2025 – Edition 10 – November 6

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 2026

ARSA Works

From Our Friends

Legal Brief

Layman Lawyer

ARSA on the Hill

Regulatory Updates

Training & Career Development

Membership

Resources

Industry Meetings & Events

President’s Desk

Getting on Board

The association’s annual leadership roundtable brought a welcome sight – 13 aviation trade associations with diverse interests and priorities exchanging opportunities to provide meaningful and collective information to the public, media, legislative bodies, and international aviation safety agencies. Although only one aviation safety agency, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was present, it was gratifying to learn how its frustration with the progress of important issues mirrors the industry’s. It was more rewarding, however, to hear how industry groups are taking the lead in their areas of expertise or focus while supporting efforts to provide a unified voice in areas of less interest and knowledge.

The ability to collaborate when and wherever possible saves the associations and their members time and money. Associations collectively provide support in areas that are not primary objectives of membership but benefit the industry; this is a keystone of broad influence on rulemaking efforts and policymakers. ARSA and its regulatory partnership with the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) have provided leadership in response to new Safety Management System requirements for repair stations in addition to handling updates to maintenance recordkeeping guidance and instructions for performance of minor repairs. Similarly, ARSA’s legislative efforts have led it to coordinate among and between all of the associations present at the roundtables to fight for career development resources, to protect the FAA from government shutdowns, and countless other policies benefitting the industry.

A key part of ARSA’s leadership – one that’s not always obvious on the face of its outspoken efforts to improve safety policy – is allowing its allies to lead in their areas of strength. In addition to AEA, the other organizations represented at our October meeting provide leadership in many matters including PMA rulemaking and guidance, air traffic needs and requirements, and business issues like taxes, trade, and tariffs.

Having all trade associations on board the same vehicle may be rare, but when it happens, results are positive. My fellow officers and directors gather the next day for the annual board meeting to continue that positive work. We reviewed our professional team’s work in the third quarter and approved a well-focused budget for 2026.

During the meeting, we elected Dr. Janina Bergmann to fill the remaining term of her colleague Rainer Lindau of Lufthansa Technik (LHT). The board and I thank Rainer for his service and wish him well in retirement; we recognize that Janina’s continuation of LHT’s commitment shows how the company sends the very best to represent ARSA’s international membership.

At the Roundtables and the annual meeting, the board sees clear evidence of ARSA’s leadership and its creation of an interdependent crew of industry experts serving the needs of everyone working in aerospace. It’s a refreshing visit to the nation’s capital and a useful reminder of how many there are working for us…even when the news highlights the opposite.

John Riggs 2025 ARSA president | Director of Airworthiness, Chromalloy

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Conference 2026

Nothing Succeeds Like Success

March 17-20, 2026

The list of companies sponsoring and participating in every Annual Conference is a “who’s who” of the aerospace maintenance community. Committing resources, time, and cache to the industry’s premier substantive event helps it grow.

Supporting the 2026 Conference capitalizes on the event’s past successes and invest in the industry’s future.

Make that strength your own by ensuring your business is on the list next March (and in the months leading up to it…as Conference sponsors always are).

Important Dates

November 17 – Sponsorship Campaign Begins (contact Brett Levanto for a head start).

December 5 – Registration opens (stay tuned to the hotline and alert for member alerts, Dispatch updates and website notices).

See the 2025 event sponsors in the “Sponsorship” menu below…

Agenda

Unless otherwise noted, all Annual Conference activities take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia. Stay tuned for agenda updates as the event gets closer.

Executive to Executive Briefings: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Participation by industry executives with senior executive branch officials is limited to annual conference sponsors at the Administratium, Platinum, Gold, or Silver levels. In past years, meeting participants included representatives from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, Labor, State, and Transportation as well as the fellow trade associations and industry interest groups. Schedule Subject to Change

9:00 a.m. | Introductory Briefing

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10:00 a.m. | U.S. Department of State

Heidi Gomez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs

With an eye to the volatile geopolitical environment, Deputy Assistant Secretary Gomez will discuss issues impacting bilateral relationships, the bilateral negotiation process, and opportunities to influence the development of bilaterals.

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11:00 a.m. | Break

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11:15 a.m. | Regulatory Reform: Opportunities and Risks

Andrew Langer, President, Institute for Liberty and Director, CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom

As an advocate, policy communicator, academic, and radio talk show host, Langer has dedicated his career to building public awareness about the shortcomings of the federal bureaucracy and, more importantly, how to improve government oversight. He will discuss the historic opportunity presented by the Trump administration to improve government operations and how the business community can help steer reform in the right direction.

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12:15 p.m. | Talking Trade and Tariffs

Dak Hardwick, Vice President, International Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association, Invited 

The aviation maintenance industry is facing supply chain disruptions and the potential impact of tariffs on parts and raw materials.  Hardwick will discuss risks in the current environment and opportunities for the aerospace industry to steer the public discussion about aviation manufacturing, trade, and tariffs in the right direction.

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1:00 p.m. | Lunch

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2:00 p.m. | Importing Talent: Challenges and Opportunities

Laura Footre Reiff, Shareholder, GreenbergTraurig, Founder, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, Invited

EWIC is a broad-based coalition of businesses and trade associations that support comprehensive immigration reform to address the technical talent shortage. Reiff will discuss opportunities to improve the U.S. immigration system and share strategies for importing talent.

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3:00 p.m. | Break

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3:15 p.m. | Economic Impacts

Livia Hayes, Director, Market Intelligence Team, Transportation and Services Practice, Oliver Wyman

Hayes will reveal the findings of the most recent Oliver Wyman MRO industry forecast and lead a roundtable discussion of factors and trends impacting demand for aerospace maintenance services.

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4:00 p.m. | Wrap Up

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Legislative Day: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

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 and Breakfast

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8:00 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions

Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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Alex De Gunten, Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs, HEICO and ARSA 2025 Government Affairs Chairman

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8:15 a.m. | It's All About Your Industry and Your Company

Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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9:00 a.m. | The View from the Hill

Karen Huggard, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Air Transportation Association

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Jarrod Thompson, Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Airlines for America

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Moderator: Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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9:45 a.m. | Break

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10:00 a.m. | National Defense Authorization Act: Accomplishments and Opportunities

Josh Krotec, Senior Vice President, First Aviation and ARSA Immediate Past President

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Alex de Gunten, Senior Vice President for Government & Industry Affairs, HEICO and 2024 ARSA Government Affairs Chairman

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Mandy Smithberger, Senior Adviser, National Security, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)

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Moderator: Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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10:30 a.m. | Strengthening Our Roots

Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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11:00 a.m. | Global Fleet & MRO Market Report Release presented by Oliver Wyman

Livia Hayes, Director, Oliver Wyman Vector

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11:30 a.m. | Wrap Up

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12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Adjourn

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1:00 p.m. | Congressional Meetings Begin

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TBD | Presentation of 2025 Legislative Leadership Award

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TBD | House Aviation Subcommittee Staff Briefing (on Capitol Hill)

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4:00 p.m. | Symposium Registration Open (for non-Legislative Day attendees)

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5:30 p.m. | Ice-Breaker Reception

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7:00 p.m. | Special Invitation Dinner

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Annual Repair Symposium: Thursday, March 20, 2025

The centerpiece of Conference week, ARSA convenes a full day of substantive panel discussions covering key regulatory compliance and business issues. After the keynote address, regulators from across the world join the full-morning "Opening Salvo" conversation, followed by lunch and an afternoon of practical regulatory and business discussion.

