2016 Strategic Leadership Conference – Montreal

Kickoff Reception – An Evening with Michael Lawson

By ARSA Membership Team

Thank you to First Aviation Services for its Gold Level Sponsorship of the 2016 Strategic Leadership Conference, hosted by IATA in Montreal on Oct. 5-6.

Specifically, First Aviation’s support will give attendees an evening reception, during which they could meet the Honorable Michael Lawson, the United States’ Ambassador to ICAO. As a special guest at the SLC’s kickoff event on Wednesday, Oct. 5, Ambassador Lawson will share his thoughts on the American role in the global aviation community.

SLC Space is Limited – Register Now

Register now to meet the ambassador on Wednesday night and stick around for a full Thursday agenda, which includes more speakers from ICAO in addition to representatives from IATA, the FAA and other international aviation bodies. Share your expertise and benefit from your colleagues’ insight during discussions of international regulatory cooperation, technical workforce development and global political risk.

Click here for more information about the agenda, to see what’s going on in Montreal and submit your registration.

When the U.S. Senate confirmed Ambassador Lawson in 2014, ARSA profiled him for the hotline newsletter. As you plan your trip to Montreal, take a look back at that edition and learn a little about the ambassador: Click here.

To see all the ways ARSA works as the voice of the aviation maintenance industry, visit the ARSA Works page.

ARSA Supports FAA’s Resolution of “Vexing” Housing Issue

By ARSA Regulatory Team

On Aug. 25, ARSA supported the FAA’s interim final rule clarifying that repair stations holding a limited airframe rating did not need to provide housing that enclosed the largest type of aircraft listed on its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs).

The association applauded the agency’s efforts to resolve this vexing issue, although conducting a rulemaking was unnecessary. The agency could have simply interpreted the hangar requirement as applying only to repair stations working on aircraft instead of airframe components. Both terms are clearly defined in 14 CFR § 1.1; abiding by the plain text of the regulations would have obviated the need to create a new rule to conform existing agency practice.

For further analysis, check out the “Legal Brief” in this edition.

CRI ARC Members Add Clarity to RCCB Proposal

By ARSA Regulatory Team

On Aug. 24, ARSA joined five other members of the Consistency in Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (CRI ARC) on comments on FAA Draft Order 8000.RCCB, “Regulatory Consistency Communication Board (RCCB).”

The group praised the agency for creating the RCCB, one of the CRI ARC’s six recommendations. To assist in that process, the submission provided a series of suggestions to eliminate vagueness from the board’s structure and authority as described in the draft order.

“While the draft order provides a more streamlined process, the devil is in the details,” the comments said. “The procedure must be in enough detail to ensure it can be followed, audited and appropriate metrics gathered for review and analysis for validity and/or improvement of the process or its outcomes.”

The group’s specific suggestions include establishing a clear decision-making hierarchy, delineating the RCCB’s role with regard to other vehicles for regulatory resolution (e.g., requests for legal interpretations, CSI submissions) and identifying a person or position ultimately responsible for ensuring intended outcomes. These improvements will enable the board to effectively promote consistency of regulatory interpretation and application in line with the CRI ARC’s original report.

The association’s regulatory team helped organized signatories on the comments, which were drafted by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Representatives from the Aerospace Industries Association, Airlines for America, the National Air Carrier Association and the Regional Airline Association also signed.

To read the comments in full, click here.

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.

Housing Requirements – Out with the Old, in with the Old?

By Ryan Poteet, Regulatory Affairs Manager

On Aug. 25, ARSA supported the FAA’s interim final rule clarifying that repair stations holding a limited airframe rating did not need to provide housing that enclosed the largest type of aircraft listed on its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs). While ARSA applauds the agency’s efforts, this vexing issue could have been resolved in a much easier way. Moreover, the interim rule could have eliminated other problems down the road.

The Old Rule

Previously, 14 CFR § 145.103(b) required repair stations holding any airframe rating to have a hangar to enclose the largest aircraft on its OpsSpecs. The plain language of the rule seemed to mandate that repair stations holding any airframe rating must be able to house the largest aircraft it maintained. The FAA took the language to mean that airframe component-only repair stations would not be forced to have a costly hangar that would sit vacant because the facility never worked on an aircraft. For years the FAA issued countless limited airframe ratings to component repair stations that did not have a hangar.

