2025 – Edition 1 – February 7

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.

President’s Desk
Conference Corner
Regulatory Updates
ARSA Listens
Legal Briefs
ARSA on the Hill
Training & Career Development 
Membership
Resources
Industry Meetings & Events

The President’s Desk

Keep ’em Flying

It is true, America experiences trade deficits in many areas of the economy but fortunately the politics of how that plays out on the world stage are above my pay grade.

Me and other ARSA company employees must continue to deal with the fact that planes don’t know about borders, only whether they can be flown. While ARSA gathers data to impact legislation and international regulatory politics, aerospace maintenance must find ways to keep planes flying and stay in compliance with international regulatory standards.

Since the reported compliance date for implementing SMS to satisfy EASA remains Dec. 31, 2025 (see “SMS is Still Coming” in the Regulatory Updates section), U.S. repair stations with EASA certificates need to begin that implementation process soon—it takes time and money to assimilate, educate, and roll out.

Aerospace companies depend on government employees. So, as much as the American voters wanted the disruption the current administration is bringing to U.S. federal bureaucracy, applicants and certificate holders may find responses from the FAA delayed further by the confusion.

Every administration’s first 100 days creates a ripple effect through the federal agencies – this one is unlike any in memory – a strong incentive for direct participation by citizens. I mentioned that ARSA gathers data, it depends on an engaged membership to provide that information and help offer context to policy and lawmakers. Spend a few minutes responding to the following surveys to help the association and its allies illustrate what’s happening in the aviation world.

ARSA has made it easy—

Industry Input Needed on Restricted Category Certifications

On Jan. 24, the Virginia-based law firm Obadal, Filler, MacLeod, & Klein, P.L.C. launched a survey gathering experience with certification and operation of restricted category aircraft in the United States. As ARSA’s management firm and in support of multiple restricted-category clients, OFMK has taken the lead in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating industry information for a series of FAA listening sessions.

Don’t Be Ignored – STC Audit Survey

Congress’ May 2024 reauthorization of the FAA, requires the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to audit the FAA’s Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services (see P.L. 118-63, Sec. 821). In November, the first of three audits mandated by the law was initiated.

ARSA Member Survey – Coming Soon!

The first invitation will be delivered to the inboxes of all primary contacts during the week of Feb. 10. (If you don’t know who the primary contact is, we can help.)

Oliver Wyman Vector MRO Survey

Through its partnership with ARSA – which produces the association’s annual market assessment – the survey team is inviting repair stations to participate.

The 2025 Annual Conference

While not technically a survey…there is no better place to share and gain information about the global maintenance industry than at its premier substantive event.

By engaging with ARSA – and other organizations meant to represent us through unexpected and unprecedented times – aviation professionals can focus on our work and keep the world flying.

Bob Mabe 2025 ARSA president | HAECO Americas director of regulatory compliance

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Conference Corner

Register Now & Again

March 18-21, 2025

Event Information | Registration | Sponsors | Hotel (Book by Feb. 21)

Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. with Livestream Options

Experience the international aerospace maintenance community’s premier event. Join ARSA members and guests from around the world to engage with government officials, network with peers, and gain knowledge to improve aerospace throughout the world.

Discounts are available for each additional attendee from the same company: An opportunity to introduce new team members to ARSA’s value and expand your own industry impact.

The “Who’s Who”

Thank you to the 18 organizations that have committed (so far) to sponsor ARSA’s 2025 Annual Conference. From convivial receptions to curated resources to contemplative discussions, these companies provide for the Conference’s success. There’s still time to join them…check the event page to see how.

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Contributor

Be Right On-site

ARSA has reserved a block of rooms for Conference participants at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia. 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).

Rooms must be booked by Friday, Feb. 21, so reserve yours today and be right on-site (or have ride the Metro to get to breakfast each morning). To make your reservation, visit:

https://book.passkey.com/go/ARSAAnnualConf2025

Premier Substance

The ARSA Annual Conference is the international aerospace maintenance community’s premier substantive event. That substance can be found through both the Conference’s collegial engagement and also on its agenda:

March 18

Executive to Executive Briefings
(Sponsors Only)

March 19

Legislative Day

March 20

The Annual Repair Symposium

March 21

Annual Member Meeting &
Training Sessions/Breakout Discussions

Click here to see the full agenda and register.

Locking in Speakers

Photo courtesy FAA.

Caitlin Locke, executive director of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service, has been invited to join ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod on Thursday, March 20 to kick off the Symposium portion of the Annual Conference with a “fire side chat.” Locke’s invitation has been accepted by the agency her confirmed attendance is pending.