7:30 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast

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8:00 a.m.  | Welcome and Introductory Remarks – What ARSA Has Done Lately

Sarah MacLeod, Executive Director, ARSA

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Christian Klein, Executive Vice President, ARSA

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8:30 a.m. | Session 1: Fireside Chat with AIR

Caitlin Locke, Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service

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Moderator: Sarah MacLeod, Executive Director, ARSA

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9:00 a.m. | Break

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9:30 a.m. | Session 2: Opening Salvo – Conversations with the Regulators

Lawrence Josuá Fernandes Costa, Continuing Airworthiness Certification Manager, Department of Flight Standards, ANAC Brazil, ONLINE

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Ludovic Aron, Washington Representative, EASA

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Karl Specht, Principal Coordinator Organisation Approvals, EASA, ONLINE

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Robert Ruiz, Acting Executive Director, Flight Standards Service, FAA, Invited

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Dan Elgas, Director, Policy and Standards Division (AIR-600), Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, Invited

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Neil Williams, Head of Airworthiness, Policy & Rulemaking, United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority

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10:45 | Break (Approximate; Session 2 to continue)

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12:30 p.m. | Lunch and Special Presentation

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2:00 p.m. | Best Approaches to Rulemaking

Tony Fazio, President, Fazio Group International

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Lirio Liu, Executive Director, Willow Aviation Advisors

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Sarah MacLeod, Executive Director, ARSA

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Moderator: Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations, ARSA

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3:00 p.m. | ARSA Quiz Show

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3:30 p.m. | Break

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4:00 p.m. | More than an Apprentice

Jennifer Evans, CEO, Compressed Gas Systems

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Quincy Gellerman, Student

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Moderator: Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations, ARSA

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5:00 p.m. | Aerospace Happy Hour

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Member Day: Friday, March 21, 2025

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 participating in breakout and/or training sessions focused on key aerospace topics. The Conference ends by 12:00 p.m. EDT.

8:00 a.m. | Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast

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9:30 a.m. | Break

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10:00 a.m. | Training Sessions & Breakout Discussions

HazMat Determinations – An ARSA training session on determining whether your company is a Hazardous Materials employer under the rules in 49 CFR and the regulatory requirements that all maintenance providers should heed. (One Hour)

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Complying with Foreign D&A Requirements – An ARSA training session helping repair stations get ahead of the December 2027 compliance date for the new rule expanding drug & alcohol testing requirements to facilities located outside the United States. All maintenance personnel, regardless of location, should understand the industry-wide impact of the new rule. (One Hour)

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Repairman to Specialist – An open discussion with industry and education leaders on developing career (and certification) pathways through 14 CFR part 65 subpart E.

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12:00 p.m. Conference Ends

Attendance & Pricing

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. All in-person registrants will be able to name a "Conference Ambassador" as a contact to access the livestream and bring the event back to their home facilities. Paying registrants for livestream access may share with multiple company contacts. Livestream participation will include a mechanism for submitting questions to onsite personnel.

Pricing

Executive to Executive Briefings
Open to Administratium, Platinum, Gold, and Silver-level sponsors.
Legislative Day – Wednesday, March 19
	Members		Non-Members
	First	Additional	First	Additional
In-person	$400	$360	$600	$540
Livestream Free with in-person registration.	$400		$600
Symposium – Thursday, March 20
In-person	$900	$810	$1,250	$1,125
Livestream Free with in-person registration.	$900		$1,250
Legislative Day & Symposium Bundle
In-person	$1,100	$990	$1,500	$1,350
Livestream Free with in-person registration.	$1,100		$1,500
The Super Bundle (Silver Sponsorship, E2E, Legislative Day, & Symposium)
In-person	$4,200		$4,500
Livestream Free with in-person registration.
Member Meeting & Training/Breakouts – Friday, March 21
In-person	Free with Symposium registration.
Livestream

(1) See sponsorship opportunities for exclusive access to the Executive to Executive Briefings (E2E) on Tuesday, March 12 and other complimentary benefits.

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(2) Registration fees may be waived for government personnel, members of the media, speakers, and other support personnel or special guests upon approval by the ARSA event team.

Sponsorship

Note: While ARSA will accept new sponsors at any time leading up to the event, the sponsor list that will appear on event signage has been finalized (lead time is required to create signs). For information about committing your organization to the Annual Conference, contact ARSA Vice President of Operations Brett Levanto. To download a sponsorship overview containing the information below, click here.

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Administratium – $20,000

What is Administratium? An element aerospace professionals see every day (click here to learn more). 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, additional advertising placement via ARSA’s communications, 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 Administratium Level, sponsors may select one of the following* to specifically support (please note the list in this document does not reflect current availability):

• Annual Repair Symposium – Ice Breaker Reception
• Annual Repair Symposium – Thursday Happy Hour
• General Sponsorship

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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, 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 2025):

• Online Conference Experience
• Executive to Executive Briefings
• Legislative Day – All Day
• Congressional Directories/Resources
• General Sponsorship

* All sponsorship support selections are subject to availability. The ARSA events team will discuss alternative suggestions.

2024 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, 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 2025):

• 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
• Nametag Lanyards
• Hotel Room Keys
• General Sponsorship

2024 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):

• Annual Repair Symposium – Coffee Break (5)
• General Sponsorship

2024 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.

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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.

2024 Contributors

Location & Accommodation Options

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.

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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 Street Arlington, Virginia, 22202

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Residence Inn Arlington Capital View, 2850 South Potomac Avenue Arlington, Virginia, 22202

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive Arlington, Virginia, 22202

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Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport, 1480 Crystal Drive Arlington, Virginia, 22202

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Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport, 2000 Richmond Highway Arlington, Virginia, 22202

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Radisson Hotel Reagan National Airport, 2020 Richmond Highway Arlington, VA 22202

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Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City, 2650 Richmond Highway Arlington, Virginia, 22202

Awards

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.