The FAA’s pragmatic approach to the housing requirements came to an abrupt halt in 2015 when a legal interpretation indicated that the housing requirements applied to all airframe ratings, despite the fact that most did not work on aircraft. Aviation safety inspectors then started taking a second look at the large number for component repair stations without hangars. Although no official legal action was taken against repair stations, some were stopped from expanding capabilities, others were told to apply for exemptions, and applicants were placed in limbo. Instead of interpreting the housing requirement as applying only to repair stations working on aircraft instead of airframe components – as those terms are clearly defined by 14 CFR § 1.1 – the agency worked hard and fast to issue a new rule.

The New Rule

The new rule removed § 145.103(b) to ensure repair stations need only provide housing and facilities consistent with their ratings and limitations, as already required by § 145.103(a)(1). For example, now a repair station with a limited powerplant rating may list a certain make and model of powerplant under its limited rating, but intend to maintain only specified component parts of the engine, such as blade or vane repairs. Under the new rule the repair station is only required to provide housing, equipment, materials, and personnel to perform maintenance on blades and vanes.

It is too bad that the agency didn’t apply the same logic to its rating system.

Performance-Based Rating System

Section 145.61(a) gives the FAA discretion to issue limited ratings for work on any particular type of airframe, powerplant, propeller, accessory, or part thereof, as well as for specialized maintenance functions. This performance-based approach enables the agency to determine whether a repair station has the capability to perform the work in accordance with part 43. Unfortunately, the agency still provides a menu of potential limited ratings in § 145.61(b), which has only functioned to limit the FAA’s ability to issue the appropriate rating when the work does not fit neatly into that list. The result—just as with the housing requirement—has been the issuance of limited ratings to repair stations that do not comply with the plain language of the regulation.

Instead of removing § 145.61(b) entirely, as it did § 145.103(b), the agency included a “catch all” limited rating in § 145.61(b)(13). The provision allows the agency to issue a rating for any other purpose it deems appropriate, which is already allowed under
§ 145.61(a).

It’s unclear why the FAA took a performance-based approach to the housing requirements but not for issuing ratings. It should have deleted the menu of options in
§ 145.61(b) and used its discretionary authority in § 145.61(a).

ARSA on the Hill

Show Me What You Got

By Daniel B. Fisher, Vice  President of Legislative Affairs

Editor’s Note: This is the third part in a series on being an active constituent. If you have not read the first two installments, navigate using the links below:

Constituents Matter: Congressional State/District Offices

How to Be an Involved Constituent: Town Hall Meetings

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.

Facility visits give members of Congress and legislative staff an opportunity to see first-hand and up close what your company does and how it fits into the aviation industry. It’s also an opportunity for lawmakers to meet your employees (whose votes they want to win) and to show their commitment to the local business community.

Here are simple steps for you to follow when inviting lawmakers for a facility visit. Remember that representatives and senators have tremendous demands on their time, so you must be flexible in scheduling a tour and even be willing to have a congressional staffer come and visit.

Steps to inviting your member of Congress:

Determine your lawmakers. To find your representative and senators, visit freeenterpriseaction.com/9avEPgM. On the upper right-hand side, you can find your lawmakers by entering your address and zip code. Clicking on respective links allows you to view a background and contact information page for each of your elected officials, including websites, Twitter and Facebook pages and Washington, D.C. contract info.

Locate scheduler contact information. Go to arsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ARSA-SchedulerList-20160830.xlsx and search the excel spreadsheet for your lawmakers’ schedulers. If the scheduler isn’t listed, please contact us.

Draft an email to the scheduler. Use ARSA’s facility visit request template and be sure to enter pertinent information where indicated. Either place on company letterhead and send as an attachment or copy into the body of an email.

Let us know you’ve sent the request. Either copy me on your request or send a copy after the fact so the legislative team can follow up.

If you don’t receive a response. One week after sending the letter to your lawmaker, call their congressional office to verify that they received your invitation. Tell them your name, what company you’re from and when you sent the request; then ask about the likelihood of a tour, possible timing and be sure to offer that staff may come if the member is not available. Congressional staff are the “issue experts” for members, and it’s just as important that they understand your business!

Schedule the meeting/visit. Once the site visit or meeting is scheduled, let ARSA’s legislative team know. We’ll send you an ARSA briefing packet with information about specific issues you may want to raise, as well as useful background information about your congressional representative.