Click here to see the current list of speakers and register to engage them.

Annual Member Meeting Notice

The ARSA Annual Member Meeting is held in conjunction with the association’s Annual Conference; this year the Member Meeting will take place during the Breakfast and Annual Report on Friday, March 21 at 8:00 a.m.

ARSA leadership will address members regarding the state of the association. Attendees are welcomed and encouraged to raise matters relevant to ARSA and the aerospace maintenance industry it represents.

If you are unable to attend – conference registration is open – but would like to submit comments/questions to ARSA’s leadership, please do so via the mechanisms available on arsa.org/contact.

A recording of the presentation will be made available to members in the March edition of hotline.

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Regulatory Updates

FAA and EASA Message: SMS is Here December 2025

In June 2025, the FAA issued an Information for Operators (InFO) regarding Safety Management Systems requirements for U.S. repair stations holding EASA approval. The InFO described the FAA’s amendment to 14 CFR part 5 as introducing a “significant difference” between the American and European aviation safety regulatory systems. To address the difference, the FAA and EASA claimed to have established a new special condition under their bilateral agreement:

“This special condition requires FAA certificated repair stations located in the U.S. seeking initial approval or renewal of EASA Part-145 certification to establish, implement, and maintain an SMS,” the InFO said. “Participation with the FAA Voluntary SMS Program is deemed acceptable as a means to comply with the new requirement. The deadline for implementation of this requirement is December 31, 2025.”

Despite the InFO’s declaration, the June 20, 2024 release of change 9 to the FAA-EASA Maintenance Annex Guidance did not include a new special condition regarding SMS. At the time, ARSA was told that updates to Annex 2 of the bilateral agreement and another change to the MAG were imminent and would create the actual requirement for SMS compliance under the bilateral.

More than six months later, those updates have not been signed – and the Trump administration has directed FAA personnel not to enter into binding agreements pending review – yet EASA has confirmed to ARSA its intention to enforce the December 2025 deadline and the FAA has neither confirmed nor denied its bilateral partner’s assertion.

ARSA continues to warn both agencies about the risks for enforcing compliance shortly after the official publication (assuming there is one in 2025) of any new requirement. While the association will push for an extension of the enforcement date, American members holding EASA approval under the bilateral must prepare to comply.

ARSA will support impacted repair stations during this transition period by:

(1) Working with regulators to push for smooth installation of SMS requirements into current quality systems.

(2) Continuing the member benefit facilitating access to SMS tools managed by the Aircraft Electronics Association.

(3) Assisting members with questions about incorporating SMS requirements into existing quality systems.

(4) Handling confusion and communicating to provide clear information regarding compliance requirements and implementation dates.

New Bilateral Oversight Guidance for ASIs

The FAA has announced an amendment to Order 8900.1, Vol. 6, Chap. 9, Sec. 27 clarifying procedures for aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) who oversee domestic repair stations holding foreign certificates under bilateral aviation safety agreements (BASAs) between the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the United Kingdom (UK) CAA, and/or the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC).

Among other things, the updated Sec. 27:

• Provides background on the purposes of BASAs and related Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) and Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG).
• Describes the various prerequisites ASIs must meet prior to conducting oversight, including FAA electronic Learning Management System (eLMS) course requirements specific to each of the BASAs.
• Explains the interrelationship between ASIs, the FAA Flight Standards Service (AFS) General Aviation Group (AFS 340), and the partnering civil aviation authority, identifying FAA coordinators as primary points of contact between AFS and the foreign CAA and explaining how policy issues and proposed changes to the MIP and MAG are elevated within AFS.
• Details procedures for auditing a repair station pursuant to a MIP.

The Order directs ASIs to use Sec. 27 in conjunction with the applicable MAG between the United States and foreign country, but reminds them the MAG supersedes the order if the two documents conflict.

Similar guidance related to oversight of U.S. repair stations with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval is found at FAA Order 8100 Vol. 6, Chap. 9, Sec. 24. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) guidance is in Sec. 22.

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ARSA Listens

Serving Through Survey Responses

The first quarter brings two opportunities to share insight and ARSA encourages members to invest time and thought into these industry surveys:

(1) ARSA’s Annual Member Survey. The association gathers intelligence on issues facing the international aerospace maintenance community and its economic outlook. Responses improve the association’s services and provide data to support advocacy on behalf of the global industry.

The first invitation will be delivered to the inboxes of all primary contacts during the week of Feb. 10. (If you don’t know who the primary contact is, we can help.) As the primary contact ensure the survey gets the attention it deserves by taking the 15 minutes to complete it or to forward it to the person that can complete it. Direct any questions to brett.levanto@arsa.org.