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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.

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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.

Photos & Recordings

Event Photos

ARSA has created a Google Album including photos taken during the 2025 Annual Conference, which allows participants to share their own photos (Sharing event photos constitutes consenting to their use/distribution in association with Conference-related publicity for this or future events, at ARSA’s discretion). To see the album, click here.

Recordings

Complete "raw" recordings are accessible by attendees via the Digital Companion. The ARSA team will utilize recorded content throughout the year in support of its communications. If you’re looking for a specific segment or need assistance with a recording, contact ARSA.

The following excerpts were provided to ARSA members via the hotline newsletter. They are included here as examples of the event's content.

Legislative Day Briefing – Market Report Release

Leaders from Oliver Wyman Vector presented report findings to Legislative Day participants on March 19, illustrating the current and projected states of the North American and global aircraft fleets and related impacts on maintenance demand. This data illustrates the current state of the aerospace marketplace and provides insight for future business considerations. The briefing is provided in its entirety for the benefit of members.

Symposium Briefing – What Has ARSA Done Lately

The brief session includes updates about key work performed by the association in the last year as well as instruction for maximizing membership value while helping move the enterprise forward.

Symposium Q&A – Foreign D&A Testing

The three-hour “Opening Salvo” is unlike anything else in the aerospace event cycle: Four regulatory authorities from three continents providing updates and engaging in substantive discussion with attendees. In this clip from the 2025 panel, a participant question produces more than ten minutes of discussion from the panelists.

Weston Award Recognizes Crowley’s Commitment to Learning

On March 20, ARSA recognized Jerry Crowley with its Leo Weston Award for Excellence in Government Service. Crowley is a long time FAA aviation safety inspector who was a professional protégé and friend to the award’s namesake.

Scheduling Congressional Meetings (Year Round)

The association encourages all members to build year-round relationships with their elected officials. Use the same tools made available to Legislative Day attendees at arsa.org/congress.  

Planning Ahead

March 17-20, 2026

Help ARSA’s team put together the 2026 Annual Conference by answering a few questions.

To get to the survey in a new tab, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ARSAConferencePlan.

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ARSA Works

What ARSA Has Done Lately – Third Quarter 2025

Each quarter the board of directors receives reports on the association’s activities and fiscal health. Step into a board member’s shoes with this overview of the financial, operations, legislative, and regulatory reports highlighting advocacy on behalf of aerospace safety for the third quarter of 2025.

Board Composition

The board elected Janina Bergmann of Lufthansa Technik to continue the term of retiring director Rainer Lindau. John Riggs (President), Alison McHugh (Vice President), and Jon Silva (Treasurer) were elected for additional one-year officers’ terms.

Fiscal Health

The association is on track to finish 2025 in the black and the board approved a 2026 budget.

Membership

The association welcomed another 20 new members in the third quarter and recovered seven that had lapsed in the previous quarter.

Regulatory Advocacy

• Sarah and Ric Peri (AEA) worked diligently on ensuring the agency informed the industry of the pending compliance deadline for MAG 10 implementation of Safety Management Systems before Dec. 31, 2025.
  • Provided guidance for update to InFO 24007.
  • Compliance checklist based on AC 120-92, page 3-6, paragraph 3.2.5.3.2 (PDF, page 20).
  • Set up training sessions on integration and implementation.
• Christian attended the Maintenance Management Team (MMT) meeting, which resulted in the following regulatory updates:
  • Discussion on Reciprocal Acceptance based upon industry petition for rulemaking—reportedly on the FAA’s rulemaking agenda.
  • Revision 2 (not yet available online) to the FAA-TCCA Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) was signed on Sept. 9 and will go into effect on Nov. 8, 2025. TCCA Advisory Circular (AC) 571-002 and FAA AC 43-10C will be updated accordingly with publication by TCCA expected by the end of 2025 and by the FAA in late 2026.
  • The FAA-ANAC MIP and MAG were republished on July 31, 2024 with minor editorial updates and rewording to allow standalone FAA repair stations in Brazil, repair station certificates to last for 24 months instead of 12, and both countries to “accept” (rather than “approve”) supplements.
  • EASA-TCAA MAG Revision 3 has been fully implemented. TCCA AC 573-010 provides additional information, as does EASA’s “EASA Part 145 organisations located in Canada” webpage.
• Foreign anti-drug and alcohol work continues—
  • Petition for rulemaking submitted and denied in rapid time, working on submitting a petition for reconsideration.
  • Toolkit written and submitted to the FAA for its usage, working on issuing the information to the membership whether the FAA uses it or not.
  • Identified Australia and New Zealand as countries to whom a draft petition for waiver will be provided for submission to the FAA for all repair stations located in those countries.
• Christian and Sarah continue work within the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
• Christian emphasizing engagement with UK CAA to address parts documentation issue.

Legislative and Lobbying

• Continued advocacy in support of maintenance data access language in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Sec. 836 (“Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness”) of Senate-passed S. 2296 prohibits DOD contracts that unless ICOR is provided.
• Joined aviation coalition letter urging against government shutdown.
• Continued participation in coalitions urging return to tariff free treatment for civil aviation products and articles and increased investment in air traffic control.
• Hosted candidate meeting with Travis Grantham (R-Ariz.-5).

Communications and Surveys

ARSA in the News – Selected Industry Coverage

Coalition Urges FAA To Simplify Foreign Shop Drug Testing Rule

Sept. 15, 2025 | AviationWeek

A broad industry coalition led by ARSA has appealed to the FAA seeking changes to new rules mandating drug and alcohol testing for certain foreign repair stations that would make the rule simpler to comply with and enforce, the group said.

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Grant Military Right to Repair Equipment

July 9, 2025 | ExecutiveGov

Under the proposed legislation, defense contractors will be mandated to give the Department of Defense “fair and reasonable access” to their technical data, software, tools and materials, enabling the military to perform equipment repair and maintenance. The new bill is endorsed by the Project On Government Oversight, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Taxpayers for Common Sense and the Public Interest Research Groups.

ARSA-placed Industry Editorials and Content

Advertising

Income continues to support the in-house sales of advertising, providing new and more expanded opportunities to promote the association and realize direct income.

Website “agreement” content simplified to allow for variation in term and, including placements focusing on event participation or product release.

Surveys

• Following Up on Restricted Category Listening Session (via OFMK)
• Air Carrier Survey on PMA Adoption (via IATA)
• Collaborating with IATA to implement survey to assess knowledge and use of Airbus and Boeing Product Support Agreements.

Workforce Development

• Supported Oliver Wyman survey on female leadership.
• Began “Celebrating Careers” interview series with Patrick “Paddy” Konkel, aircraft technician III, AAR.
• Presented at ATEC Fly-In and publicized 2025 Technician Pipeline report.

