2023 – Edition 11 – December 1
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.
The President’s Desk
ARSA Works
Conference Corner
Legal Briefs
ARSA on the Hill
Aviation Life Calendar
Training & Career Development
Membership
Resources
Industry Calendar
The President’s Desk
Skeptic at Large
I’ll confess to being skeptical when ARSA waded into the political fray more than 15 years ago. Shouldn’t we be focusing our limited advocacy resources on the FAA? Does Congress have any control over what the FAA does? Can ARSA have real impact on the chaotic congressional process? Do lawmakers really care what a small business owner like me in Burbank, California thinks?
I have since realized that the answer to all those questions is a resounding yes.
The FAA was created by an act of Congress. Congress controls the agency’s purse strings through the annual appropriations process. It sets the FAA’s policy agenda and changes laws through the reauthorization process. Congress’s oversight authority means lawmakers can call agency officials to the carpet at any time to answer for what the FAA is doing (or not doing).
Whether a small organization like ARSA can have an impact on Congress is no longer in question. For proof, look no further than the technician workforce grant program ARSA proposed and got enacted during the last FAA reauthorization, the billions of dollars in COVID relief for repair stations ARSA secured, and the many regulatory and workforce provisions ARSA has gotten included in the current FAA reauthorization bill (see “ARSA on the Hill”).
ARSA’s success wasn’t an accident. We have a highly effective team working for us in the nation’s capital. Executive Vice President Christian Klein, who leads our lobbying efforts, has decades of experience impacting Congress. Marshall Filler, ARSA’s managing director and general counsel, is a former counsel for the House Aviation Subcommittee with great knowledge of Congress’s inner workings. Executive Director Sarah MacLeod contributes unparalleled knowledge about how FAA regulations and policies impact companies like ours. And Brett Levanto, our vice president of operations, coordinates team efforts and, via our various communications channels, makes sure ARSA members are always informed.
My impression that lawmakers don’t care what I think quickly changed after my first meeting with my own congressman. It was clear he wanted companies like mine to be successful and valued insights I could provide about how the decisions he makes and votes he casts affect our success and our employees (i.e., his constituents). Part of my skepticism stemmed from the fact that he and I come from different places on the political spectrum. I soon realized, however, that not every issue is partisan and transportation policy is one of the few areas where Democrats and Republicans often cooperate. Whether the congressman or senator has a D or R after their name matters less than whether they are hearing from repair stations in their states and districts.
I also learned how important it is for industry professionals like me to engage personally with lawmakers. While we have a great team at ARSA, it can’t possibly meet with all 535 House and Senate member offices and all the committees that might impact us. My personal engagement helps expand ARSA’s reach and get our messages and priorities to more offices.
Knowing that personal involvement is essential to ARSA’s success on the Hill, the association has created lots of ways for members to get involved. The best is to attend the association’s Legislative Day, which takes place each year in conjunction with ARSA’s Annual Conference in March (registration is open for 2024). It’s a great opportunity to learn about ARSA’s work, go to Capitol Hill in person, and build relationships with decisionmakers. Additionally, Aircraft Electric Motors sponsors the association’s grassroots website, where ARSA members can easily send emails to their representative’s and senators’ offices on key issues. ARSA’s team regularly coordinates repair station visits by members of Congress and staff to give them a first-hand look at what we do. And the ARSA’s Political Action Committee raises personal contributions from industry leaders to elect members of Congress who share our positions.
My skepticism has been long abandoned and I’m extremely proud of what ARSA and its members have achieved together on Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, I hope you’ll attend Legislative Day in March and use ARSA’s other resources to make our collective voice heard. With a major FAA bill pending on the Hill, there’s too much at stake to stay silent.
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Gary Fortner 2024 ARSA president | Fortner Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. vice president of engineering |
ARSA Works
FAA to Cancel C.A.S.E. OpSpec Guidance
On Nov. 16, the FAA agreed with ARSA and the Aircraft Electronics Association in determining its new OpSpec D090 for Repair Stations was not supported by a regulatory requirement. The two associations had delivered an Oct. 31 letter to the agency requesting withdrawal of Notice 8900.679, “Part 145 Repair Stations and New OpSpec D090, Coordinating Agency for Supplier Evaluation (C.A.S.E.).”
“Any request for OpSpec D090 from a Part 145 repair station should be denied, with the explanation that Part 145 repair stations can voluntarily participate in the C.A.S.E program if they choose to include it as part of their quality control system,” the FAA has instructed aviation safety inspectors. The agency indicated it will cancel Notice 8900.679 as well as sections from Volumes 3 and 6 of Order 8900.1; it will also revise Order 8900.1 Vol. 3, Ch. 18, Sec. 10 to remove information regarding D090.
Questions regarding the change can be directed to the Aircraft Maintenance Division Repair Station Section.
For background on ARSA and AEA’s engagement on the issue, visit arsa.org/opspecs.
FAA, EASA Publish TIP 7 & Update AIR Contacts
On Nov. 6, ARSA discovered the publication of Revision 7 of the Technical Implementation Procedures related to the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the United States and European Union. The new revision became effective on Nov. 18.
The TIP defines the FAA and EASA’s shared responsibilities related to approving design of products and articles eligible for import into each others’ jurisdictions. ARSA’s crusade that there be “no TIP without a MAG” in bilateral negotiations is a result of the long-term problems produced by this hyperfocus on design, production, and exports at the expense of holistically embracing every link in the regulatory chain. Historically, the FAA’s resources on bilateral agreements falls under its Aircraft Certification Service, which explains: “The U.S. only enters into Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement with Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness with countries that have an existing aircraft manufacturing industry with products to be exported to the U.S.”
The revision to the TIP comes as the agencies supposedly troubleshoot interpretations of parts documentation requirements stemming from a misunderstanding of export requirements for parts versus those for maintenance. For updates on ARSA’s work related to that misunderstanding, visit arsa.org/mag.
Members can see more about the development of bilateral agreements via an ongoing series of Legal Briefs in the monthly hotline newsletter.
