2016 – Edition 11 – Dec. 2

Table of Contents

Note: The order of material varies in hotline emails, but is always presented the same on this landing page. Readers scrolling through content on or printing this page will find it organized consistent with the table of contents.

Levanto’s Lead
Symposium 2017
Legal Briefs
ARSA on the Hill
Regulatory Outlook
Training
Membership
AVMRO News Portal
Upcoming Events

Levanto’s Lead

Politics, Policy and the Promise of ARSA’s Work

By Brett Levanto, Vice President of Communications

In January, a new president will take residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and, along with the 115^th Congress, try to translate the politics of a tumultuous year into policy. While Americans wait to see the impact on their daily lives, ARSA will stay the course and help repair stations navigate regulatory and business turbulence.

In 2017, association members can look forward to another 12 months of “ARSA works” activities, events like symposium and the Strategic Leadership Conference, a full schedule of online training sessions, a refined list of member resources and a steady stream of newsletters, alerts and updates about everything that matters to the aircraft maintenance community. For all of this, ARSA depends on your active participation; plan now for how you can get involved in the coming year:

(1) Attend and sponsor association events. Early, discounted registration is open for the 2017 Legislative Day and Annual Repair Symposium and sponsorship commitments are coming in. Click here to step up now and help ARSA bring the aviation world to the nation’s capital.

(2) Stay smart and out of trouble with ARSA training. The association’s team of regulatory and legislative experts has pushed hard to build a comprehensive library of on-demand training sessions. With a full schedule of live sessions planned for 2017, the industry’s most-comprehensive training resource will continue to expand. Click here to learn about the training program and register today.

(3) Grow the association. There is no better advertisement for ARSA’s work than the endorsement of a trusted colleague. Many new members are referred directly to us in search of a product or service (e.g., model manuals, training sessions, compliance advice). Click here to see how you can benefit by recruiting through our “Members Getting Members” program.

(4) Maximize your benefits. ARSA works for you when you work it for yourself. Make sure you know the full list of products, services and resources earned through your membership dues…and that they are enjoyed by your entire location. Click here to review the benefits list and get more information.

(5) Give feedback. The association’s efforts are driven by the needs of its members. Be on the lookout for surveys, questionnaires and requests for involvement. Most importantly, if you have a question or need, contact ARSA to make sure it’s heard.

It’s been a wild year. Here in the United States our ears are still ringing from the shrieks of political partisanship. Despite the noise, our focus remains the same: For repair stations, good safety will always be good business. For ARSA, the promise of its work will always be in the commitment of – and to – its members.

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Symposium 2017

Leading the Way in 2017 – Early Symposium Sponsors

By ARSA Regulatory Team

Legislative Day and the Annual Repair Symposium are ARSA’s premier events, providing a regular venue for members and invited guests from around the world to network and discuss issues that matter to the repair station community. For three days in March, the association brings the aviation world to the nation’s capital.

Special thanks to the organizations that have already stepped up in support of this work (click a logo to learn more about a sponsor):

2017 Gold Sponsors

2017 Silver Sponsors

2017 sponsorship opportunities still available – visit http://arsa.org/news-media/events/arsa-symposium/ and check the appropriate menu to see how to get yours today.

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Legal Briefs

Editor’s note: This material is provided as a service to association members for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice and is not privileged or confidential.

Successful Oversight Requires Collaboration

By Ryan M. Poteet, Regulatory Affairs Manager

The aviation maintenance industry is complex and, often, requires regulators from different countries to oversee and countenance a certificate holder’s operations. Similarly, the FAA’s highly specialized lines of business have caused intra-agency divisions that lead to rules and guidance being created in a vacuum. As such, the development of rules and advisory materials takes significantly more time and resources because the FAA is forced to reconcile duplicative or ambiguous requirements in response to public comment.

What if the aviation maintenance industry was able to provide its perspective before the FAA began drafting guidance or proposing new regulations?