(2) Oliver Wyman’s MRO Survey. The global consulting firm has surveyed members of the maintenance, manufacturing, airline, and aviation finance communities for over a decade. Through its partnership with ARSA – which produces the association’s annual market assessment – the survey team is inviting repair stations to participate.

The survey should take no more 15 minutes and can be accessed from your mobile device or computer. It will close on Feb. 14.

Participants will be given the option to receive a summary of the survey results in addition to the full report launched at this year’s MRO Americas in Atlanta.

To participate, please visit: https://oliverwyman.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NNOSDCtkLlhboi

Responses are confidential and all information provided by participants will be reported in aggregate only. Questions about the survey may be directed to our research team at: MROsurvey@oliverwyman.com.

The 2025 Global Fleet & MRO Market Assessment, prepared by Oliver Wyman, will be unveiled in March during ARSA’s Annual Conference. Click here to register now.

Industry Input Needed on Restricted Category Certifications

On Jan. 24, the Virginia-based law firm Obadal, Filler, MacLeod, & Klein, P.L.C. launched a survey gathering experience with certification and operation of restricted category aircraft in the United States. As ARSA’s management firm and in support of multiple restricted-category clients, OFMK has taken the lead in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating industry information for a series of FAA listening sessions.

The FAA outreach is to provide for meaningful discussion between agency representatives and industry stakeholders regarding restricted category certification, operational challenges, and regulatory requirements. The law firm created the survey questionnaire to ensure the industry provides the appropriate information for consideration under the plain language of the applicable regulations. Responses will be collated without attribution to identify the regulatory requirements associated with the issues experienced so appropriate resolutions can be reached.

All interested parties are encouraged to complete the survey. Collected information will be referred to the appropriate FAA and industry contacts throughout the engagement.

To participate in the survey, go to:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FAA_RC_ListeningSession

Respondents may voluntarily provide contact information that will be used only for clarification on any responses provided. Although providing contact information will not create an attorney client relationship with the law firm, the information provided will not be released without a demand from a court of competent jurisdiction.

For more information or questions about the survey, contact ofmk@potomac-law.com.

Don’t Be Ignored – STC Audit Survey

Congress’ May 2024 reauthorization of the FAA, requires the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to audit the FAA’s Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services (see P.L. 118-63, Sec. 821). In November, the first of three audits mandated by the law was initiated.

Congress mandated the OIG conduct its audits with input from all stakeholders. To ensure the executive branch agency listens to its congressional masters and engages stakeholders, ARSA is asking members to identify issues related to consistency in interpretation and application of regulation, policy, orders, and guidance across agency offices and individuals.

To participate, answer the following questions:

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/STC_audit

Final Documents/Your Two Cents

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

To view the list, click here.

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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.

A Q&A on D&A

By Christian Klein, Executive Vice President

On Dec. 18, 2024, the FAA published a long-pending final rule expanding drug and alcohol testing requirements to safety sensitive aviation personnel at repair stations outside the United States.

The new rule was first mandated by Congress in the 2012 FAA Reauthorization Act at the insistence of labor unions. Despite no evidence of risk, the law demanded FAA implement the rule. Hypocritically, the agency didn’t see fit to extend drug and alcohol testing to U.S. airline mechanics, who leave the testing pool when working outside the United States.

The rule requires FAA certificated repair stations located outside the territory of the United States whose employees (including contractor employees) perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to implement drug and alcohol testing in a manner acceptable to the FAA and consistent with the laws of the country in which the repair station is located.

The final rule is substantially similar to the draft published in the notice of proposed rulemaking on Dec. 7, 2023. The most significant change adds a process by which a foreign government can apply for a waiver from the testing mandate for all safety sensitive employees in its territory. Impacted repair stations must comply by Dec. 20, 2027.

ARSA is developing a toolkit for members and governments to apply for exemptions and waivers from the new rule.

To whom does the new rule apply?

Under revised 14 CFR § 120.1(d), all part 145 certificate holders outside the territory of the United States who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft. The rule also covers “noncertificated contractors” of those repair station (see below).

The only exception is that 14 CFR § 120.5 and subparts E and F do not apply to part 145 certificate holders outside the territory of the United States that have obtained recognition pursuant to § 120.10 (see below).

What maintenance functions are covered?

The preamble states that, “The FAA considers all maintenance functions performed on part 121 air carrier aircraft to be safety sensitive under 14 CFR 120.105 and 120.215.” The agency declined to provide any additional clarification, although FAA’s definition of maintenance under 14 CFR 1.1 define the word to mean “inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and the replacement of parts, but excludes preventive maintenance.”