Enjoy! Make sure you capture the event with photographs. You can share these photos with the visiting member of Congress, who may even display a photo in his or her office. Give them a hat, t-shirt, or other takeaway with your company’s logo so they’ll remember the visit.

Let ARSA know what happened. Whether it’s a facility visit or office meeting, let ARSA know you’ve been in touch. As a politically active member, you may even be featured in ARSA’s publications! Be sure to forward us some of those pictures too!

Keep communication going. Setting up a visit or meeting is an important first step. However, many members find keeping an open dialogue with their congressional staff is beneficial to their business, and the industry. Although we encourage you to talk about the issues important to the industry, businesses face problems every day and sometimes congressional intervention can help. So be sure to keep those communication lines open!

Taking the initiative to invite a member of Congress to your facility is an easy and fun way to raise the profile of your company and your industry. And it’s a great way to build relationships with legislators that will serve your interests down the road.

If you have any questions about planning or scheduling a tour, let me help.  

ARSA Tells Congress to Address the Industry’s Skilled Worker Shortage

By ARSA Legislative Team

On Aug. 19, ARSA delivered a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging strong support and swift approval of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize, reform and improve the Carl D. Perkins Act, the primary dedicated federal funding source for career and technical education (CTE) programs.

The association’s membership consistently cites the skilled technical worker shortage as a top policy concern.  In 2014, ARSA and the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) commissioned a report by researchers at the College of William & Mary examining the aviation industry’s workforce issues. The study, Policy Solutions for a Stronger Technical Workforce, found that with expanding global markets and increased demand for a highly skilled, government-certificated labor force, aviation businesses must overcome looming retirements of more experienced employees, skill gaps and regulatory restrictions on training programs to service current customers and grow to meet new demand.

“Finding the right people with the right skills is difficult, keeping them is even harder,” said Brett Levanto, ARSA’s vice president of communications, nothing three quarters of respondents to the association’s most-recent member survey reported difficulty finding qualified candidates. “Almost universally, our members are optimistic about their business futures. Aviation markets are growing and international partners are coming together, but repair stations can’t be sure they’ll have the technicians they need to take advantage.”

The bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 5587) is a significant step to addressing the skills crisis that plagues just about every U.S. economic sector, from aviation to manufacturing to construction. Specifically, the legislation includes much needed reforms to the Carl D. Perkins Act, which Congress hasn’t reauthorized since 2006, including:

• Aligning CTE programs to the needs of the regional, state and local labor markets.
• Supporting effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions and employers.
• Increasing student participation in work-based learning opportunities.
• Promoting the use of industry recognized credentials and other recognized post-secondary credentials.

In the letter, ARSA’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs Daniel B. Fisher wrote, “Simply put, by making technical education a priority, Congress can help better prepare workers for well-paying careers, ensure that U.S. companies are able to seize new business opportunities and make the United States more competitive in the global economy. Businesses, schools and government officials must collectively commit to tackling the technical education crisis at all levels, and you can take a great step towards enabling that commitment by supporting and swiftly passing H.R. 5587.”

The legislation, which was unanimously approved by the House Education and the Workforce Committee in July, could receive consideration on the House floor when Congress returns to Capitol Hill after Labor Day.

The association encourages members of the aviation maintenance community to get active in support of CTE overhaul. To weigh-in with your lawmakers in support of Perkins Act reauthorization visit: ofmk.freeenterpriseaction.com/VsvkKKI.

On Demand Training: Congressional Testimony

By ARSA Training & Legislative Teams

As the voice of the aviation maintenance industry, ARSA wears a path across Capitol Hill every day. While the association’s legislative team has a deep bench of contacts and long experience sharing the good work of repair stations, lawmakers often need to hear the message directly from their constituents.

As business leaders, community members and technical experts, ARSA members are perfect participants for congressional hearings – MRO executives, managers and technicians can provide the hands on experience and real world insight that legislators need to make good laws.

Join Christian A. Klein and Daniel B. Fisher to make sure you understand why you should want to testify before Congress…and how to own the committee room when you do.

Instructors: Christian A. Klein & Daniel B. Fisher

Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Registration for an ARSA-provided, on-demand training session includes:

• Unlimited access for 90 days to the recording.
• 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.