The FAA has long relied on the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to help the agency develop more thorough and comprehensive rules and guidance materials. ARAC’s sole objective is to provide the FAA with advice and counsel by thoroughly analyzing assigned issues and developing rulemaking, guidance and policy recommendations. In consultation with the FAA, ARAC has the power to create subcommittees, composed of industry and agency subject matter experts, to address a specific segment of the aviation industry. These committees create a collaborative environment for regulators and industry representatives to reach pragmatic solutions to some of the most vexing and daunting aviation safety concerns. Indeed, for more than a decade the FAA and industry did just that.

From 1991 through 2002, the Air Carrier/General Aviation Maintenance Subcommittee helped the agency address a wide range of maintenance-centric concerns. The subcommittee assisted with the development of guidance for major repairs and delineated recordkeeping requirements for maintenance providers. It also provided rulemaking recommendations for revisions to 14 CFR parts 145 and 65. Perhaps most importantly, the subcommittee counseled the agency on how to resolve issues specific to providing maintenance services to air carriers.

Unfortunately, over the last fourteen years, the aviation maintenance industry has not been afforded the opportunity to revisit ongoing issues or address new ones. Admittedly, industry representatives are members of the ARAC, but their voices have not been loud enough to request new assignments from the agency. The FAA continues to issue guidance and initiate rulemakings that are not properly coordinated and, in some cases, pose a serious threat to the health of businesses without any attendant benefit to aviation safety.

A perfect example is Draft Advisory Circular 145-9A, “Guide for Developing and Evaluating Repair Station and Quality Control Manuals.” The agency drafted the nearly 100-page document before seeking industry feedback. As ARSA’s comments highlight, the guidance is poorly written, fails to account for the most recent revisions to part 145, conflicts with existing guidance, and imposes unnecessary paperwork on small maintenance organizations. Had the ARAC been tasked to assist the agency, countless hours and resources could have been spared and comprehensive guidance issued in a timely manner.

ARSA’s mission in 2017 is to resurrect the Aviation Maintenance Subcommittee through requests for tasking to the ARAC. The subcommittee’s success during the 1990s cannot be understated and the obstacles the industry faces today remain the same, if not greater. Reactivating ARAC tasking and ultimately reinstating the subcommittee will breakdown intra-agency communication barriers and create a collaborative environment where aviation safety and the success of the industry are both a priority.

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ARSA on the Hill

Trump Election Creates Enormous Opportunities, Risks

By Daniel B. Fisher, Vice President of Legislative Affairs

What Donald Trump achieved on election day was both unexpected and historic. Despite unprecedented fragmentation and disunity in the Republican Party, Trump excited the base and turned out the vote. Not only did he get himself elected, but the excitement he generated drove Republican turnout across the country, helping to protect vulnerable seats and keeping the House and Senate in GOP hands.

In the wake of victory, most Republicans who abandoned Trump on the campaign trail seemed happy to fall back in line and bask in the victory. Democrats, who had bought into the conventional wisdom that they would win the presidency, Senate and perhaps even the House (always a long shot), were left with jaws agape and heads shaking.

The election results create enormous opportunity for the aviation maintenance industry. Seen at his best, Trump is a successful, entrepreneurially minded, free-market capitalist with broad business experience and a track record of success in a range of projects. His election means the rollback of regulations imposed by an unaccountable bureaucracy, tax reform and an understanding that “good safety is good business” are within closer reach. Trump has the opportunity to shatter the conventional wisdom about policymaking just as he did about electoral politics.

But there is risk as well. Trump has no track record in elected office, an unpredictable temperament and seemingly little knowledge – or interest – about policy details. While that means he’ll likely defer heavily to his deputies, it also creates uncertainty about how he’ll conduct himself both on the domestic political front and on the world stage. That uncertainty could mean economic volatility.

The Political Big Picture

Although Republicans have slightly-reduced majorities on Capitol Hill, they’re still squarely in control. The GOP will hold at least 51 Senate seats in the 115^th Congress (down from 54 in the 114^th) and may pick up one more depending on the outcome of the Louisiana runoff election on Dec. 10. In the House, the Republican majority was cut slightly from 246 seats to 238. That still gives Republicans a comfortable 20-seat cushion above the 218 votes needed to pass legislation.