The FAA has also published new contact information for AIR offices covering bilateral issues. Click here to access the document, which was updated on Oct. 2.
ARSA is reviewing the new revision of the TIP (click here to download). Members should stay tuned for the November edition of the hotline for further information.
Nuts & Bolts Nominations Due Dec. 15
Airlines for America’s Engineering, Maintenance, and Materiel Council (EMMC) is accepting nominations for the 2024 Nuts & Bolts Awards. The awards, granted to an airline and non-airline recipient each year, began in 1967 to recognize individuals making substantial contributions to the airline maintenance community.
Each nomination should include a one-page (or less) description of:
(1) The nominee’s individual contributions to the commercial airline industry in the engineering, maintenance, and materiel field, and
(2) The role the nominee played in industry activities with significant outcomes.
Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 15, delivered via email to Justin Madden (jmadden@airlines.org).
Nominations submitted by this date will then be forwarded to EMMC for the award selection process and notification of winners, who will receive their award at the 2024 MRO Americas conference in Chicago, IL and be honored at a luncheon with previous Nuts & Bolts award recipients, which include ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod.
Click the image to view A4A’s nominations flyer.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Holiday
There are no days off in aviation safety and there are no “slow periods” in regulatory compliance. Still, ARSA’s team uses December to make progress on key internal initiatives before slowing operations in the weeks around Christmas (while waiting for the inevitable rulemaking publication or major CAA announcement on Dec. 15).
During the month, association team members will publish “out of office” messages during times when they may not be immediately available. Executive Team members are always attentive to email, even if they cannot immediately respond, and remain accessible via mobile device. For general inquiries, the “Ask ARSA” portal will remain active, and queries will be delivered to the responsible team member(s).
December at a glance
Dec. 1-24: ARSA office open; team members will ensure coverage when unavailable.
Dec. 25-Jan.3: ARSA office closed; executive team members available for emergency issues.
Jan. 4: ARSA office open; normal operation.
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.
Click here to access a PDF copy of the list.
Conference Corner
Register Now
March 12-15, 2024
Registration Coming December 2023
Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. with Livestream Options for Online Participants
Experience the maintenance community’s premier event. Join ARSA members and invited guests from around the world to engage governments, network with peers and improve the state of the aviation world.
Event Information
Executive to Executive Briefings: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Participation by industry executives with senior executive branch officials is limited to annual conference sponsors.8:30 a.m. | Coffee & Light Breakfast
9:00 a.m. | Introductory Briefing
10:00 a.m. | U.S. Department of Transportation
Elliott Black, Facilitator, Aerospace Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force, Office of the Under Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation
ARSA is a member of the congressional-mandated task force examining the resiliency of the aerospace supply chain. Black will facilitate a group discussion about issues impacting the maintenance sector supply chain, including workforce, government policy, access to materials, geopolitical challenges, etc.11:00 a.m. | Break
11:15 a.m. | U.S. Department of State
Heidi Gomez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
12:00 p.m. | Access to Maintenance Data: The ICA ARC
Josh Krotec, Senior Vice President, First Aviation and Member, ARSA Board of Directors
Krotec has been named industry co-chair of the newly established Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which was created at ARSA’s request to address the availability of maintenance data. He will discuss the ARC’s mandate and objectives, and opportunities to influence the ARC’s work.12:45 p.m. | Lunch & Midday Break
2:00 p.m. | U.S. Department of Commerce
Scott Kennedy, Director, Office of Transportation & Machinery, International Trade Administration
3:00 p.m. | Break
3:00 p.m. | Economic Impacts
Livia Hayes, Director, Market Intelligence Team, Transportation and Services Practice, Oliver Wyman
Hayes will review the findings of the most recent Oliver Wyman MRO industry forecast and lead a roundtable discussion of factors and trends impacting demand for maintenance services.4:00 p.m. | Wrap Up Discussion
Legislative Day: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
The day dedicated to educating both the aviation maintenance industry and elected officials. Learn (or brush up) on what ARSA does and what you can do so you're ready for afternoon visits with targeted Capitol Hill legislators and staff.7:30 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast
8:00 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions
8:15 a.m. | It's All About Your Industry and Your Company
Find out what’s at stake in Washington for your company and your industry, where things stand, and what you can do to impact the process.
9:00 a.m. | National Defense Authorization Act Opportunities
ARSA is pursuing legislation as part of the annual Pentagon budget and policy bill to enhance competition and opportunities for small businesses in Department of Defense aircraft maintenance contracting.
Josh Krotec, Senior Vice President, First Aviation and ARSA Immediate Past President
Alex de Gunten, Senior Vice President for Government & Industry Affairs, HEICO and 2024 ARSA Government Affairs Chairman
9:45 a.m. | Break
10:00 a.m. | FAA Reauthorization: Industry Perspectives
Representatives of ARSA ally organizations discuss their priorities in the current FAA reauthorization and share insights about the likelihood of an FAA bill being enacted in 2024.
Karen Huggard, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Air Transportation Association
Jarrod Thompson, Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Airlines for America
Sterling Wiggins, Senior Director, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Supply Chains, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Adam Weiss, Counsel (Minority), U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Aviation
11:00 a.m. | Release of 2024 Global Fleet & MRO Market Report
Livia Hayes, Director, Market Intelligence Team, Transportation and Services Practice, Oliver Wyman
Uktarsh Mishra, Market Intelligence Specialist, Oliver Wyman CAVOK
11:30 p.m. | Wrap Up Discussion & Presentation of 2024 Legislative Leadership Award to Garret Graves (R-La.)
12:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:00 p.m. | Congressional Meetings Begin
Participants head to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with members of Congress and staffers covering subject matter or geographic jurisdictions impacting participant home/facility locations. NOTE: participants schedule their meetings directly with the relevant offices; instructions are provided in advance of the event.