Return to Top of Page

Regulatory Outlook

FAA Confirms Parts Documentation Privileges But Problems Remain

By ARSA Regulatory Team

Update since original release on Aug. 29: On Aug. 31, the FAA issued a revised Notice 8900.380 that clarified the language in paragraph 5.b(1) and (2) to confirm a repair station’s privilege of performing an inspection on any new part received without the documentation required by the MAG. The privilege applies regardless of whether the new part was received before, on or after Oct. 1, 2016. The agency retained the original issue date and Notice number; the revised document is available on the agency’s FSIMS web site at the link below:

http://arsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/n8900_380_20160831.pdf 

On Aug. 29, the FAA, in coordination with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), issued Flight Standards Notice 8900.380 to Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) with oversight responsibility for U.S. repair stations that hold EASA Part-145 certificates. The notice addresses two outstanding issues involving Change 6 to the FAA-EASA Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG CHG 6).

First, the notice confirms that a repair station may inspect and approve for return to service any new part within its ratings that does not meet the MAG CHG 6 documentation provisions. This codifies a verbal agreement reached on June 17, 2016 at the Maintenance Management Team (MMT) meeting in Washington, D.C. with the FAA, EASA, other national aviation agencies (NAAs) and industry representatives. It confirms such inspections are to be handled like other maintenance activities; Notice 8900.380 describes the agencies’ expectations. (ARSA is developing a procedure that its members may use to accomplish these inspections.)

Second, the notice confirms that the implementation (i.e., compliance) date for the new parts documentation provisions of MAG CHG 6 is Oct. 1, 2016. Some ASIs have been requesting changes to EASA Supplements by Sept. 1, 2016 (90 days after MAG CHG 6 was effective or issued). Therefore, the Notice confirms the Oct. 1, 2016 implementation date for the parts documentation provisions.

“This is a fine step,” said Sarah MacLeod, ARSA’s executive director, noting that the FAA’s confirmation of a repair station’s right to approve a part for return to service is on a long list of the association’s victories related to the MAG’s requirements.  ARSA has worked tirelessly to “smooth” implementation of the MAG’s parts documentation requirements since September 2015. The association’s leadership has mitigated far costlier burdens on production approval holders (PAHs) and repair stations that must comply with these new requirements after Oct. 1.”

However, the effort to reverse course on this misguided policy is not over; the industry is awaiting further clarification regarding what parts will be ‘grandfathered” in accordance with the NOTE in MAG CHG 6. ARSA has asked EASA to adopt the reasonable definition of ‘grandfathered inventory.’

“All parts released by the PAH before Oct. 1 with the correct documentation should be grandfathered, period. To limit grandfathered parts only to those in a repair station’s inventory on September 30 instead of focusing on documentation received from the PAH is a wasteful step not only for the agencies but also every maintenance certificate holder, supplier, and customer,” MacLeod said.

To read the complete notice, click here.

For full coverage of the parts documentation issue, stay tuned to arsa.org/MAG.

On Demand – Update on MAG Changes 5 & 6

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.

Return to Top of Page

Quality Time

State Department Relaunches Company Visit Program to Assess ITAR Compliance

By Thomas McVey, Esq. and Williams Mullen, a firm of more than 200 attorneys that blends law, government relations and economic development across 16 practice areas.

Editor’s Note: Readers with questions about import and export compliance issues – particularly relating to the application of ITAR – should review Thomas McVey’s previous submissions:

Controlling Your Imports and Exports
Export Compliance: Challenges for Repair Stations (ITAR)
Export Administration Regulations – The Cornerstone of Compliance

And register for the upcoming free webinar:

ITAR and Export Controls For Aeronautical Repair Station Operators

The State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has relaunched its Company Visit Program to review compliance activities under the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR).  With its resumption, every repair station with activities regulated under ITAR must understand how the Program works.

Companies are selected for a one to two day visit by DDTC Compliance Office officials under DDTC’s screening criteria.  Visits include meetings with senior executives and compliance personnel to review the company’s activities. DDTC has recently issued additional information about the program, including a series of Frequently Asked Questions,[1] The following selected FAQ’s are instructive:

What is the Company Visit Program?
The Company Visit Program entails visits by DDTC officials to U.S. entities registered with DDTC as manufacturers, exporters or brokers of defense articles and defense services, as well as others involved in ITAR-regulated activities, to include foreign companies and foreign governments.