The only defensive line left to Democrats in the policy process is the Senate filibuster. The GOP will be at least eight votes shy of the 60 needed to shut off debate. Getting key elements of the Trump agenda through will require using arcane budget rules (i.e., reconciliation) to pass legislation with a simple majority or convince/coopt/persuade/bludgeon enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for popular policy positions.

Due to the dynamics of the now-looming 2018 congressional elections, that’s not out of the question. In two years, Democrats will be defending 25 Senate seats (if you include the two independents who caucus with Democrats) and the Republicans only eight. Nine Democratic senators will face reelection in states that Trump won. Five of those Democrats are from the heavily Republican states of Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia, all of which Trump won handily. Five others are from the major swing states of Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, all but one of which went for Trump.

Those vulnerable Democrats will come under enormous pressure from voters back home to work with Trump and the GOP majorities. But if they do, they may also find themselves subject to challenges from the far-left wing of the party, which will likely be invigorated in the wake of the 2016 elections.

The Fine Policy Brush

With that background on the political landscape, here’s our prognosis about what’s ahead in several of the issue areas that matter most for ARSA members:

• FAA reauthorization. With the current FAA extension expiring on Sept. 30, 2017, lawmakers will begin crafting a new, long-term bill early in the congressional session. The leadership of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee are expected to remain largely unchanged, meaning reauthorization proposals could move quickly.  However, T&I Chairman Shuster has indicated his continued desire to push air traffic control privatization – a non-starter for the general aviation community and many in Congress – making it very difficult to pass a major aviation bill next year.
• Trade. Trump tapped into sentiment among voters in both parties opposed to globalization and pledged to pursue more protectionist policies that could hurt international trade and undermine economic growth. Some of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, particularly his views on international trade, could indicate a skepticism toward bilateral aviation safety agreements and other international accords that permit the efficient movement of maintenance services and parts across the world. It is imperative that aviation stakeholders articulate how American companies, workers and taxpayers benefit from international aviation accords, and the global aviation maintenance network’s contributions to safe and efficient air travel.
• Regulations. Republicans have roundly criticized the Obama administration for its aggressive regulatory agenda. Gridlock on Capitol Hill has made it difficult for Congress to impose discipline and reign in the executive branch. Trump pledged to institute “a requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated” (unclear how this proposal would work). He also said that on his first day in office he would impose a hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce federal workforce through attrition (exempting military, public safety and public health). While we’re anxious at the opportunity to roll back some of the Obama administration’s worst regulations, wise industries will also be capitalizing on the opportunity to suggest improvements to regulatory regimes that are here to stay, including strengthening small business protections in the rulemaking process.
• Taxes. Trump’s election and the maintenance of the status quo in Congress make tax reform in 2017 much more likely. A once-in-a-generation tax and budget deal in the first half of next year is a real possibility. The starting point for the tax reform discussion is the GOP tax reform plan released last June. There’s a lot to like in the House GOP plan, including creating a separate 25 percent tax rate for pass-through companies, lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate to 20 percent, shifting to “territorial” system to tax U.S. companies operating internationally, and repealing the death tax. As an owner of multiple aircraft, Trump likely wouldn’t support increased general aviation taxes.
• Career Technical Education. Addressing the skilled worker shortage will be an issue in the next Congress as a matter of necessity. Substantial progress was made this year on Perkins Act reauthorization (there’s still a chance that Congress could send President Obama a bipartisan bill during the lame duck session), and Trump said on the campaign trail that in his first 100 days he would pursue a School Choice and Education Opportunity Act which, among other things, “expands vocational and technical education, and make[s] two and four-year college more affordable.” The Trump transition website’s education page says the new administration “will advance policies to support learning-and-earning opportunities at the state and local levels – where the heart and soul of American education takes place,” but provides no more specifics. This suggests an important opportunity for the business community to provide input and guide policy in this area.
• Airport Infrastructure. Trump made infrastructure a big part of his platform. More specifically, he frequently cites the need to rebuild our nation’s airports. Look for increased investment in U.S. airports to be a significant focus of the Trump administration.