Events & Meetings

Looking ahead to the December opening of registration for the 2026 Annual Conference.

External Meetings

• Sarah held recurring meetings with both FAA Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services.
• Sarah had recurring collaboration meetings with Ric Peri of AEA.
• Sarah and Christian participated in multiple meetings supporting working groups associated with the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
• Christian held multiple meetings with Joe Sambiase of GAMA on industry digitalization matters and other issues of mutual interest.
• Christian and Brett held recurring collaboration meetings with Oliver Wyman Vector.
• Christian participated in regular coordination meetings with multiple industry allies concerning tariff and supply chain policy.
• Christian attended an FAA International Stakeholder meeting focused on the agency’s priorities for the ICAO assembly (Jul. 1).
• Sarah, Christian and Brett met with the IATA Team to discuss Supply Chain issues (Jul. 8).
• Sarah and Christian met with a member to discuss drug and alcohol testing program requirements (Jul. 9).
• Brett attended an ATEC Academy webinar on Real World Learning for New Instructors (Jul. 24).
• Christian, Sarah, and Brett met with a member to discuss drug and alcohol testing program requirements (Jul. 30).
• Christian, Sarah, and Brett met with the Morgan Lewis team regarding provision of content related to supply chain and tariffs for ARSA periodicals (Jul. 31).
• Brett met with Hannah Bonnett of AviationWeek to discuss plans for MRO Americas 2026 (Sep. 4).
• Christian had a conversation with the FAA’s Drug Abatement Division regarding implementation of the new drug and alcohol testing program requirements (Sep. 4).
• Christian attended the MMT meetings in Ottawa, Canada (Sep. 9-11).
• Brett met with Kathryn Creedy, a freelance aviation reporter focused on career development, regarding workforce coalition building (Sep. 12).
• Brett spoke with Sean Broderick regarding AviationWeek to provide background on industry effort to prevent burdensome statistical analysis on PMA applications. (Sep. 15).
• Brett spoke with Adam Flynn-Tabloff of the Dept. of Education to prepare for their ATEC Fly In panel (Sep. 16).
• Brett presented at the ATEC Fly In in Washington, D.C.(Sep. 17-18).
• Christian presented at the ABA Air & Space Law Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sep. 18).
• Brett spoke with a non-member regarding training program requirements and recruitment/onboarding practices (Sep. 19).
• Sarah, Christian, and Brett held a regular update meeting with Ludovic Aron of EASA (Sep. 23).

Product Support Survey for Maintenance Providers

ARSA has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to survey the industry delegation under the Airbus or Boeing product support frameworks (Airbus Supplier Support Conditions – (SSC) and Boeing Product Support Assurance Agreement – (PSAA)). An additional survey targeted at air carrier personnel will follow.

In “Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain,” co-released by the International Air Transport Association and Oliver Wyman in October 2025, these “contractual enablers” available to aircraft owners and operators (airlines) and their maintenance providers are an important tool for industry to address supply chain imbalances and build future resiliency.

Help both associations gather experiences with (and raise awareness of) these frameworks by completing this short survey. For more information, contact ARSA.

Note: These “delegations” are NOT those provided for and under 14 CFR. This survey tests the industry’s knowledge of delegations available to the airlines towards their contracted maintenance providers through the product support frameworks of Boeing (the PSAA) and Airbus (the SSC).

If the embedded survey (which may require scrolling to complete) does not appear or function, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCholderproductsupport.

ARSA/AEA Complete First SMS Integration Webinar

On Oct. 29, ARSA and the Aircraft Electronics Association presented the first of six planned webinars – a monthly series stretching into March 2026 – explaining effective integration of a safety management system within the operations of an FAA-certificated repair station. These hour-long virtual sessions will help U.S.-based repair stations holding European approval to implement a part 5 compliant SMS programs as required by the special conditions of the bilateral agreement between the United States and European Union. This requirement to “design, implement, and maintain” an SMS should be met by effectively and efficiently integrating SMS into the facility’s existing quality system and daily operations.

The session materials and recording from the Oct. 29 webinar are available within the SMS tools managed by AEA and available for discounted access to ARSA members. Interested participants should mark their calendars for the remaining sessions, each beginning at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time:

• October 29, 2025 – SMS Integration Overview – COMPLETE
• November 18, 2025 – SMS Compliance Elements Part 1 – CONNECTION DETAILS BELOW
• December 16, 2025
• January 20, 2026
• February 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026

Session 2

Title: SMS Compliance Elements (Part 1)
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST
Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6706358374951989595

For more information about webinar logistics, contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, at ricp@aea.net.

Interested ARSA members should learn about access to SMS tools available through the association’s partnership with AEA:

Safety Management Systems Program

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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From Our Friends

Elementary, My Dear ARSA

On Nov. 5, the Flight Safety Detectives Podcast published its 300^th episode featuring special guest Sarah MacLeod, ARSA executive director. MacLeod joined podcast hosts John Goglia, Greg Feith, and Todd Curtis to spotlight maintenance issues.

Their discussion covered multiple topics – the hosts believe it’s the longest episode in the show’s history – including how maintenance professionals and aircraft operators are challenged to understand how FAA maintenance regulations and standards apply to them.

“This special episode touches on major changes that have shaped aviation in the 21st century, the show’s description said. “There are takeaways here for new as well as seasoned aviation professionals.”

Listen now to MacLeod’s appearance and be sure you can answer an important question: Who’s responsible for the airworthiness of an aircraft?

If the embedded video doesn’t appear or play, click here to to go to YouTube.

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Legal Brief

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.

Tariffs – What We Know

By Christian Klein, Executive Vice President

In April, President Trump declared a state of emergency to impose sweeping new tariffs. In doing so, he effectively abandoned the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. Since 1980 the agreement has allowed civil aircraft, engines, parts, and components to move duty free between 33 signatories countries.

Aviation businesses aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch; the BBC reports that under the Trump administration, the average U.S. tariff has increased from 2.5 percent to more than 18 percent.

ARSA and its allies have consistently and persistently reminded the administration and Congress that the U.S. aerospace sector has thrived in an environment in which competition is based on safety and quality and trade isn’t impeded by costly tariffs. That message is breaking through, as evidenced by the recent trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, and Japan (see below).

Businesses with a global customer base still face a patchwork of broad tariff rates that vary by country, new duties on parts not used exclusively in civil aviation, and additional headaches when importing aluminum, copper, and steel (which are subject to additional tariffs).

Adding to the confusion, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in November in a case alleging President Trump overstepped his authority by using national security as a justification for imposing the broad tariffs. And there may be more tariffs on the way depending on the outcome of the administration’s “Section 232” investigation into the national security implications of aviation imports (read ARSA’s comments to the docket here.)