What is the purpose of the Company Visit Program?
The program has several purposes. First, it ensures DTCC understands how compliance programs are implemented in accordance with ITAR. Second, the program enables DDTC to gather information to support the directorate’s development of regulatory policy and practice. Finally, DTCC uses site visits to glean, assess and disseminate industry best practices, provide feedback to individual companies on their compliance programs, and share information on compliance programs industry-wide.

How is the DDTC team staffed for each visit?
A team typically consists of two or more staff from DDTC, depending on the size of the individual company/site being visited and number of companies/facilities visited per trip. On some visits, staff members from DDTC’s Offices of Licensing and Policy, or other relevant agencies, may participate. One DTCC team member serves as team lead and primary point of contact with the company.

How is a visit conducted and what should a company expect?
Once a company is selected for a potential visit, DTCC contacts the company for scheduling. The company can elect not to participate in the visit. Once visit dates are finalized, DTCC sends the company a formal visit notification letter and may request pre-visit materials. Before the visit, DTCC will work with the company to finalize the agenda.

At the visit’s opening, DTCC meets with senior management to explain the purpose and agenda. The company should provide an overview of its operations and export activity during opening discussions. Visits generally last one to two days, depending on the purpose and occur on the company’s premises in offices and conference rooms and include tours of business operations departments. At the visit’s conclusion, the DDTC team briefs company senior management and export control staff to share information the team gathered. DDTC invites the company to provide feedback, ask questions, or raise concerns for follow-up.

After the visit, the DDTC team generates an internal report. The team also follows up on company feedback. DTCC will send a formal close-out letter to the company to summarize the visit, indicate best practices, recommend areas for improvement and address feedback, questions or concerns raised by the company. DTCC also requests feedback on the visit’s quality and usefulness and suggestions for improving the program.

It is important to be ready if DDTC requests a visit with your company. Companies are advised not to wait until the last minute but rather have their ITAR compliance house in order in prior to being contacted for a visit.

To make sure your house is in order, join a free export compliance webinar on Thursday, Sept. 8. The session is provided as a benefit to ARSA members, click here for more information and to register.

This article contains general, condensed summaries of actual legal matters, statutes and opinions for information purposes.  It is not meant to be and should not be construed as legal advice. For more information, please visit www.williamsmullen.com or contact Thomas B. McVey, 202.293.8118 or tmcvey@williamsmullen.com.

[1] See DDTC company guidance “Company Visit Program (CVP), dated July 17, 2016, available on DDTC website.

Return to Top of Page

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.

ARSA’s Rules for Rulemaking

By ARSA Training Team

ARSA’s mastery of the rulemaking process is central to the association’s service to the aviation maintenance community. Faithful followers of “ARSA Works” web posts and newsletter stories will see regular engagement with the FAA and other agencies through their requests for “notice and comment” on various proposals promulgated through the Federal Register.

Every certificate holder should proactively participate in the work of creating, refining and (sometimes) canceling the rules by which the repair station industry is governed. Getting the Code of Federal Regulations – in addition to the litany of agency guidance – right is a shared responsibility that can only be pursued through understanding the rules of rulemaking engagement…from the team that does it every day:

The Rulemaking Process – Overview
Description: This session provides an overview of how federal agencies make regulations that have the force and effect of law. Specifically, it will review the agencies that must follow the Administrative Procedure Act, the procedures governed by the Act as well as other methods by which an agency can obtain recommendations from the public on its rulemaking activities and mandates.
Date & Time: September 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
Instructor: Sarah MacLeod
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

The Rulemaking Process – Effective Comments
Description: This session provides methods for submitting effective comments on FAA rulemaking proposals and on other documents that are posted for feedback from stakeholders.
Date & Time: September 28 at 11:00 a.m. EDT
Instructor: Sarah MacLeod
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

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

• Access to the on-demand, recorded version of the webinar to be made available after the live session is complete (or at time of purchase, for on-demand classes).
• 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.

Hit Me – Three Part Series on Part 21

By ARSA Training Team

Join Marshall S. Filler for a three-part series on 14 CFR part 21, “Certification Procedures for Parts and Articles.” Bundle pricing is available for purchase of the entire series:

Click here to purchase all three sessions together and save.