How are subcontractors of foreign repair stations impacted?

The requirement to set up a testing program only applies to certificated foreign repair stations whose employees perform safety sensitive work on part 121 air carrier aircraft, however certain contractor employees must still be tested. Although the preamble states that, “the mandate for testing does not extend to non-certificated contractors or subcontractors,” it also states, “if a foreign repair station decides to contract with another non-certificated maintenance provider to perform safety-sensitive aircraft maintenance functions on a part 121 air carrier aircraft, the certificated repair station must include the personnel performing aircraft maintenance functions in their testing program.” We believe that is meant to cover FAA-certificated foreign repair stations using locally certificated approved maintenance organizations as allowed under section 145.217.

What does the rule require?

A part 145 repair station located outside the territory of the U.S. must cover its employees performing maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft under its own testing program. The program must meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol regulations at 49 CFR part 40 and the FAA regulations at 14 CFR part 120.

How is the rule supposed to work?

Each foreign repair station will be required to obtain an Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program Operations Specification (Op Spec A449) and provide drug and alcohol testing program management information system (MIS) data.

Affected foreign repair stations that receive a waiver based on recognition by the Administrator will be relieved from comprehensive compliance with subparts E and F of 14 CFR part 120 (and in turn, relieved from 49 CFR part 40), and thus, will not need to seek further waivers or exemptions from 14 CFR part 120 or 49 CFR part 40.

What if a foreign repair station cannot meet the requirements?

If a repair station cannot meet one or all requirements in 49 CFR part 40 (e.g., because the laws of the country where the repair station is located are inconsistent with the requirements), the repair station may apply for an exemption using the process described at 49 CFR § 40.7. Similarly, if a repair station cannot meet one or all requirements in 14 CFR part 120, it may apply for a waiver from the FAA in accordance with waiver authority established in the new rule.

The rule also allows foreign governments to apply for a waiver applicable to all FAA safety sensitive employees within the government’s territories recognizing existing requirements under the laws of the country as a compatible alternative that contains the minimum key elements of 14 CFR part 120.

If a foreign government chooses not to pursue this option, 14 CFR § 120.10 provides that an individual foreign repair station may request its own waiver based on recognition of an existing testing program that meets the key elements identified in the regulation.

What factors will the FAA consider in granting a waiver?

Under the new § 120.10(b), among other things, a request for recognition must demonstrate that the existing testing regime contains the following key elements of part 120:

(1) A testing protocol or established consequences to detect or deter, or both, employees who are responsible for safety-sensitive maintenance on part 121 air carrier aircraft from misusing alcohol and using drugs.

(2) An education or training program or materials that explain the impact and consequences of misusing alcohol and using drugs while performing safety-sensitive functions.

(3) A method to rehabilitate and ensure that safety-sensitive employees returning to work after a drug or alcohol test violation or consequence no longer misuse alcohol or use drugs.

How will does the new rule treat foreign repair stations in countries/jurisdictions that have bilateral maintenance agreements with the United States?

The rule is applicable to all foreign FAA repair stations, regardless of whether the country or political entity where it’s located has a bilateral aviation safety agreement with the United States.

In the rule’s preamble, the FAA specifically rejected a European Union-wide compliance option given differences in EU-member state employment and privacy laws. As such, each individual EU member state will be required to separately seek a waiver. “Because each country has its own individual laws and requirements that may impact its drug and alcohol testing programs, each foreign government is in the best position to know the laws imposed on their own citizens,” the preamble said.

The only country whose repair stations are excluded from the new testing requirements is Canada because the United States and Canada recognize each other’s certificates, the FAA does not certificate Canadian approved maintenance organizations.

As ARSA continues reviewing the rule and collaborates with its allies opposed to the new testing requirements, the association will provide updates and compliance resources for its members.

The new regulatory language has been incorporated into part 120, subpart A. To see the final rule and related explanatory material as published in the Federal Register, click here.

Layman Lawyer – Damming the Flood

By Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations

The arrival of the Trump administration quickly brought the administrative disruption promised during the president’s campaign. The White House effort to “Flood the Zone” with executive action has the public, media, and particularly U.S. federal employees off balance.

The confusion has caused multiple missteps. According to Politico, a “rogue” FAA employee sent an internal email prohibiting participation in stakeholder advisory committees. The agency corrected the communication, explaining: “FAA employees will continue to attend meetings and engage with stakeholders on safety related matters, and we will make sure that commitment is clear to everyone in the agency.”