There’s no doubt that 2017 will be a busy year for our industry in Washington, D.C. The association looks forward to working with its members around the country to achieve policy victories on a range of issues to benefit the aviation maintenance industry.

Special Session – What Happened in the Voting Booth?

By ARSA Legislative & Training Teams

Election 2016 came to a surprising end. Whether they were jubilant or devastated on Nov. 8, many Americans are moving on from a contentious and divisive campaign. Now that the votes have been cast and [mostly] counted – across every race, not just for the White House – regulated businesses have to plan to work with the new administration and the 115th Congress.

What Happened in the Voting Booth? – Industry Implications of Election 2016
This session provides some cool-headed analysis of the 2016 presidential and congressional elections. It reviews what happened, what the results mean for aviation and transportation policy and what is next.
Instructors: Christian A. Klein & Daniel B. Fisher

Click here to register and get unlimited access for 90 days.

Registration for an ARSA-provided training session includes:

• Unlimited access for 90 days to the on-demand, recorded version of the webinar (registrants may submit questions directly to presentation team).
• A copy of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• Upon completion of the class as well as any test material, a completion certificate.

The association’s training program is provided through Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C., the firm that manages ARSA. To go directly to OFM&K’s online training portal, visit PotomacLaw.inreachce.com. To learn more about the association’s training program and see course availability, visit arsa.org/training.

Prepare for 2018 – “Active Constituent” Series

By ARSA Legislative Team

It may be hard to accept – harder even than the results of a hard-fought election when your candidate lost – but the two-year congressional election cycle is already turning over to 2018. Smart businesses will start building strong relationships with their elected officials now, if they haven’t already, to demonstrate the vitality of the maintenance community, its impact on the national economy and value to the local community. This isn’t just a good campaign activity, it’s pretty useful while pursuing good policy.

To make sure you’re doing all you can, review all three of ARSA on the Hill’s “active constituent” pieces published in the second half of 2016 (click the title to go directly to the appropriate edition):

Constituents Matter: Congressional State/District Offices
A district office (U.S. senators and staff often refer to it as “state offices”) represents the home base for your U.S. House and Senate representatives. It employs dedicated individuals from the local community who answer constituent concerns.

How to Be an Involved Constituent: Town Hall Meetings
Many representatives or their supporters host town hall or other community meetings. These forums provide an opportunity to gain insight into your representative’s priorities as well as his or her position on national, international and community issues and. Most importantly, these events are a chance to initiate meaningful dialogue.

Show Me What You Got: Facility Visits
If this Congress’ FAA reauthorization process has demonstrated anything, it’s that few elected officials really understand how our industry operates. The easiest way to ensure that your lawmakers understand your business and the positive impact your company has on the both local economy and aviation safety is to host them at your company’s facilities.

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Regulatory Outlook

Judge Halts New Overtime Rules

By ARSA Regulatory Team

On Nov. 22, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the Obama administration’s controversial overtime rules, which would have imposed a significant burden on commercial enterprise, particularly small businesses. The court determined the Department of Labor (DOL) exceeded its authority in the final regulation.

The onerous requirements were set to take effect on Dec. 1 and would have doubled the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA’s) salary threshold for overtime pay exemption.

Under existing regulations, employees earning an annual salary in excess of $23,660, and who perform qualified administrative, managerial or professional duties, are not entitled to overtime compensation. The new regulation would have required salaried workers earning less than $47,476 to receive additional pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week. In addition, the salary threshold would automatically update every three years to match the 40th percentile of full-time salaried employees in the lowest-wage census region in the U.S.

On Sept. 28, the House approved the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools & Nonprofits Act (H.R. 6094), which would have delayed the rules effective date for six months.  The bipartisan legislation wasn’t taken up by the Senate and likely won’t see further action this Congress given the court’s decision.