Part 21 – Overview
Description: This session provides an overview of the aviation safety regulations governing design and production of civil aviation products and articles, and airworthiness certification of civil aircraft.
Date & Time: September 23 at 11:00 a.m. EDT
Instructor: Marshall S. Filler
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

Part 21 – Type & Production Certificates
Description: 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.
Date & Time: October 21 at 11:00 a.m. EDT
Instructor: Marshall S. Filler
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

Part 21 – TSOA, PMA & Other Approvals
Description: This session explains the requirements for obtaining a production approval for civil aviation products and articles. It will explain the elements of an FAA-approved quality system and the method for making revisions to that system. It will also address the privileges and responsibilities of production approval holders including the issuance of airworthiness approvals for aircraft engines, propellers and articles.
Date & Time: November 9 at 11:00 a.m. EST
Instructor: Marshall S. Filler
Click here to register (bundle pricing available).

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

• Access to the on-demand, recorded version of the webinar to be made available after the live session is complete (or at time of purchase, for on-demand classes).
• 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.

Free Webinar: Export Compliance Session Provided by Williams Mullen for ARSA

By ARSA Training Team

On Sept. 8, Thomas B. McVey, chair of the international section at Williams Mullen and resource for ARSA members, will host a free webinar on export controls for repair stations.

The session is part of ongoing collaboration between ARSA and McVey, who displayed his experience in international business law during a presentation at the 2016 Annual Repair Symposium and is the author of a continuing series in the monthly hotline newsletter on import/export issues. By joining the free session on Sept. 8, maintenance providers can put his knowledge and experience to good use:

ITAR and Export Controls for Aeronautical Repair Station Operators

Description:  An overview of export controls with specific application and examples for parties dealing with aircraft parts, aviation technical services and repairs for commercial and military aircraft.
Date & Time: September 8 at 12:00 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
Instructor: Thomas B. McVey

Click here to register directly with Williams Mullen.

Registration note: This session is hosted by Williams Mullen. Clicking the registration link will direct to the firm’s registration system. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration containing instructions for accessing the session.

Regulatory Compliance Training

By ARSA Training and Regulatory Teams

Test your knowledge of 14 CFR § 43.5 – Approval for return to service after maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding or alteration.

Click here to download the training sheet.

 

---

ARSA Online Training Calendar

Special Event: ITAR and Export Controls for Aeronautical Repair Station Operators – Sept. 8 (Free)
The Rulemaking Process – Overview – Sept. 14
Part 21 – Overview – Sept. 23
The Rulemaking Process – Effective Comments – Sept. 28
Antitrust 101 – Oct. 12
Part 21 – Type & Production Certificates – Oct. 21
Part 21 – TSOA, PMA & Other Approvals – Nov. 9

 

---

Return to Top of Page

---

Membership

ARSA Members Featured at Regional Aerospace Event

By ARSA Membership Team

In conjunction with the 2016 Southeastern Aerospace Supplier and Advanced Manufacturing Summit in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, executives representing ARSA members First Aviation Services, Piedmont Propulsion Systems, HAECO Americas and North State Aviation participated in a panel discussion about issues and opportunities for aviation maintenance companies.

Sammy Oakley, Piedmont Propulsion Systems (left) and First Aviation’s Krotec (right) meet Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) (center) during the Summit.

Josh Krotec, First Aviation Service’s senior vice president and 2016 ARSA Government Affairs Chairman, Kip Blakely, HAECO Americas’ vice president of industry and government relations and James McPhail, North State Aviation’s vice president of strategic planning, spoke about a range of topics pertaining to the aviation maintenance industry, its customers and its suppliers.  Specific issues included opportunities for repair stations to support Department of Defense aircraft maintenance requirements and working with local technical schools to ensure a long-term supply of aviation maintenance technicians.

Emphasizing the importance of participating in industry events First Aviation’s Krotec said: “We believe it is imperative in order to promote solutions to issues that all repair stations face and foster discussion of how MROs, aircraft operators and the government can work together to improve safety, airworthiness, and efficiency.”

“It was a very worthwhile conference and great opportunity for networking with other members of the aerospace industry,” said North State’s McPhail.  “I’d encourage all ARSA members to participate in these kind of events in their local areas to gain insights about the industry, make new contacts, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing aerospace companies.”