While agency mandated industry meetings may continue, federal personnel have paused participation in planned and regular external meetings, international engagement, and signing important policy like the long-expected change 10 to the U.S./EU Maintenance Annex Guidance.

While the administrative dust settles, the association will stay the regulatory course by focusing attention on the Jan. 31 executive order “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” The order more than doubles down on the “two for one” policy of the president’s first term by requiring executive agencies “identify at least 10 existing regulations” for repeal for every new one issued.

ARSA’s team will keep track of whether any existing regulations “identified” for repeal are removed, but in the meantime, the association is focused on the order’s definition of regulation or rule that gets to the fat in the bureaucracy this administration is trying to irradicate.

The executive order brings scrutiny to every “agency statement of general or particular applicability and future effect designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or to describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency, including, without limitation, regulations, rules, memoranda, administrative orders, guidance documents, policy statements, and interagency agreements, regardless of whether the same were enacted through the processes in the Administrative Procedure Act.”

No more regulation by orders, policy, operations specifications, or simple fiat. This definition supports the requirement that “synthesizing” regulatory standards with associated guidance should not be required of the average person (individual or business). ARSA members and the association’s team have long battled the FAA’s efforts to legislate by guidance by enforcing the language of internal orders or external advisories above and beyond the minimum standards of 14 CFR.

In the “two for one” era, ARSA questioned a similar executive order’s wisdom based on the APA’s requirements for notice and comment required to repeal a rule. This time around, the association will use the administration’s directive to ensure guidance documents do not conflict with the rules.

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ARSA on the Hill

It’s All New (Again)

By Christian Klein, Executive Vice President

A new administration and new Congress mean new players in aviation policymaking, including new committee leadership, new committee members, and a new secretary and personnel at the Department of Transportation. There’s even new leadership acting at the FAA.

Musical Chairs

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) will serve as chairman of the House aviation subcommittee for the 119th Congress.

Thankfully, the leadership of congressional committees with aviation jurisdiction remains largely unchanged. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), previously the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Committee’s ranking Republican will swap spots with former chair Sen. Maria Cantwell. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Ks.) will assume the top spot of the Senate’s aviation subcommittee with the former chair, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), taking over as ranking member.

On the House side of Capitol Hill, Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) will return as House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee chairman and ranking member and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) will be back as the House aviation subcommittee’s ranking Democrat. However, the aviation subcommittee has a new chairman: Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas).

Nehls, a career law enforcement officer and Army reservist, was elected to Congress in 2020 to represent Texas’ 22^nd district (southwestern suburbs of Houston). Immediately prior to joining Congress, Nehls served two terms as sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas.

“As Chairman, I will ensure the FAA implements the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 effectively and efficiently and dig deeper into aviation issues,” Nehls said. “At such a critical time for our nation’s aviation industry, I look forward to working with Chairman Graves and my colleagues to advance policies that promote safety and improve efficiency within America’s aviation industry.”

Aerospace maintenance has a huge footprint in Texas, also the home state of the Sen. Ted Cruz, the new CST Committee chair. Texas’ 446 repair stations employ more than 15,000 workers. The more than 30,000 Texans working in the aviation maintenance industry contribute $5.8 billion annually to the state’s economy. ARSA looks forward to working with all committee leaders to achieve the highest level of safety by most efficient means possible.

New FAA Actors

President Trump named Chris Rocheleau as the FAA’s acting administrator on Jan. 30, the day after the tragic collision of a helicopter with a regional jet preparing to land at Reagan National Airport (DCA). The administrator position had been vacant since Michael Whitaker resigned on Jan. 20.

Rocheleau previously served in multiple roles at the FAA over a 20+ year career, including as deputy associate administrator for aviation safety; chief of staff; deputy associate administrator for policy, international affairs and environment; executive director for international affairs; and director of national security programs, emergency operations and investigations.

More recently, Rocheleau was chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Prior to NBAA and his tenure at the FAA, Rocheleau was one of the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration. He also served as an officer and special agent with the U.S. Air Force, retiring from the USAF Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree from the City University of Seattle.

Liam McKenna has also been named the FAA’s new chief counsel, as well as acting deputy administrator. McKenna has both executive and legislative branch experience, having previously served in the Department of Transportation’s Office of General Counsel from 2019-2021, as chief counsel for the Senate’s oversight and investigations subcommittee, and as general counsel for the Senate CST Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Cruz and a juris doctorate degree from UC Davis School of Law.

ARSA looks forward to engaging the new acting administrator and chief counsel to address industry concerns expressed to the former occupants of those offices. We are hopeful the new chief counsel will take a broader view of that office’s involvement in rulemaking activities.