With the Obama administration winding down, the rules’ future is in jeopardy as President-Elect Trump’s support is unlikely and further court proceedings are months away.  While the ruling brings welcome relief, it does not eliminate all uncertainty for businesses, particularly those employers who had already planned to comply with the mandate only to have it reversed in the final two weeks before implementation.

Trumps Taps Former Labor Secretary Chao for DOT Head

By ARSA Legislative Team

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, in a photo during her service as head of the Department of Labor. Source: http://elainelchao.com.

President-elect Donald Trump has named former Department of Labor head Elaine Chao as his nominee to serve as Secretary of Transportation.  Chao will be tasked with overseeing nearly a dozen agencies dealing with all modes of transportation, including the FAA.

While Chao did serve as deputy secretary of Transportation, chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and deputy maritime Administrator in the mid-to-late 1980’s, her aviation policy experience appears to be limited.  However, she will not be the first person representing transportation issues in a president’s cabinet with seemingly little knowledge of the issues facing the aviation industry. Nonetheless, her experience in managing an executive department and running one of the world’s largest non-profit organizations (United Way) will certainly help her come up to speed – with ARSA and its allies ready to bring her up to speed on aviation and aircraft maintenance.

Chao’s nomination must now be considered by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the full Senate, likely in early-2017.  Chao’s managerial experience, combined with her familiarity with the confirmation process and the fact that she is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), make her a safe bet for approval.  Once confirmed, Chao will become the second woman in U.S. history to serve as both Secretary of Labor and Transportation while being married to the Senate Majority Leader.

ARSA members interested in engaging with the new administration and the 115th Congress – not to mention learning who was first to combine leadership of both the Labor and Transportation departments with a marriage to a prominent senator – should register for the association’s 2017 Legislative Day.

Final Documents/Your Two Cents

This list includes Federal Register publications, such as final rules, Advisory Circulars and policy statements, as well as proposed rules and policies of interest to ARSA members.

To view the list, click here.

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Training

The association’s training program is provided through Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C., the firm that manages ARSA. To go directly to OFM&K’s online training portal, visit potomaclaw.inreachce.com. To learn more about the association’s training program and see course availability, visit arsa.org/training.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements

By ARSA Training Team

Join Marshall S. Filler for a thorough and extensive exploration of drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Bundle pricing available: Click here to purchase the entire series together and save.

Requirements of 14 CFR part 120
December 7 at 11:00 a.m. EST – This session provides basic information on the Federal Aviation Administration’s drug and alcohol testing requirements contained in Title 14 CFR part 120, Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (full description available on registration page).
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

Requirements of 49 CFR part 40
January 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST – This session provides information on the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) set forth in 49 CFR part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (full description available on registration page).
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

Traps for the Unwary
February 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST – This session provides information on avoiding many of the common drug and alcohol-related mistakes that can subject companies to enforcement action, typically in the form of civil penalties (full description available on registration page).
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

Case Study: Testing Your Knowledge
February 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST – This session will test the participants’ knowledge of the drug and alcohol testing requirements in 14 and 49 CFR by presenting several hypothetical case studies (full description available on registration page).
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

In addition to participation in the live event, registration for an ARSA-provided training session includes:

• Unlimited access for 90 days to the on-demand, recorded version of the webinar.
• A copy of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• Upon completion of the class as well as any test material, a completion certificate.

14 CFR Part 21 – Full Training Series On Demand

By ARSA Training Team

On Nov. 9, Marshall S. Filler wrapped up a three-part series on 14 CFR part 21, “Certification Procedures for Products and Articles.” The entire series is now available for on-demand viewing.

Want all three sessions? Click here to  purchase them together and save.