TBD | Presentation of ARSA Legislative Leadership Award (Special Invitation Only)
4:00 p.m. | Symposium Registration Open (for non-Legislative Day attendees)
5:30 p.m. | Ice Breaker Reception
7:00 p.m. | Special Invitation Dinner
Annual Repair Symposium: Thursday, March 14, 2024
The centerpiece of Conference week, ARSA convenes a full day of substantive panel discussions covering key regulatory compliance and business issues.7:30 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast
8:00 a.m. | Welcome & Introductory Remarks
ARSA is the voice of the global aviation maintenance industry. How the association advocates your interests with legislators, regulators, and the media sets the stage for corporate growth. Information on how advancement of the industry’s collective interests enables individual companies to shine more brightly.
8:30 a.m. | Session 1: Fireside Chat with AVS-1
David Boulter, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, FAA
9:00 a.m. | Break
9:15 a.m. | Session 2: Opening Salvo – Conversations with the Regulators
International aviation safety agencies will provide updates on the regulations, policies, and procedures of importance to the global aerospace sector.
Lawrence Josuá Fernandes Costa, Continuing Airworthiness Certification Manager, Department of Flight Standards, ANAC Brazil [In person]
Ludovic Aron, Washington Representative, EASA [In person]
Karl Specht, Principal Coordinator Organisation Approvals, EASA [Online]
Dan Elgas, Director, Policy and Standards Division (AIR-600), Aircraft Certification Service, FAA [In person]
Tim Adams, Deputy Director, Office of Safety Standards, Flight Standards Service, FAA [in person]
Jackie Black, Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Flight Standards Service, FAA [in person]
Jeffrey Phipps, Chief, Operational Airworthiness (AARTN), Transport Canada Civil Aviation [In person]
Neil Williams, Head of Airworthiness, Policy & Rulemaking, United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority [In person]
12:30 p.m. | Lunch with Special Guest
Billy Nolen, Chief Safety Officer, Archer Aviation
2:00 p.m. | Session 3: Defining the Career
Using known pathways and the current regulations, panelists lay out templates for international maintenance technician recruitment, training, and retention.
Ryan Goertzen, Vice President of Workforce Development, AAR
Barrington Irving, Founder & CEO, The Flying Classroom and Founder of the Barrington Irving Technical Training School
Crystal Maguire, Executive Director, Aviation Technician Education Council
3:00 p.m. | ARSA Quiz Show
3:30 p.m. | Break
4:00 p.m. | Session 4: Training First
Based on recommendations from SOCAC’s Workforce Development and Training (WDAT) Working Group and the ongoing work of the ARAC Repairman Working Group, panelists will explain how industry can push the government to accept standards for competency and skill development.
5:00 p.m. | The Club Lounge Happy Hour
Member Day: Friday, March 15, 2024
ARSA's leadership briefs members on the state of the association as well as goals and priorities for the coming year. Participants then close out the event by choosing from one of several concurrent breakout sessions.8:00 a.m. | Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast
9:30 a.m. | Break
10:00 a.m. | Training: Regulations for Supervisors & Inspectors
This session reviews the cardinal regulatory knowledge necessary for repair station personnel to be “thoroughly familiar with the applicable regulations in this chapter.” ARSA’s training team is rolling out the course for the benefit of Conference attendees.
12:00 p.m. | Conference Ends
In-Person
All substantive and social activities were hosted at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia. Legislative Day participants will head to Capitol Hill for meetings with congressional offices as appropriate.
Livestream
The majority of conference events will be available to livestream viewers via a Vimeo web-player embedded into a page on ARSA.org. Access to the livestream in 2024 will be available only to "Conference Ambassadors." These "Ambassadors" are contacts identified by in-person participants to bring the event back to their home facilities.
Platinum – $10,000
Notation in all publicity, marketing and periodicals (e.g., the hotline, Dispatch, ARSA team email signatures, conference attendee contact list, specific email alerts to association contacts), recognition in event materials and from the podium, specific thank you in ARSA periodicals, sponsorship rights and 10 registrations to an ARSA training session, complimentary registrations for three (3) participants in the Executive to Executive Briefings as well as three (3) in Legislative Day, and free livestream access for personnel unable to attend in person. At the Platinum Level, sponsors may select one of the following to specifically support (may not reflect current availability for 2024):- Online Conference Experience
- Executive to Executive Briefings
- Legislative Day – All Day
- Annual Repair Symposium – Ice Breaker Reception
- Annual Repair Symposium – Club Lounge Happy Hour
- Congressional Directories/Resources
2023 Platinum Sponsors
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Gold – $7,500
Notation in all publicity, marketing and periodicals (e.g., the hotline, Dispatch, ARSA team email signatures, conference attendee contact list, specific email alerts to association contacts), recognition in event materials and from the podium, specific thank you in ARSA periodicals, 5 registrations to an ARSA training session, complimentary registrations for two (2) participants in the Executive to Executive Briefings as well as two (2) in Legislative Day, and free livestream access for personnel unable to attend in person. At the Gold Level, sponsors may select one of the following to specifically support (may not reflect current availability for 2024):- Legislative Priorities Brochures/Resources
- Digital Companion/Electronic Materials
- Legislative Day – Continental Breakfast
- Legislative Day – Congressional Briefing and Luncheon
- Annual Repair Symposium – Continental Breakfast
- Annual Repair Symposium – Luncheon with Special Guest
2023 Gold Sponsors
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Silver – $3,500
Notation in all publicity, marketing, and periodicals (e.g., the hotline, Dispatch, ARSA team email signatures, conference attendee contact list, specific email alerts to association contacts), recognition in event materials and from the podium, complimentary registrations for one (1) participant in the Executive to Executive Briefings as well as one (1) in Legislative Day. At the Silver Level, sponsors may select one of the following to specifically support (may not reflect current availability for 2024):- Nametag Lanyards
- Hotel Room Keys
- Annual Repair Symposium – Coffee Break (5)
2023 Silver Sponsors
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Supporter – $2,500
Notation in all publicity, marketing, and periodicals (e.g., the hotline, Dispatch, ARSA team email signatures, specific email alerts to association contacts), and recognition in event materials and from the podium.2023 Supporter
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Contributor – $500 to $2,499 (or equivalent support)
Notation in some publicity, marketing, and periodicals (e.g., the hotline, Dispatch), and recognition in event materials and from the podium.2023 Contributors
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ARSA's block of rooms for Conference participants at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia is now closed. The hotel hosts most of the activities related to the ARSA Conference and is convenient to the Metro as well as Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). To try and book a room independently, go to the hotel's website or call 703.415.5000.