Senate Approves Duffy for DOT

Another new face in aviation policymaking is former Wisconsin congressman, Fox News host, champion lumberjack, and MTV Real World alumnus Sean Duffy, President Trump’s secretary of transportation.

“Whether driving, flying, or traveling by train, no federal agency impacts Americans’ daily lives and their loved ones more than the Department of Transportation [(DOT)]. ” Duffy said in the opening statement at his confirmation hearing.

“In aviation, safety will remain the top priority. America needs more air traffic controllers. The best and the brightest. We must modernize our systems with cutting-edge technology. I will work with Congress and the FAA to restore global confidence in Boeing and to ensure our skies are safe,” Duffy said.

Transportation is entering an extraordinary new era. From eVTOLs, drones and autonomous vehicles to space travel, we are in a global race to out-innovate the rest of the world. If confirmed, we will craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.”

Duffy, who was confirmed by the Senate 77 to 22 on Jan. 28, has also indicated that he is committed to maintaining the 38 aircraft per month cap on Boeing’s production pending assurances that a production increase will not impact quality.

ARSA looks forward to working with Secretary Duffy to improve regulation and oversight.

Accident to Drive Oversight Agenda

The recent aviation accident at DCA is the deadliest in more than 20 years and sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital. DCA is used by members of Congress and the controversy about expanding operations at that location during the recent FAA reauthorization debate is still fresh in people’s minds.

The House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over the FAA will likely wait to commence investigative hearings until the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) initial report is issued later this month. Air traffic control staffing, military operations around the nation’s capital, and Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) are all likely to come under the microscope.

Trump Axes IGs

In a surprise move, President Trump ended his first week in office by firing the inspectors general (IG) of more than a dozen executive branch agencies and departments (including the DOT), presumably to install new personnel known to share President Trump’s vision for the federal government.

The firings were part of President Trump’s “flood the zone” strategy to reform the federal bureaucracy. In a rapid and continuing series of executive orders since being inaugurated, he directed federal employees to end remote work, terminated federal department and agency diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, attempted to suspend federal grant programs, and reversed Biden-era policies affecting military personnel, among other things.

IGs are to be independent; they are charged with rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the executive branch. The firings raised eyebrows on both sides of the political aisle, given that the administration apparently failed to provide Congress with the 30-day prior notice required for such dismissals. “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress,” Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. Democratic lawmakers raised similar concerns about the administration’s apparent disregard for congressional oversight.

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Aviation Life Calendar

February Through June

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.

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Training & Career Development

Training from ARSA’s Experts at New Vertical Aviation Event

Next month, as it prepares for the 2025 ARSA Annual Conference, the association’s team will make a special appearance at the inaugural edition of VERTICON (formerly HELI-EXPO) in Dallas, Texas.

Sarah MacLeod, Marshall S. Filler, Christian Klein, and Brett Levanto, executive team members of the association (and of its management firm Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C.) will lead a number of Elevations Courses (formerly known as Professional Education Courses) at the kickoff of VERTICON week.

Will you be at VERTICON? Contact Levanto (click here for his email) to see where you can find ARSA’s team and to schedule a meeting. To review the training sessions run by the team, scroll through the list below.

Click here to register for the event and visit verticon.org/education/elevations-courses for course information.

Elevations Courses

Any participant who completes one of these sessions and submits his or her completion certificate to (brett.levanto@arsa.org) will be given a code to access one free hour of ARSA online training.

Note: These sessions are provided on behalf of OFM&K and are listed in schedule order.

Regulations Affecting Aircraft Part Purchase and Sale

March 8 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

This course reviews the civil aviation regulations in 14 CFR that impact the purchase, sale, receiving, stocking, inspection and installation of civil aviation articles for maintenance purposes. It also overviews other guidance as well as regulatory and contractual requirements that should be considered.

Session information & Registration

Know the Rules Like You Know Your Tools

March 8 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This session covers the FAA’s organization, authority and process for promulgating rules, then walks through the general requirements in 14 CFR to explain how its various components link together in a “regulatory chain” that must be comprehended by aviation businesses. Topics specific to maintenance include part 43 maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alteration; part 65, subpart D mechanics (certification); part 65, subpart E repairmen (certification); and part 145 repair stations.

Session Information & Registration

Human Factors: Admitting You’re Human

March 10 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

This session introduces “human factors” and puts their consideration into an aviation context, connecting their mitigation with SMS development. It reviews the general definitions and key components of human factors understanding and reviews the rules and guidance on the subject from various aviation regulatory and oversight organizations. It then discusses examples, mitigations, and exercises associated with key human factors elements as well as methods for integrating into training and safety systems.