Part 21 – Overview
This session provides an overview of the aviation safety regulations governing design and production of civil aviation products and articles as well as airworthiness certification of civil aircraft.
Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Part 21 – Design Approvals & Design Changes
This session reviews the elements necessary to obtain design approvals for civil aviation products, including type certificates, amended type certificates and supplemental type certificates. It will explain the requirements for obtaining approval of design changes to those certificates including the changed product rule. Finally, it will describe the design requirements for obtaining a parts manufacturer approval and technical standard order authorization, and for obtaining approval of design changes to those articles.
Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Part 21 – Production Approvals
This session explains the requirements for obtaining a production approval for civil aviation products and articles as well as the elements of an FAA-approved quality system and the method for making revisions to that system. It also addresses the privileges and responsibilities of production approval holders including the issuance of airworthiness approvals and authorized release documents for aircraft engines, propellers and articles.
Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Registration for an ARSA-provided training session includes:

• Unlimited access for 90 days to the recording, made available on-demand after the live session is complete.
• A copy of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• Upon completion of the class as well as any test material, a completion certificate.

The Tax Man Cometh – A Primer on Small Business Tax Issues

By ARSA Training Team

Two things are certain in life: death and outstanding training resources from ARSA’s management firm, Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. In this on-demand session, learn from two of Washington’s leading small business tax lobbyists what you need to watch out for in tax policy.

The Tax Man Cometh – A Primer on Small Business Tax Issues
Comprehensive tax reform is poised to be a top priority in the 115th Congress. There are significant risks and opportunities for companies, particularly small-medium-sized businesses.
Instructors: Christian A. Klein & Daniel B. Fisher

Registration will be available once on-demand production is complete.

Registration for an ARSA-provided training session includes:

• Unlimited access for 90 days to the on-demand, recorded version of the webinar.
• A copy of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• A completion certificate upon completion of the class.

The association’s training program is provided through Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C., the firm that manages ARSA. To go directly to OFM&K’s online training portal, visit PotomacLaw.inreachce.com. To learn more about the association’s training program and see course availability, visit arsa.org/training.

Regulatory Compliance Training

By ARSA Training and Regulatory Teams

Test your knowledge of 14 CFR § 43.10 – Disposition of life-limited aircraft parts.

Click here to download the training sheet.

ARSA Online Training Calendar

D&A Testing – Requirements of 14 CFR part 120
December 7 at 11:00 a.m. EST

D&A Testing – Requirements of 49 CFR part 40
January 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST

D&A Testing – Traps for the Unwary
February 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST

D&A Testing – Case Study: Testing Your Knowledge
February 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST

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Membership

Eight ARSA Winners Among AMT Magazine’s “NextGen” Honorees

By ARSA Membership Team

On Nov. 28, AMT Magazine announced its 2016 class of NextGen Award winners. For the second year, the publication honored up-and-coming talent by recognizing maintenance engineers, technicians and support staff under 40 years old.

The list includes eight winners from seven different ARSA member organizations:

Kevin Easley, Maintenance Supervisor, AAR Aircraft Services
Hilary Kerkstra, Turbine Engine Technician, Pratt & Whitney Engine Services
Carolyn Rena Kincaid, Manager of Training and Records Dept., AAR Aircraft Services
Joshua Krotec, Senior Vice President, First Aviation Services
Tony Oggs, Field Service Lead Technician, StandardAero
Josh Riehle, Director of Quality, HAECO Cabin Solutions
John Wing, Program Manager, PEMCO World Air Services
Xiang Yao, Lead Aviation Maintenance Technician, FedEx

“Taking pride in this group is easy,” said Brett Levanto, ARSA’s vice president of communications and 2015 NextGen honoree. “Every person – yes, even those whose employers aren’t ARSA members – represents the best in the aviation maintenance community. From diverse backgrounds, with different experiences and performing a wide range of needed tasks, each one keeps the world safely in flight. We can’t fly without them and we wouldn’t want to.”

Finding and retaining world class talent – like the names listed in AMT’s awards – has become a pressing challenge for repair stations and a key policy focus for the association. While celebrating the best and brightest is a great way to attract attention, ARSA also provides tools for building the aviation workforce of the future:

(1) Aerojobs.org. The web-based recruitment tool specifically targets individuals with the skills needed to maintain aircraft (regardless of what industry they’re in now).

(2) AVMRO.arsa.org. The industry’s information portal introduces the world of maintenance, repair and overhaul. The site has information useful to everyone from job seekers to the media to elected officials to nervous fliers.