In addition to advocacy, ARSA has identified some resources to assist members in navigating the new and ever-changing trade environment below. As this area of the law and regulation is not within ARSA’s flight path, members with other resources and strategies (including customs brokers knowledgeable about aviation) are encouraged to share that information with ARSA.

General Resources

The law firm ReedSmith has set up a “Trump 2.0 Tariff Tracker”. The site provides information about country- and product-specific tariffs, reciprocal tariff exemptions, etc. and updates about litigation activity. The firm also maintains a “Trade Compliance Resource Hub” with additional analysis.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides an overview of the import and export processes and related duties, taxes, and fees, as does this CBP video.

• Customs brokers are licensed by CBP to help importers comply with tariffs and other import requirements. The CBP provides a list of licensed brokers that can be sorted by location, but unfortunately not specialty (g., “aviation”). Customs brokers may lack relevant experience, so be sure to ask about their past work on aviation imports.
• In certain circumstances, goods manufactured in, or exported from, the United States can be reimported duty free. More information about returning goods is available on CBP’s website.
• Another option for repair stations seeking to import and avoid tariffs on aviation articles requiring maintenance is “Temporary Import Under Bond” (TIB). TIB can be used to import certain without payment of duty if the importer intends to export or destroy the goods within three years from the date of importation. More information is on the CBP website.

Country-Specific Resources

Brazil

The tariff situation with Brazil is in flux. An Executive Order issued on July 30, 2025 imposed a 40 percent duty on certain Brazilian goods. However, the EO states that the duty does not apply to “articles that are excepted by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) or set forth in Annex I to this order, including certain silicon metal, pig iron, civil aircraft and parts and components thereof, metallurgical grade alumina, tin ore, wood pulp, precious metals, energy and energy products, and fertilizers.” (Emphasis added.) On Oct. 28, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to terminate the national emergency President Trump used as a basis for imposing the tariffs on Brazil; however, Republican House leaders have said their Chamber won’t take up any legislation addressing tariffs until March 2026 at the earliest.

Canada and Mexico

The tariff situation with the United States’ first and second biggest trading partners is also in flux. According to ReedSmith, while the tariff rate for goods entered duty-free under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is zero percent, Canadian energy, energy resources, and potash as subject to a 10 percent tax. All other products are subject to a 30 percent tax.

Mexican goods entered duty-free under the USMCA are subject to no tariff, potash is subject to a ten percent tariff, which for all other imports from Mexico is 25 percent.

The U.S. Senate ended the Canadian and Mexican tariffs, but as with the Brazil resolution, they likely won’t be considered by the House anytime soon.

Adding to the tension in trilateral relationships is the fact that the first official review of the USMCA agreement is required to be completed in 2026 is already underway. When USMCA became law during Trump’s first term, he called it, “the fairest, most balanced, and beneficial trade agreement we have ever signed into law. It’s the best agreement we’ve ever made, and we have others coming.” However, President Trump recently halted ongoing trade negotiations with Canada when the government of Ontario ran an ad critical of U.S. tariffs. This is just the most recent example of tension between the U.S. and Canada that may lead to USMCA changes.

The Canadian law firm McMillan has written this helpful article about the impact of the tariffs and trade tensions on cross-border aviation transactions.

European Union

The U.S.-EU trade deal reestablished tariff-free treatment for civil aviation imports. See Sept. 25 the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and International Trade Administration (ITA) published a Federal Register notice entitled, “Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of the U.S.-EU Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade” ( “Aircraft and aircraft parts shall also be exempted from the tariffs imposed by Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; and Proclamation 10962.”) (Emphasis added.)

United Kingdom

The U.S.-UK trade deal reestablished tariff-free treatment for civil aviation imports. See June 30 ITA notice, “Imports of Automobiles, Automobile Parts, Civil Aircraft and Civil Aircraft Parts From the United Kingdom Under Executive Order 14309” (“products of the United Kingdom that fall under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft are no longer subject to tariffs imposed under specified presidential actions…”.) (Emphasis added.)

Japan

The U.S.-Japan trade agreement reestablished tariff-free treatment for civil aviation imports. See Sept. 16 ITA notice “Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of the United States-Japan Agreement” (“tariffs applied under Executive Order 14257, as amended; Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; and Proclamation 10962 do not apply to products of Japan that fall under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, except for unmanned aircraft.”) (Emphasis added.)

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Layman Lawyer

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.

Rephrasing the Question

By Brett Levanto, Vice President of Operations

“Each agency shall give an interested person the right to petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule.”

That paragraph (5 U.S.C. § 553(e)) of the Administrative Procedures Act requires the government provide an avenue for the public to petition for rulemaking. The short-on-specifics requirement forms an important means through which the aerospace community must engage with the American government.

The FAA’s specifics are in 14 CFR part 11, subpart A. Sections 11.61 through 11.103 of the “plain language rule” (which uses a question and answer model) cover the submission, content inclusion, and procedural details for petitions for rulemaking as well as exemption. Following those instructions helps aerospace stakeholders provide clear, safety-focused arguments for changes to the aviation safety rules including additions, amendments, or repeals.

ARSA often submits these petitions to the FAA. Beside commenting on active rulemaking – a topic covered thoroughly by previous “layman lawyer” analyses, “legal briefs,” and even an ARSA training session – petitioning for change is a key tool in regulatory advocacy. The association’s arguments often carry: The agency is working on regulatory language allowing reciprocal acceptance of international repair station certificates and has already published a notice of proposed rulemaking removing the unnecessary requirement that repair stations have “current and accessible” versions of documents they aren’t even using.

The FAA doesn’t always agree…at least not immediately. ARSA reminds its members constantly that getting the right answer requires seeing the question through to the end. In the case of a rejected petition, the agency’s denial often requires repeating the question. Part 11 provides instruction:

§ 11.101 May I ask FAA to reconsider my petition for rulemaking or petition for exemption if it is denied?

Yes, you may petition FAA to reconsider your petition denial. You must submit your request to the address to which you sent your original petition, and FAA must receive it within 60 days after we issued the denial. For us to accept your petition, show the following:

(a) That you have a significant additional fact and why you did not present it in your original petition;

(b) That we made an important factual error in our denial of your original petition; or

(c) That we did not correctly interpret a law, regulation, or precedent.

The rules allow petitions for reconsideration within 60 days of denial. More than just “asking again,” success requires showing additional facts, calling out factual errors, or identifying an incorrect legal interpretation. The association is considering options for requesting reconsideration of the industry-wide petition submitted in August to amend the agency’s new rules requiring drug and alcohol testing programs at repair stations located outside the United States. The FAA’s rejection came in record time – as far as ARSA’s team can tell – and the 60 day clock began on Sept. 30.