Those seeking other options may consider these hotels (there are no ARSA-related specials or promotions at these locations):
Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport 1393 S Eads St. Arlington, Virginia, 22202
Residence Inn Arlington Capital View 2850 South Potomac Avenue Arlington, Virginia, 22202
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City 300 Army Navy Drive Arlington, Virginia, 22202
Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport 1480 Crystal Drive Arlington, Virginia, 22202
Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport 2000 Richmond Highway Arlington, Virginia, 22202
Radisson Hotel Reagan National Airport 2020 Richmond Hwy Arlington, VA 22202
Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City 2650 Richmond Highway Arlington, Virginia, 22202
The Leo Weston Award for Excellence in Government Service
First bestowed on Leo Weston himself in 2005, the Weston award honors an instrumental figure in ARSA's birth by recognizing individuals who embody his commitment to the industry's safety and success. The symposium provides a venue for association members and invited guests from around the world to network and discuss issues that matter to the aviation maintenance industry. It is the perfect time to respect the history of the repair station community and honor the good works of those who support it.
Click here to learn more about Leo, the award bearing his name, and those who have received it.The Legislative Leadership Award
The association regularly recognizes members of Congress who have provided outstanding support to the aviation maintenance community by supporting policies beneficial to the industry. Honorees have each been key in moving forward specific legislation advancing priorities championed by ARSA on behalf of its members.
Click here to see past updates regarding Legislative Leadership Award recipients.The "Golden Shovel" Award
From time to time, ARSA recognizes individuals – usually at the time of their retirement – who have spent their careers in steadfast devotion to good business, good safety, and good oversight. In the colorful illustration of Executive Director Sarah MacLeod, these professionals have spent their lives shoveling against the tide of government bureaucracy; their achievement in never giving up is acknowledged through the "Golden Shovel Award."
Click here to learn more about the "Shovel" and see who has received it.The Ritz-Carlton
The site of all substantive and social gatherings related to the ARSA Conference. The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City follows the Marriott International "Commitment to Clean." The guidance includes protocols and elevated practices and can be found at whattoexpect.marriott.com/waspc.
Virginia
With the exception of any Legislative Day meetings held on Capitol Hill (scheduled individually by participants), the entirety of the Annual Conference takes place in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Guidance related coronavirus protocols can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/protect-yourself.
Washington, D.C.
No Annual Conference activities open to general participation take place in Washington, D.C. Conference attendees going into the city for business or personal reasons should consult coronavirus.dc.gov for policy and guidance related to the pandemic.
U.S. CDC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both Arlington County (the location of the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City) and Washington, D.C. are classified as "medium" for community transmission. See county-by-county assessments and guidance at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Going Livestream
If any in-person registrant wishes to opt out of participation because of personal health concerns (including illness) they may switch to livestream access at any time. Access to the livestream is available to all participants via the Digital Companion, a password-protected webpage for participants to access the agenda, speaker information and presentation resources.
Materials and Recordings
The Digital Companion (the much discussed online resource for event materials and resources, to which access information is sent to attendees via email and provided from the lectern on each day) is the location for PDFs of all presentations as well as links to additional resources discussed during the event. It also includes an attendee directory (in the “General Resources” area) and information about accessing the livestream sessions and raw recordings.
Advertising – Here’s to the Sponsors
Among the enticing options available for ARSA supporters, the association’s website includes a brief note about how companies can show themselves off while serving the maintenance community: Conference sponsorship.
Over the past decade, the Annual Conference has become a “who’s who” of maintenance industry leaders (visit the event page to see who stood up for ARSA in 2024…and learn how to join them). The companies who commit to the repair station community’s premier substantive event receive both visibility and practical benefits in return for their investment.
Marketing – Sponsorship is highlighted in all ARSA communications for the first quarter of the year, including newsletters and on the Conference website. In January, all sponsor logos are added to the team’s email signatures; every message highlights those key supporters of the association’s work. Top level (Platinum and Gold) sponsors are thanked in member alert emails. During the event in March, sponsors are thanked via signage and repeatedly “from the lecturn” during presentations.
Event Access – Sponsors get complimentary registrations for the Executive-to-Executive Briefings on March 12 and Legislative Day on March 13. Top level sponsors get to participate in a “special invitation” dinner on March 13 after the IceBreaker reception. They also get free livestream access to the event and access to recordings after it is complete, so content can be shared with personnel that cannot make the trip to Washington.
Training – Top level sponsorships include support and/or free registration for an ARSA training session.
Specific support – Each level has different elements of the Conference the sponsor can specifically support. During that portion of the event (or when the resource is mentioned) the sponsor is highlighted.
Between advertising and sponsorship opportunities, ARSA has options for every type of business looking to invest in the maintenance community while aligning itself with quality.
2024 Conference Sponsors will be announced in January. Click here to learn how to join them.
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.
ANAC: Safety and Efficiency
By Christian A. Klein, Executive Vice President
Continuing the international series, this month’s column explores the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) of Brazil’s relationships with other authorities and its acceptance of foreign maintenance in certain circumstances.
As reflected in the chart below, ANAC has signed bilateral agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the FAA, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA).
| Status of ANAC Bilateral Agreements with Other Leading Authorities | ||||
| FAA | EASA | TCCA | UK CAA | |
| Bilateral Executive Agreement or Equivalent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airworthiness/Environmental Annex or Equivalent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance Annex or Equivalent | No* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance Annex Guidance or Implementation Procedures | No* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| *While the FAA and ANAC have signed a MIP and MAG, they have not been published pending training of the inspector workforce; the MIP and MAG are expected to be published in 2024. | ||||
All the agreements except that with the FAA include maintenance (see note in table). A certificated organization in the EU, Canada, or the UK may obtain maintenance approval from Brazil via a bilateral based on the certificate issued by their local authority. As explained below, FAA certificated repair stations in the United States may obtain a foreign maintenance organization certificate directly from Brazil pursuant to ANAC Supplementary Instruction 145-002.