(3) Propaganda. “You Can’t Fly Without Us,” a seven-minute documentary on the maintenance industry produced for public television. ARSA provides license for use of the film as an informational or recruitment tool. (Visit arsa.org/documentary to see how you can use the video.)

(4) Training. In addition to a growing library of on-demand recordings, live sessions are hosted weekly on regulatory compliance, government affairs, legal and business development topics. Everything you need to get better at your job and get ready for the next one. (Visit arsa.org/training for course information and to register.)

“While celebrating [the NextGen honorees’] hard work, let’s consider how to help them move ahead,” Levanto said, encouraging broader industry action. “Nurture their careers while attracting new applicants to work and learn alongside them.”

To see all of the winners, visit: www.aviationpros.com/article/12278511/2016-amt-next-gen-40-under-40-award-winners.

Are you from one of the organization’s represented on the list of winners? Click here to contact ARSA to share how you’re celebrating your young talent.

LHT Headlines Aviation Week’s 2017 Laureates Nominations

By ARSA Membership Team

On Nov. 30, Aviation Week & Space Technology announced the nominees for its 60th annual Laureate Awards, honoring extraordinary achievements in the global aerospace arena. Thirty-three nominees were recognized across nine different categories, including ARSA member Lufthansa Technik for “pioneering innovations in MRO.”

The winners of the 2017 Laureate Awards will be announced and honored on March 2, 2017 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The award categories are civil aviation, defense, space, business aviation, technology, innovation, and new this year, MRO. In addition, Aviation Week will bestow awards for lifetime achievement and heroism as well as recognize cadets and midshipmen from U.S. military academies as “tomorrow’s leaders.” The publication will also host a “20 Twenties” luncheon in partnership with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics to recognize college and graduate students seeking degrees in STEM-related fields

To keep track of all the nominees and for more information about the Laureates, visit laureates.aviationweek.com. For more information on all Aviation Week events, visit events.aviationweek.com. On Twitter, follow @AvWeekEvents and @AviationWeek while keep track of the hashtag #AWLAUR.

Make ARSA’s Voice Your Own: Advertise

ARSA has a menu of advertising opportunities for arsa.org, the hotline and the ARSA Dispatch.

Take advantage of these great opportunities today to showcase your company, a new product or event. For more information go to arsa.org/advertise.

Stand Up for ARSA by Sponsoring in 2017

In order to provide world-class resources for its members, the association depends on the commitment of the aviation community. By sponsoring events and activities, supporters can help ARSA’s work on behalf of repair stations to endure.

Need a place to start, check out the platinum, gold and silver level sponsorships for Legislative Day and the Annual Repair Symposium. Promote your company while showing support for ARSA:

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A Member Asked…

Q: With respect to MAG Change 6, what is the difference between a “standard part” and a “component?” Where can I find the regulatory definition?

A: The “definition” of a standard part is found in 14 CFR section 21.9(a)(3). An industry standard is one set by a third-party, such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). “Component” is any article—piece part, end assembly, etc.

EASA wants an FAA Form 8130-3 on every single part coming into inventory after Sept. 30—except for standard parts and maintenance fabrication. The Technical Implementation Procedures (TIP) and Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) both set forth these “requirements” and exceptions—please see the specific references MAG CHG 6, Section A, Para. 19 (Definitions), page 31; Section B, Appendix 1, Para. (A)(10)(k), page 100; TIP CHG 5, Para. 2.8.2, page 2-22.

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Resources

ARSA strives to provide resources to educate the general public about the work of the association’s member organizations; should you need to provide a quick reference or introductory overview to the global MRO industry, please utilize AVMRO.ARSA.org.

AVMRO Industry Roundup

ARSA monitors media coverage on aviation maintenance to spread the word about the valuable role repair stations play globally by providing jobs and economic opportunities and in civic engagement. These are some of this month’s top stories highlighting the industry’s contributions.

You can explore these stories through ARSA’s Dispatch news portal.

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Industry Calendar

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