Carrying the argument is a tall task, but taking time to repeat the question helps to further refine and bolster the argument behind your request. If the government persists in rejection, that argument will be needed should the effort continue into federal court: It will only prevail if the FAA’s decision is determined to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law (see, 5 U.S.C. § 706).

Regardless of the immediate outcome, rephrasing, refining, and sometimes just plain repeating the question is necessary to producing change. Stay tuned to all of ARSA’s efforts to improve the rules.

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ARSA on the Hill

Will Aviation End the Shutdown?

By Christian Klein, Executive Vice President

The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history continues with no end in sight. Senate negotiators have been unable to agree on a short-term bridge to keep the federal government operating and negotiations over Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations continue.

On Oct. 28, air traffic controllers (ATC) missed their first full paycheck and the financial pressure has already taken its toll on the National Airspace System (NAS). A four-fold increase in ATC staffing shortages compared to the last year was reported on the same day.

As the busy holiday travel season approaches, Republicans and Democrats alike are likely to feel more pressure to do their jobs. After Nov. 1, missed servicemember paychecks, surges in Obamacare premiums, and lost food assistance benefits will turn up the heat.

ATCs work under difficult and stressful conditions and should not be forced to keep the NAS operating without pay. The shutdown is having other impacts on the aviation industry as companies experience radio silence and delays from the FAA. Policymaking has ground to a halt and as a result, several ARSA priorities hang in limbo including:

• Award of workforce grant funds based on applications submitted in February 2025.
• Foreign repair station drug and alcohol guidance from FAA’s Drug Abatement Division.
• The ARSA-led petition to amend 14 CFR part 43 to allow the FAA to reciprocally accept repair certificates under a bilateral as other leading authorities do.
• Implementation of the 2024 FAA reauthorization law, including the Department of Transportation’s audits of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards Services for consistency between regulations and guidance; rulemaking to make it easier for U.S. military aircraft technicians to earn a part 65 mechanic certificate; and expansion of the Sec. 625 aviation technician workforce grant program.

It didn’t have to be this way; There’s aviation sector support for legislation to keep the FAA operating during shutdowns, but Congress (e.g., the appropriators largely responsible for the current shutdown) has been reluctant to carve out agencies for special budget treatment.

Last year, ARSA and other leading aviation associations and unions invested considerable time on the Aerospace Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force report. The task force was established by Congress to help it understand risks. For all the reasons described above, the report identified government shutdowns as a significant risk to the aerospace industry.

Yeah, Congress, we told you so.

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Regulatory Updates

Reminder: FAA/EASA MAG 10 Compliance

Reminder: The “first” Safety Management System compliance deadline for EASA approval under the U.S./EU bilateral arrived Oct. 10 when MAG Change 10 became effective. As of that date, new applicants must fully comply with the special condition requiring they “establish, implement, and maintain” an SMS.

The association distributed more detailed information for members in the hotline newsletter sent on Oct. 3 (click the link and see the “Membership” section) and a direct email alert on Oct. 6. For background, review this update from July 2025.

On July 8, the FAA published InFO 24007 confirming the compliance dates for U.S. repair stations either applying for or holding EASA approval under the bilateral agreement between the United States and European Union to establish, implement, and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS). New applicants have been required to demonstrate SMS compliance since the Feb. 10 update to Annex 2. Current certificate holders must be following MAG 10 by the Oct. 10 effective date or submit a change to their supplement as outlined below.

ARSA and multiple industry allies engaged the FAA after the June 20 publication of the MAG, noting it was unclear regarding compliance between the Oct. 10 effective date of change 10 and the previously-reported deadline requiring SMS compliance before the beginning of 2026:

In order to meet the requirements of the Special Condition… certificate holders will: 

(1) For new applicants, including reinstatement after surrender or suspension, after February 10, 2025, the Special Condition establishing, implementing, and maintaining an integrated SMS must be met at the time of application.

(2) Existing EASA part 145 certificate holders by October 10:
(a) For EASA part 145 certificate holders that have not established an SMS that meets the Special Condition by the October 10, 2025, deadline. The EASA Supplement revision required by that date must include a statement similar to: “SMS policies and procedures will be developed and implemented and the SMS declaration of compliance will be submitted to the FAA no later than December 31, 2025.” This means on or before December 31, the SMS must be developed, implemented, and integrated into the repair station’s manuals, including the EASA supplement, and operations.
(b) For certificate holders that have developed, integrated, and implemented an SMS. Submit a SMS declaration of compliance signed by the certificate holder’s accountable manager containing the information shown in AC 120-92, page 3-6, paragraph 3.2.5.3.2 (PDF, page 20). The declaration of compliance must contain the company’s name, physical address, certificate number, and a statement that the company has developed and implemented an SMS that meets the SMSVP.

To read the InFO, click here.

FAA Limits Communications During Shutdown

On Oct. 1, the U.S. government shut down as a result of Congress’ inability to pass legislation funding executive branch operations past they end of the fiscal year.

According to guidance issued by the Department of Transportation, roughly one quarter (11,322) of the FAA’s total workforce will be furloughed until new funding is enacted. The agency’s list of services continuing as excepted activities during the shutdown include air traffic control, flight standards field inspections, certain (but not all) certification activities, and various airmen-related services.

To see the complete list inside the DOT’s guidance, click here.

The FAA has since reported that certain safety communications will continue during the shutdown:

(1) National Airspace System Status: www.fly.faa.gov.

(2) Accident/incident information: www.faa.gov/newsroom/statements/accident_incidents.

Inquiries regarding agency updates should be sent to: pressoffice@faa.gov

ARSA joined a cross-sectional group of industry organizations illustrating for Congress the negative impacts of government shutdowns on the aerospace community and general public. The association also supports legislation that would exempt all FAA personnel from ceasing operations during funding lapses.

Share shutdown related experiences with the association by submitting to the “Ask ARSA” system. 

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Training & Career Development

Make ARSA Training Work

ARSA’s online training program represents its most-valuable benefit to the aviation industry: knowledge gained through training and experience. The association’s team has turned its decades of work on behalf of aviation maintenance into more than 80 hours of on-demand content.

While sessions are available for registration at any time – ARSA member discounts available – companies can also incorporate the association’s training into their regular programs:

(1) Subscription. Make up-front, bulk purchases of training hours. The details of each subscription can be customized, including focus on specific subject areas (e.g., human factors) or options for specially-priced session access after the initial hours have been used.