However, Brazil follows a different (and we believe more enlightened) approach–ANAC also accepts work performed on articles (except for aircraft, engines, and propellers) from maintenance organizations located in certain countries in the absence of a bilateral agreement or issuance of an ANAC approval.
Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) 43.17(b)-I states that a foreign maintenance organization may perform work on articles and release them for return to service if ANAC has determined the regulatory system of the country in which the repair station is located is sufficiently similar to Brazil’s and the maintenance organization holds a certificate issued by its local authority with appropriate ratings. The release for return to service must also be properly recorded in a document acceptable to ANAC and data approved by the ANAC must be used.
ANAC has determined that the FAA, EASA, UK CAA, and TCCA all have compatible regulatory systems and that maintenance organizations certificated by those authorities may utilize RBAC 43.17(b)-I for work on articles. Detailed guidance for doing so is available on ANAC’s website. For those wishing to work on type-certificated products under Brazil’s jurisdiction, the ANAC’s web site also includes a page explaining how to obtain a foreign ANAC maintenance organization certificate.
Mutual acceptance and collaboration among authorities should be based on proven safety outcomes. That does not mean harmonized regulations (which will never be truly identical and will always be subject to local interpretation) or additional certificates and paperwork. By adopting RBAC 43.17(b)-I, Brazil has embraced this philosophy while not insisting on reciprocity that is the hallmark of most bilateral agreements today. Back in the day, most countries accepted an FAA (and certain other authorities’ AMO certificates) as meeting their safety standards. In today’s world, more countries are exercising their ICAO State of Registry responsibilities because they can, not because it’s necessary.
ARSA applauds ANAC and other states that forge a reasonable path towards more efficient oversight while maintaining a high degree of safety. Moreover, they do this without unnecessary administrative duplication that has nothing to do with the quality of work performed.
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.
Layman Lawyer – ARSA’s Tacit Role
By Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations
In November, an industry colleague asked a novel version of a familiar question. Trying to make sense of a new role inside the agency, this former association member asked Executive Director Sarah MacLeod for thoughts on a manual revision procedure.
The repair station manual in question noted that proposed revisions would be sent to the FAA for comment, with no response constituting “tacit acceptance” for institution of changes. The questioner asked for a legal or regulatory basis for the term and for any guidance related to the timeframe given for this “tacit” process.
| Tacit adjective ta-sət 1: expressed or carried on without words or speech the blush was a tacit answer —Bram Stoker 2: implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressed tacit consent |
On the one hand, confusion over the implications of “acceptability” is quite familiar. ARSA routinely writes and trains on the meaning of the term and the freedom it allows for the showing and finding of compliance. It would be easy, even for a savvy leader of a world-class trade association, to focus on the questions inherent in what is “acceptable to” or “accepted by” the Administrator – if there is a difference – and how the use of the terms impact manual revisions.
However, the question in the “tacit” issue goes further. The direct answer is the term does not have a regulatory or legal basis. The nuance of its meaning, if used, relates to the larger responsibility of repair stations to show compliance and the specific matter of designing manual revision procedures that can be followed. Sarah’s analysis:
“Looking at it from an inspector’s perspective, I would point the applicant to the plain language of the regulation: The manual must be acceptable to the agency by showing it meets all the paragraphs of §§ 145.209 and 145.211. If it does, it must continue to do so.
Part of showing compliance is explaining the method of keeping the manual current and identifying how/when to notify the agency of updates…I would encourage the applicant/certificate holder to use a method it will follow faithfully. As for ‘tacit’ acceptance or approval, it really doesn’t mean anything as it is not the agency’s responsibility to ensure compliance.”
A certificate holder’s responsibility is to show compliance for a government official that looks to find it (that FAA personnel are much better at finding noncompliance is a great frustration to ARSA and affront to commonsense oversight). A repair station is entitled to its certificate under § 145.53(a) when it meets the requirements of part 145, which include the procedures it creates for itself as part of the manual requirements in §§ 145.209 and 145.211. Both sections have paragraphs requiring the applicant and thereafter the certificate holder to have “[p]rocedures for revising the…manual and notifying its responsible Flight Standards office of revisions to the manual, including how often the responsible Flight Standards office will be notified of revisions.”
There is nothing in that plain language requiring “acceptance by” whether tacit or in writing of a repair station’s manual(s). The applicant/certificate holder cannot demand the agency provide any approval or acceptance; likewise, the agency representative cannot mandate that the manual be approved or accepted before a certificate holder can implement changes. Of course, an applicant can have procedures that will not allow changes without acceptance or approval by the agency, but it shouldn’t if it wants a “living” manual that can be followed in real time.
ARSA’s “Tools for Members” (to request yours, click here) include template letters associated with the RSQM Compilation. The compilation’s Proposed Manual Revision Letter includes the following language for use in delivering changes to the FAA:
If your comments are not received by [30 days from submission], the company will assume the material is acceptable and the revision will be distributed in accordance with [manual revision procedure paragraph name/numbers].
Part 145 allows a repair station to state in its manual that it allows any number of days (including 0, which is a number) for the agency to review an update. Regardless of the revision procedure timeframe, the manual must comply with the plain language of the regulations.
Beyond the exchange on manual revision procedures, the exchange also provides a reminder of ARSA’s role as an honest broker on both sides of the regulatory relationship. Good members can become good inspectors; the association provides an open ear and responds with sensible guidance for upholding the rules while serving the aviation community.
ARSA on the Hill
Get Congress Working
By Christian A. Klein, Executive Vice President
FAA reauthorization remains a top priority for Congress’s before the end of 2023. The House passed the bipartisan Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) in July and the legislation has been widely praised by industry. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Commerce) Committee, however, has yet to report its version – the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S. 1939). It has been delayed by wrangling over the proposed changes to pilot training rules.
