College Aviation Program Director William Russo
- Piedmont Airlines Recruiting Manager Human Resources Kevin Dallaire
- Teamsters Airline Division, Representative Chris Moore
- Aviation Technician Education Council Executive Director Crystal Maguire