(2) “Championing” a session. Guarantee a certain number of attendees for training in a particular topic that will also be made available for general registration. Variations include open registration for a live session (i.e., company personnel participate at the same time as general registrants) or a company-specific live event for which a recorded version (not including any company-specific information) is made available for on-demand registration.

(3) Tailored training. Contract ARSA’s management firm Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. to produce or modify training specific to your organization. The team can then re-record it (or offer it as a separate live session) for ARSA’s training program. Tailored programs are priced differently from ARSA’s hourly rate and are administered by OFM&K, which allows for a client engagement and related attorney-client privilege for all discussion.

Click here to go directly to the training platform (operated by ARSA’s management firm) and begin reviewing available sessions.

For more information about ARSA’s training program, review the menus below. If you have questions or would like to learn more about ways to integrate ARSA training into your own program, contact Vice President of Operations Brett Levanto (brett.levanto@arsa.org).

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.

What training do you need? Contact ARSA to let the association know and help get it developed.

Investing in New Careers Through Choose Aerospace

For years, the ARSA Annual Scholarship has been awarded through Choose Aerospace to a deserving aerospace maintenance student. Along with other aviation industry allies, the association has long been part of effort that has awarded more than $240,000 in funding, books, testing fees, and equipment to support continued education for aspiring aviators.

On Oct. 23, Choose Aerospace announced a dramatic expansion to provide greater funding while building stronger connections between educators and employers. The association encourages its members to help support this new, expansive initiative: the Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship, launched in partnership with the Aviation Technician Education Council. The new scholarship will be both to currently enrolled part 147 program students as well as high schoolers currently taking Choose Aerospace coursework, ensuring early exposure to aviation maintenance career pathways.

Organized in 2020, Choose Aerospace is a non-profit partnership providing resources to improve the availability of a diverse, qualified technical workforce. Its high school curriculum program has reached almost 1,500 students and provides foundational aerospace competency that can be a model for apprenticeships, career development resources, and recruitment pipelines for the industry.

The program will leverage the SkillPointe Foundation’s extensive national network of technical training providers and career-seeking applicants to reach a broader pool of qualified candidates. Contributors to the Fund will gain:

(1) Access to applicant data for outreach and recruitment.
(2) Visibility among aviation students and training programs.
(3) Opportunities to promote career and education pathways to a highly motivated audience.

Become a Founding Contributor to the Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship Fund and be recognized as an early champion. Download the program flyer (below) to see additional benefits. Email careers@chooseaerospace.org for more information.

Click the flyer image to access the document.

For background on the ARSA Scholarship and profiles of past winners, visit arsa.org/scholarship.

From the Ground Up – Preschool

By Robert Ryan, President, Ryan Strategies International

Note: This is an ongoing hotline series, to catch up:

(1) Watch the kickoff interview in the June 2025 edition.

(2) Learn about “the Awareness Problem” in the July 2025 edition.

(3) Get a “PSA” on Public Service Announcements in the August 2025 edition.

(4) “Meet the school” and know who can help with what in the September 2025 edition.

Preschool aged children, typically between 3 and 5, are at an excellent developmental period. It is a good time to stoke imagination during play-based learning and socialization exercises.

While there are almost 7 million children in the age range, only half participate in any kind of formal school environment. The number includes children at home, in private childcare, or attending public or private preschools.

All are young, full of energy, and excitement open to new adventures and the world, with little indoctrination in traditional learning. They seek new information to satisfy an innate quest for knowledge.

Reaching these future aerospace contributors is done through direct contact with daycare providers, friends, neighbors, and community playgrounds and centers, as well as public and private preschool educators and administrators.

Anytime trusted adults interact with preschool-aged children, new activities to occupy active minds and bodies are welcome. What better opportunity to introduce aviation and aerospace; to give new direction for the thirst for knowledge?

There is no need for a formal curriculum; this is a time of play and exploration! An introduction to the concepts of flight will raise awareness and propel further exploration and self-directed inquiry about aviation and aerospace.

The tools are simple and will remind adults of their own exciting experiences and what triggered an exploration of the aeronautical industry later in life. Creating things that fly, move unexpectedly, sound strange, or are colorful and fresh impart a sense of awe and excitement at the mysteries of design, construction, flight, and outer space. The role of the adult is to make a connection between the activity and the valued means of transportation created from the experience. These young minds will be absorbing the respect engendered by using their minds and skills that will carry them to self-directed inquiries.

To find areas with preschool aged children, explore local school districts, day-care options including community centers that offer day care during adult activities, playgrounds where children and care givers congregate.

Introduce yourself, provide resources that are free or readily available, and simple instructions on the creative process to introduce:

• Paper airplanes and Kites—Paper airplanes and kites get one’s mind off the ground and provide a feeling of what it is like to explore the world above us and beyond the clouds. How did it feel to make something that flew? How would it feel to fly like a kite?
• Balloons—Balloons were first created in France as hot-air vehicles to allow people to travel great distances and to discover the world was round not flat. The vehicle can be imagined as they are taught to blow up even a small balloon and release it for a brief flight.
• Straw rockets—Drinking straws become “rockets” by plugging their end and launching them with hard puff of breath. Children can imagine that a similar force is used to propel massive spaceships into outer space to worlds yet to be discovered.
• Hand puppet of an astronaut—Through play, the experience of flight can be shared with the children.
• Balsa wood gliders or rubber-band propelled models—Balsa wood gliders or rubber-band propelled model airplanes are inexpensive and available at most toy stores. Each of these imparts a real feeling of flight freedom and excitement for the child. This also raises awareness of proper care for reuse of the vehicle.
• Tool kits or even pictures of tools and their uses can be made available for exploration and discussion. “What is a bolt and nut and how do they work together? This can lead to a discussion of how things are made and maintained. Perhaps the rubber band needs to be replaced on the model aircraft, or the wings of a balsa model adjusted. The straw rocket can also be put back together for future flight, maybe without tools.

The little “students” (and the caregivers) will appreciate the thrill of each experience. While some will eventually choose aerospace careers, all will have a core memory of an industry with a positive impact.

Robert “Bob” Ryan is president of Ryan Strategies International, which provides business development for companies and non-profit entities to accelerate commerce and capture revenues in growing supply chain markets. The firm is based in Vancouver, Washington and helps consult with individuals businesses seeking to raise awareness and recruit new AMT workforce members. For more information, visit www.ryanii.com, call 503.250.2337, or email ryanstrategies@aol.com.

Going Global – European Enlightenment

This session provides the history behind the bilateral airworthiness agreements (BAA) and bilateral aviation safety agreements (BASAs) between the United States and European nations. Provides the background to the development of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) through the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). It explains how implementation procedures for design and production are negotiated separately from implementation procedures for maintenance.

Click here to register 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.