Given the short time left, it’s unlikely lawmakers will be able to finalize the reauthorization process before the current authorization extension expires. Congress will likely send the president another short-term extension, possibly through the spring, to give the Senate time to finalize its bill and allow House and Senate negotiators to write a conference report.
As the FAA reauthorization saga continues, ARSA is leading efforts to address the maintenance industry’s persistent workforce challenges. Both H.R. 3925 and S. 1939 contain ARSA-proposed workforce provisions:
- Aviation workforce grant programs. ARSA led efforts during the last reauthorization to create a new $5 million-per-year federal grant program supporting maintenance workforce development. During this reauthorization cycle, the association has proposed increasing grant funding levels and other improvements to the program. Secs. 301 and 302 of H.R. 3935 reauthorize the grant programs, triple funding, increase maximum grants from $500k to $750k, expand program eligibility to include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and create a similar new grant program for the aviation manufacturing workforce. Sec. 501 of the Senate bill reauthorizes, doubles funding, creates new program for manufacturing, increases maximum grant to $1 million.
- Miliary to civilian career transition. ARSA and its allies are working to increase the number of separating service members with technical backgrounds who take jobs in the civilian aviation maintenance sector. Sec. 311 of H.R. 3935 establishes an interagency working group between the FAA and Department of Defense to identify opportunities to improve the transition from military to civil technician careers. Sec. 504 of S. 1939 directs an FAA rulemaking to create new military mechanic test and adjust airman certification standards. Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a former Army helicopter pilot, is a lead proponent of the provision.
- Early airframe and powerplant mechanic testing. Through Choose Aerospace, leading aviation organizations (including ARSA) are working to include aviation maintenance technical training in high school curricula. However, under current FAA rules, only students who have taken coursework at an FAA certificated part 147 school may sit for the general knowledge portion of the mechanic exam. ARSA and its allies have therefore proposed changing FAA rules to also allow testing of individuals who have successfully completed coursework at high schools. Neither the House nor Senate bills go as far as ARSA would like (i.e., a directive to the FAA to change its rules). Instead, Sec. 312 of H.R. 3935 creates a working group to examine airman knowledge testing, while Sec. 503 of S. 1939 directs a Government Accountability Office study on the subject.
- National Center for Advancement of Aerospace (NCAA). ARSA and its allies have long advocated for the creation of an NCAA to coordinate workforce development activities among industry, academic, and other stakeholders. Sec. 303 of H.R. 3935 creates the NCAA; the Senate bill has no similar provision.
Members can assist in keeping FAA reauthorization front and center on the congressional agenda and in ensuring the workforce priorities are included.
Use ARSA’s grassroots action center (sponsored by Aircraft Electric Motors) to send a quick note to your elected representatives in support of these efforts.
Register for ARSA’s Legislative Day on March 13, 2024; take your industry’s message to the Hill in-person.
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Want to Learn More About ARSA PAC? ARSA’s Political Action Committee helps elect congressional candidates who share ARSA’s commitment to better regulation and a strong aviation maintenance sector. In this critical election year, ARSA PAC has never been more important. But ARSA is prohibited from sending PAC information to members who haven’t opted in to receive it. Please take a second to give us prior approval to talk to you about ARSA PAC. Doing so in no way obligates you to support PAC. It just opens the lines of communication. Click here to give ARSA your consent today. |
Aviation Life Calendar
December Through March
Something exciting happens every day in an aviation career.
If you want to keep aviation in the forefront of career choices, celebrate success every day with these resources. Every one provides a positive view of the industry’s ability to make the impossible an everyday event by individuals from every walk of life, socio-economic level, race, creed, color, religion, orientation, and physical capability.
Check back regularly for updates.
| Month | Day | Event or Celebration |
| All | All | This Day in Aviation |
| December | All | This Day in Aviation History – December |
| December | 7 | International Civil Aviation Day |
| December | 17 | Wright Brothers Day |
| January | All | This Day in Aviation History – January |
| January | 9 | National Balloon Ascension Day |
| February | All | This Day in Aviation History – February |
| February | 8 | National Kite Flying Day |
| February | 11 | International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
| February | 18 | National Battery Day |
| February | 18-24 | National Engineers Week |
| March | All | This Day in Aviation History – March |
| March | All | International Women’s History Month |
| March | 1-7 | National Invest in Veterans Week |
| March | 4-10 | Women of Aviation Worldwide Week |
| March | 8 | International Women’s Day |
| March | 12-15 | ARSA Annual Conference |
Training & Career Development
Public Aircraft “Decision Tree” [30 Minutes]
PAO Decision Tree
Public Aircraft Law & Policy into Practice
30-minute online training session; December 14, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m. EST
This session provides participants with a tool for determining applicability of public aircraft policy to aircraft operations. It is targeted at professionals with basic competency in existing PAO law. This training builds on cumulative information provided in the pre-requisite sessions. Participants must be able to answer the pre-test questions before the session begins (click here to take the pre-test; a score will be provided as soon as complete).
If you needed help with the pre-test questions, the “definition” series is combined into a single package (click here for more information).
Click here for more information about the “Decision Tree” session and to register.
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.
Is it an Appliance? Why Do you Care? [On-Demand]
“Appliance” – Why Do You Care?
A Practical Question in 14 CFR Compliance
This session allows participants with confirmed knowledge of the regulatory definition of “appliance” to put the term in context of other requirements created by the rules. This training builds on cumulative information provided in the pre-requisite sessions. Participants must be able to answer the pre-test questions before the session begins (click here to take the pre-test; a score will be provided as soon as complete).
If you needed help with the pre-test questions, the “definition” sessions below can be purchased together in a bundle (click here for more information).
Click here to register for the “Why Do You Care?” session and get access for 90 days.
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.
The Dirty Dozen in Depth
This series introduces the “Dirty Dozen,” 12 common factors that impact human performance. It discusses these in the context of the aviation maintenance industry, describes how they lead to problems, suggests ways to mitigate consequences, and explains how all 12 are interconnected. For each element, the series provides a 60-minute session providing:
(1) Basic definitions and context.
(2) Aviation safety regulatory references.
(3) Examples.