Session information & Registration

Public Aircraft Operations

March 10 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This course provides instruction on the statutory provisions and FAA guidance governing public aircraft operations. It covers the basic requirements for an aircraft to be operated as a public aircraft, what constitutes an eligible governmental function, and the practical implications of using the same aircraft to conduct both civil and public operations. It also discusses the FAA policy regarding operations conducted under contract for a government entity.

Session Information & Registration

Whether you are able to participate in Dallas or not, much of the material presented ARSA’s team members at VERTICON  is available through the association’s online training program. To review the library of available courses and register for immediate access to on-demand sessions, click here.

From 2019

ARSA’s Sarah MacLeod really does have a good time at @HeliAssoc @HELIEXPO. Thanks to Advanced Composites Florida for providing proof. #AVMRO pic.twitter.com/Fw9hBBr47z

— ARSA (@ARSAWorks) March 6, 2019

Make a Difference in Washington

A great resource for anyone attending Legislative Day, this 30 minute session reviews basic strategies for communicating with key lawmakers and their staff to become an effective advocate for their interests.

Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Registration for an ARSA training session includes:

• Access to the on-demand recording of each session for 90 days.
• Digital copies of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• A certificate upon completion of each class.

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

Dealing with the Government

This session provides a roadmap for building a positive relationship with civil aviation authorities. It begins by describing the rules that should always be considered when engaging with aviation safety regulators, then provides instruction on how to introduce your company and maintain consistent contact – not just when there’s a problem. It concludes by providing strategies for maintaining a professional relationship with regulators.

Click here to register and get access for 90 days.

Registration for an ARSA training session includes:

• Access to the on-demand recording of each session for 90 days.
• Digital copies of the presentation and all reference material with links to relevant resources and citations.
• A certificate upon completion of each class.

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

Regulatory Compliance Training

Test your knowledge of 14 CFR § 21.25, restricted category type certificates.

Click here to download the training sheet.

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Membership

ARSA Remembers – Hugh McElroy

Hugh McElroy, long time ARSA supporter and former board member who never stopped serving the aviation community, died on Feb. 2 after an 18 month battle with cancer.

McElroy’s career began in the late 1970s, when he was an engineer with Avco Lycoming in Stratford Connecticut. Over the next five decades, he knew many companies and homes but retained one commitment to good engineering and faithful community service.

McElroy left Avco Lycoming in 1980, relocating to Millville, NJ to serve as a quality engineer – eventually manager, general manager, and vice president – for Airwork Corporation. During this period, which included GE’s purchase of Airwork, he became an FAA Consulting DER and a Consulting DAR. He remained at that location until its closure in 2004, seeing another sale to Dallas Airmotive in 1998.

While overseeing Airwork’s shutdown, McElroy was also involved in the creation of the South Jersey Motorsports Park. He served on the board of the Millville Army Air Field Museum, eventually taking over as chairman, and was recognized in 2012 when the museum named a new section in his honor. During his time in New Jersey he also founded and served as chairman for the New Jersey Aviation Association.

He then moved to Dallas to become president of Dallas Airmotive. He quickly became part of the Dallas business community including several years as a board member of the Dallas Frontiers of Flight Museum.

He tried to retire several times. His first post-retirement endeavor was as president of Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, a charity with a mission to employ visually challenged individuals. He was then recruited to return to Dallas Airmotive to oversee the sale and transition to StandardAero Inc. It was during this time that he joined ARSA’s board, helping the association to manage the uncertainty of the early pandemic before his second retirement.

In 2021, McElroy retired again…but soon launched an aviation consulting company at the same time he became president of a Washington state technology startup that had patented a magnetic bearing device. He remained in this role until a few months before his passing.

Hugh is survived by his wife Judy, two sons, and several step children who were all with him when he passed. He is remembered fondly by many colleagues and friends and has ARSA’s gratitude for a life devoted to the safety of the aviation community and committed to the good of the world.

Working to Be Free

The Members Getting Members member benefit is a great way to support ARSA and drop a year’s dues to $0.

Let’s look at how some members are working to be free!

Membership Welcomes Support!

Next month members will see communications from administrative.support@arsa.org. These communications will be coming from Lora Baltes who will provide much-needed member services aid to the association’s team and members.

You may have also seen emails from executive.manager@arsa.org. These communications will be coming from Kaylyn West who is attempting to manage the entire ARSA team plus herself.

Advertising – Front and Center

Your company can be front and center at the ARSA Annual Conference – your commitment to aviation safety is the hallmark of your success. Be proud of that assurance by raising your flag before international regulators, colleagues, customers, and yes, competitors.