(4) Mitigations.
(5) Exercises.
All of ARSA’s human factors training sessions have been accepted by the FAA for Inspection Authorization renewal credit under § 65.93(a)(4). To purchase multiple sessions at a discounted price, click here to view options for purchasing via a “tiered bundle.”
If you have questions regarding this series or any of ARSA’s training resources, contact Brett Levanto. For more information about ARSA’s online training program, click here.
Each on-demand session is available for immediate viewing; registration provides all session materials as well as access to the recording for 90 days.
Session Title |
Registration/Information |
|
| Human Factors in Context | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen – Human Factors Overview | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Communication | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Complacency | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Lack of Knowledge | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Distraction | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Lack of Teamwork | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Fatigue | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Lack of Resources | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Pressure | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Lack of Assertiveness | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Stress | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Lack of Awareness | Click here. | |
| The Dirty Dozen in Depth – Norms | Click here. |
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.
Regulatory Compliance Training
Test your knowledge of 14 CFR § 21.4(a)(4)-(6), Early ETOPS system requirements.
Click here to download the training sheet.
Note: § 21.4’s content is broken across multiple training sheets.
Membership
Be In the Know – Don’t Let it Bounce!
ARSA alerts members to important industry knowledge though email communications. In recent months more companies are heightening security settings and ARSA communications are being rejected.
To ensure all ARSA information able to reach you, please add the following extensions to the company’s “safe list”:
- @arsa.org (direct emails/alerts)
- @potomac-law.com (training)
If you have not been receiving the weekly Dispatch, monthly the hotline, or any special ARSA Alerts, such as the one regarding the “UK CAA compliance matrices”, check your junk folder.
Not sure if you are on our distribution list, please contact kimberly.dimmick@arsa.org for confirmation or registration.
How AAR Tells Industry’s Story
Aviation career development is central to ARSA’s advocacy for the maintenance industry. The association has championed legislation creating workforce grants, served on collaborative bodies instructing Congress, and offered the FAA a roadmap for its own training and personnel development (among other things).
Each of these efforts has enabled – and been reinforced by –proactive members. Many companies have made good on ARSA’s work by turning policy gains into business benefits and provided examples for creating even more opportunities. AAR Corp., a corporate enterprise member headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois, has been a part of ARSA for decades and heavily involved in the workforce cause for years.
“We need to pull every lever we can think of,” Chris Toppin, AAR group vice president of human resources, told ARSA about the company’s efforts to find technicians. “That might not be a strategy in its entirety, but it’s a reality.”
Pulling every lever means building partnerships, utilizing government resources, and committing time, money, and human capital to building technical skills. AAR’s Eagle Pathway Program provides tuition reimbursement, mentorship, and a guaranteed interview for program graduates. The company’s Skillbridge program is active on seven bases, building military skills for transitioning servicemembers from a mix of backgrounds; AAR has made good on ARSA’s encouragement to look beyond aviation specialties in veteran hiring. Partnerships with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Rock Valley College, and Vincennes University have generated career opportunities for students and goodwill for the company in multiple states and communities.
Not every organization has the personnel and resources to pursue a broad strategy of engagement, but every repair station can learn from the examples of others while supporting ARSA’s leadership. AAR’s approach to building partnerships is instructive for any size of business: quality over quantity.
“We have to make sure we’re doing it smart,” Toppin said about AAR’s approach to relationships with industry partners, community groups, and educational institutions (the three actors required for application to the FAA’s technician workforce grants). It is better, he explained, to have a few good partners than a lot of mediocre or completely unengaged ones.
“We want to be intentional,” said Ryan Goertzen, AAR vice president of workforce development. As an example, Goertzen highlighted the new aviation technician program available through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program center in Denton, Texas. Though AAR has no Denton location, the program can receive participants through any of the six Job Corps regions and return them home to potential employment in local repair stations after a year’s worth of aviation technical training.
Considering this strategic focus against the company’s constant investment in publicity (click here to see a list of career-development updates from AAR’s media department), Geortzen made a larger point: “Whatever you’re going to do, you cannot do it alone. You must gain a great coalition of partners…to tell a successful story and [your partners] play a critical role in the narrative.”
ARSA is a partner to all its members in pushing for commonsense regulation and helpful (or at least non-harmful) legislation. Telling the industry’s story, and sharing its good examples, is central to the association’s work.
Help ARSA share (and learn from) your company’s good work. Go to arsa.org/contact to submit updates about your activities supporting career development, community engagement, and your part of the maintenance industry’s “story.”
AAR is an independent provider of aviation services to commercial and government customers worldwide. Learn more at www.aarcorp.com.
Quick Question – Age Yourself (and Your People)
The “aging” maintenance workforce is a regular talking point. As current technicians reach their fifth and sixth decades, finding and preparing people to replace those “master mechanics” is an essential goal for career development and industry health. Doing so requires targeting training at both technical and regulatory knowledge (ARSA can help with that).
While there is useful data and anecdotes about the ages of technicians, most information about the workforce at large is limited. Help ARSA support the next generation of aviation professionals – and build instruction sessions for developing inspectors, supervisors, and technicians, by answering this month’s “quick question”:
Note: The question is displayed in its own, embedded window. If the “Submit” button is not visible on the screen, you must scroll within the survey window to submit your response.
If the embedded survey does not appear/load, open the survey independently by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/qq-avmro-aging.
Click here to see what questions have been asked and answered…and keep a lookout for more.