Becoming a sponsor of the Annual Conference or of an ongoing training session ensures your flag will be front and center of the industry’s success.

Flying your flag is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

(1) Attend. Being at the Conference yields substantive benefits, builds professional networks, and shows your leadership on behalf of the industry. Register now.

(2) Sponsor. The Conference’s sponsors are a “Who’s Who” of the aviation maintenance community. Joining them is a way to celebrate your company’s place in the industry while investing in the good work of ARSA all year round. Learn more.

(3) Plan ahead. Make the most of this year’s event by being ready: Book your travel and hotel, of course, but also schedule legislative day meetings and get feedback from your facility(ies) about questions to ask regulatory representatives. Make the most of next year’s Conference by planning your participation (bring more people!) and sponsorship now.

For event information, visit arsa.org/news-media/events/arsa-conference.

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 January:

New Members
ARC145, LLC, R01
Aviation Repair Group, LLC, R01
Axcess Aviation Maintenance Services, Inc., R02
FACC Solutions, Inc., R03
FLG Technics, Inc., R02
MHI RJ Aviation Group, R05
QT Aerospace, LLC, R01
Tulsa Aerospace Component Overhaul and Repair Inc., R02

Returning Members
Aero Accessories & Repair, Inc., R04, 2023
Aero Products Component Services, Inc., R03, 2019
Air-Cert, LLC, R01, 1990
Air Shunt Instruments, Inc., R02, 1999
Aircraft Component Repair, Inc., R03, 1987
AvidAir Helicopter Supply, Inc., R01, 2011
Avocet Aviation Services, LLC, R03, 2023
Barfield Precision Electronics, LLC, R04, 1996
Brothers Aviation Maintenance Services, Inc., R01, 2016
C&S Propeller, LLC, R02, 2016
Carpe Diem Aviation Services of Missouri, Inc., R02, 2012
Central Cylinder Service, Inc., R01, 1985
Consolidated Turbine Specialists, LLC, R03, 2018
Federal Aerospace Institute LLC, EDU, 2021
First Class Air Repair, Inc., R02, 2016
Fortner Accessory Service Corp., R01, 2002
Genesis Aviation, Inc., R04, 1994
Gyros Unlimited dba North Bay Aviation, R03, 2011
Helicopter Services, Inc., R01, 2019
INAir Aviation Services Company, R02, 2003
Michael Daniel, EDU, 2020
NAS MRO Services LLC, R03, 2024
Pacific Sky Supply, Inc., R02, 2024
PPG Industries Inc.-dba PPG Aerospace Transparencies, R02, 2005
Rapco, Inc., Assoc, 1990
Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Corp, 1997
Rotortech Services, Inc., R02, 2019
Skytech Aviation, Inc., R01, 2013
Southwest Turbine, Inc., R02, 2018
ST Engineering North America, Inc, Corp, 2006
TMC Engine Center, Inc., R02, 2021
Valcor Engineering Corporation, R01, 2004
Western Aero Repair, Inc., R03, 2011

A Member Asked…Triple Release?

Q: I wanted to inquire about the rulemaking for the FAA Form 8130 releases. There is no indication that a triple release is prohibited. It states, “Parts 43 and other.” Other options include numerous certifications.

Yesterday, we received a triple release FAA Form 8130 (FAA/EASA/UK CAA). I called the vendor and asked him to issue two releases, one for FAA/EASA, and the other for FAA/UK-CAA. The vendor rectified situation, but it is unclear where it states that a triple release cannot be provided.

A: A “triple” release indicating compliance with UK/EU/US requirements is not acceptable to EASA since the UK and EU do not have a bilateral covering maintenance, only design and production. Ironically, a triple or even quadruple release would be acceptable to the FAA, since it does not prohibit using the FAA Form 8130 to record maintenance, provided the information on it is true.

EASA only accepts triple releases when all “states”, that is, countries listed on the required form have a bilateral with a maintenance annex or agreement. Thus, a triple release indicating compliance with Canadian, US, and EU regulations would be acceptable to EASA. The result is even more confusing in the Canadian/US/EU case because neither US nor Canada require a “dual” release. That is because the Canadian/US bilateral does not require issuance of a certificate by either country to the other’s maintenance organizations, and each country’s maintenance release is acceptable to the other.

So much for bilaterals saving industry time and money.

Have questions about aviation regulatory compliance, legislative policy, or ARSA resources? Ask ARSA first!

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Resources

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

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.)

ARSA Member Benefits

From access to industry expertise to growing your own through education and training, ensure your company gets the most out of its investment in ARSA.

Industry Meetings & Events

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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