Welcome & Welcome Back – New & Renewing Members
ARSA’s members give the association life – its work on behalf of the maintenance community depends on the commitment of these organizations. Here’s to the companies that joined or renewed in November:
New Members
Sterling, Tyler, Affil
Renewed Members
AE & C Services, LLC, R01, 2017
Aero Products Component Services, Inc., R03, 2019
AerSale Landing Gear Solutions, R03, 2009
Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., R$06, 2010
Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma, Inc., R03, 2022
Air Technology Engines, Inc., R03, 2006
Austin Aerotech Repair Services Inc., R01, 2012
Brothers Aviation Maintenance Services, Inc., R01, 2016
Daniel, Michael, EDU, 2020
Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. , R05, 2002
Helicopter Accessory Service East Inc., R02, 2018
Ikhana Group, LLC dba Ikhana Aircraft Services, R04, 2003
L2 Aviation LLC. dba L2 Consulting Services Inc., R04, 2023
Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc., R05, 2006
Mach II Maintenance Corp., R04, 2018
Quality Aircraft Accessories, Inc. (FL), R01, 2021
Quality Aircraft Accessories, Inc. (OK), R03,
Papillon Airways, R03, 2011
Rapco Fleet Support, Inc., R01, 2008
StandardAero Alliance, Inc., Corp, 2010
US Technicians, Inc., R01, 2021
A Member Asked…
Q: I have been employed with a company for 44+ years and supporting the repair station for 25+ years. I recently discovered that I am “no longer qualified” to sign an approval for return to service for work performed for our customers because I hold an FAA repairman’s certificate in lieu of an mechanic’s (A&P). Is there any direction or information you can provide that would help validate this?
A: The duties, responsibilities, and authorities assigned by the part 145 certificate holder dictate the qualifications for repairman certificates. The individuals in positions with supervisory and approval for return to service under the duties, responsibilities, and authorities must be qualified under sections 145.153 and 145.157.
To be qualified, the individual must hold an appropriate certificate under part 65, that is, either a mechanic or repairman certificate. The choose is the repair station’s under section 145.159. Of course, the repair station must also follow the air carrier’s instructions under section 145.205, and some carriers require persons signing airworthiness releases or logbook entries to hold a mechanic certificate. But those individuals also must be otherwise qualified and trained by the carrier.
The agency has, from time to time, attempted to say that a repairman certificate cannot be a ticket “around” a mechanic certificate. That is wrongheaded thinking—first a repairman is not a mechanic; it is a separate certificate. Second, the agency cannot deny a properly qualified individual a repairman certificate because the agency has a policy that attempts to circumvent the rights given the repair station in section 145.159.
The sequence is that the repair station qualifies individuals under its vetting and training program (section 145.163) to hold managerial and technical positions under the requirements of sections 145.151 through 145.157. For managers, supervisors, inspectors, and persons authorized to approve work for return to service, an employment summary must be created and maintained that has “enough information on each individual listed…to show compliance with the experience requirements of this part” as outlined in section 145.161.
The experience requirements on the employment summary are to include not just total years and type of work, but scope of present employment, and type of certificate(s). The type of certificates should include not just mechanic or repairman, but certifications from standard setting organizations, diplomas, or degrees and the like that establish the person’s qualifications to hold the position under the sections of part 145 listed above.
If the position has duties, responsibilities, and authorities to supervise and/or approval work for return to service, and the individual does not possess a mechanic certificate, the repair station follows section 145. 159, and the individual chosen follows section 65.101 by completing an application and obtaining the appropriate letter from the employer. The employer can limit the repairman’s authorization on the roster created and maintained under section 145.161.
A repairman is an airman other than a flight crewmember—look at the title of part 65. The certificate is issued to an individual through a repair station’s recommendations; but the certificate is issued to the individual who must certify that what is being submitted with the application is true and correct. If the agency wishes to limit a repairman’s certificate it must provide the holder of that document with the information necessary to understand why it is no longer qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities assigned by the employer. On the other hand, if the limitation is a company decision, it must be handled internally (but the roster may need to be changed).
Have questions about aviation regulatory compliance or legislative policy? Ask ARSA first!
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/advertising.
Stand Up for ARSA
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? For information about opportunities, contact Vice President of Operations Brett Levanto (brett.levanto@arsa.org).
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.
About ARSA PAC
ARSA’s Political Action Committee helps elect congressional candidates who share ARSA’s commitment to better regulation and a strong aviation maintenance sector. But ARSA is prohibited from sending PAC information to members who haven’t opted in to receive it.
Careers in Aviation Maintenance
How do you share the industry’s story with the people who could be its future? Teach them about the great work done every day to keep the world in flight. (Even if we can’t recruit somebody, we sure can make them thankful for our work.)
U.S./EU Maintenance Annex Guidance
See all of the association’s public updates since 2012 on the Maintenance Annex Guidance between the United States and European Union. The page focuses in particular on matters related to parts documentation issues arising since MAG Change 5 was issued in 2015.
Industry Calendar
| Event | Date | Location |
| MRO Southeast Asia | Spring 2024 | TBD |
| HAI HELI-EXPO | 2/26-29/2024 | Anaheim, California |
| ARSA Annual Conference | 3/12-15/2024 | Arlington, Virginia |
| ATEC Annual Conference | 3/17-20/2024 | Tucson, Arizona |
| AEA International Convention & Trade Show | 3/19-22/2024 | Dallas, Texas |
| MRO Americas | 4/9-11/2024 | Chicago, Illinois |
| NBAA Maintenance Conference | 4/30/-5/2/2024 | Portland, Oregon |
| Farnborough Air Show | 7/22-26/2024 | Farnborough, United Kingdom |
the hotline is the monthly publication of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), the not-for-profit international trade association for certificated repair stations. It is for the exclusive use of ARSA members and federal employees on the ARSA mailing list. For a membership application, please call 703.739.9543 or visit arsa.org/membership/join. For information about previous editions, submit a request through arsa.org/contact. This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, consulting, tax or any other type of professional advice. Law, regulations, guidance and government policies change frequently. While ARSA updates this material, we do not guarantee its accuracy. In addition, the application of this material to a particular situation is always dependent on the facts and circumstances involved. The use of this material is therefore at your own risk. All content in the hotline, except where indicated otherwise, is the property of ARSA. This content may not be reproduced, distributed or displayed, nor may derivatives or presentations be created from it in whole or in part, in any manner without the prior written consent of ARSA. ARSA grants its members a non-exclusive license to reproduce the content of the hotline. Employees of member organizations are the only parties authorized to receive a duplicate of the hotline. ARSA reserves all remaining rights and will use any means necessary to protect its intellectual property.
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