Regulatory Compliance Training

Test your knowledge of 14 CFR §§ 21.43 and 21.45, facility locations and type certificate holder/licensee privileges.

Click here to download the training sheet.

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Membership

Willkommen, Janina!

Dr. Janina Bergmann, Lufthansa Technik.

On Oct. 24, the ARSA Board of Directors elected its newest member. Dr. Janina Bergmann, senior director authorities & management systems, quality management at Lufthansa Technik, will serve the remainder of the three-year term vacated by retiring director Rainer Lindau.

After having multiple industry experiences during her education and research at the University of Bamberg, Bergmann’s professional career has seen her serve multiple quality management roles at Lufthansa Technik. She began as the company’s manager of quality management process and assumed her current senior director role in April of 2025.

Around the same time as Bergmann’s most-recent promotion, Lindau informed the ARSA team of his planned retirement in early 2026. As an industry leader and committed volunteer to the association’s cause, Lindau took seriously the opportunity to help determine his successor. He introduced Bergmann over the summer, who enthusiastically connected with the ARSA team and was welcomed by the unanimous election of her fellow directors. She will continue in the important role as international industry representative on the board.

ARSA’s board represents a broad range of international maintenance interests. Board members direct the association’s work to best serve the aviation community. Lindau was first elected in 2023 and would have next been up for election in 2027. According to ARSA’s bylaws, Bergmann will continue his term rather than the one-year initial service of newly elected directors. Directors recognized Lindau’s commitment and thanked him for his service during the meeting.

At its Annual Meeting, the Board also re-elected John Riggs, Alison McHugh, and Jon Silca to continue serving as the association’s volunteer officers. The three moved into their current positions after the April 2025 departure of then-President Bob Mabe, who reluctantly relinquished his ARSA position after a career change. At the time, HAECO Americas Vice President of Safety and Quality Bryan Scott was elected to continue Mabe’s term and maintain the company’s representation on the board.

After a year of turnover, Bergman’s arrival solidifies the board’s membership and provides consistent support to ARSA’s professional team as it continues working for commonsense international regulatory oversight.

ARSA Executive Director and President John Riggs (1st and 2nd from left) welcome Dr. Janina Bergmann at her first ARSA board meeting, with ARSA VP of Operations Brett Levanto (sneakers) and Executive Vice President Christian Klein.

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 October:

New Members
ATI Aviation Services LLC, R03
Kaney Aerospace, Inc. dba BVR Technologies Co., R02
Otto Instrument Service, Inc., R04
Renton Coil Spring Company, R01
Sanyal, Anjon, EDU

Renewed Members
Aerospace Turbine Rotables, Inc. (KS), R04, 2011
Aircraft Inspection Services, Inc., R01, 2013
AirMetrics, Inc., R01, 2019
Aviation Blade Services Inc., R02, 2018
Aviation & Marketing International, Inc, R01, 2021
Commercial Jet, Inc., R04, 1999
Curtiss-Wright Actuation Systems, R03, 2003
Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. , R05, 2002
Dassault Falcon Jet do Brazil, R02, 2010
EuroTec Vertical Flight Solutions, LLC, R02, 2004
Federal Express Corporation, Assoc, 2000
First Aviation Services, Inc., Assoc, 2018
IAG Aero Group Engine Field Services, LLC, R01, 2023
International Turbine Industries, LLC, R02, 2010
Miami Aircraft Structures, Inc., R03, 2003
Midway Aircraft Instrument Corporation dba Midway Aerospace, R02, 2004
Midwest Turbine Service, LLC, R01, 2015
MRO Holdings, Enterprise, 2017
NDT Solutions, LLC, R03, 2024
Paz Aviation, Inc., R02, 2016
Quality Aircraft Accessories, Inc., R03, 2023
Soniq Aerospace, LP, R01, 2016
Southwind Aviation Supply, LLC, R02, 2008
Spectrum Aerospace Inc., R02, 2024
Tennessee Aircraft Company, Inc., R01, 2012
Turbines Inc., R02, 2017
Unipak Aviation, LLC, R02, 2003
Wavestream Corporation, R04, 2021

A Dependable Supply

Are your suppliers members of ARSA?

The association’s “regular” members are repair stations/approved maintenance organizations, but the full membership list boasts operators, manufacturers, service providers…categories that can fit any aerospace interest.

The companies and individuals committed to ARSA are showing their investment in quality. Membership supports the good work of a team pursuing common sense regulatory compliance and good international aerospace oversight. More importantly, members in good standing are kept abreast of the regulatory and legislative matters directly impacting international civil aviation maintenance.

Back to the original question: Don’t you want suppliers’ to invest in and receive timely regulatory compliance information? If the answer is “yes” send them here to join (and use you as a referral so you can use the MGM program and receive discount on next year’s dues!). The referral will save you money AND make your business network and regulatory compliance posture stronger.

A Member Asked…Nobody’s home?

Q: Our maintenance organization submitted our MAG 10 compliant EASA Supplement to the FAA on Sept. 24. This supplement includes the required statement that our organization’s SMS policies and procedures will be in place no later than December 31, 2025.

As a result of the current US government shutdown, the FAA has not yet provided their acceptance of our submitted EASA Supplement. Can our organization continue to issue a dual FAA/EASA dual release in accordance with our current FAA accepted EASA supplement?

A: The requirement for MAG 10 is that you provide the FAA with a statement that you will implement the SMS on or before December 31. IF that included changes (other than the statement) to your supplement, I would suggest that you work to the current supplement but implement the SMS portions on or before the end of the year and thereafter comply with the implemented SMS program elements that needed to be in place by that date.

The agencies inability to provide you with assurance that you are complying should not interfere with your compliance. ARSA appreciates the MAG indicates the FAA must “approve” the supplement, but more importantly, applicants and certificate holders must comply with the requirements of the bilateral and Annex 2. The added elements of SMS do not interfere with the other components required by the Special Conditions and MAG, so implementation and compliance must be timely on the part of the certificate holder.

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

Advertising – Where You Goin’?

Companies showcasing their products or services at industry events want visitors. A good location on a show floor, an attractive giveaway (branded lip balms are always appreciated by the ARSA team), or a big announcement are all tools for exhibitors to make the most of their investment.

ARSA advertising can help build needed attention before any of your customers begin traveling. New short-term ad placement options are targeted at companies looking to highlight convention participation.

Use the association’s website or periodicals to generate attention, connect with colleagues, and flag your business for current and potential customers.

To learn more about ARSA’s advertising placements, click here.

Not interested in advertising? Don’t forget to send your news releases and other media information to arsa@arsa.org.

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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.

U.S. Legislative Action Center

ARSA requests its members’ assistance to keep FAA reauthorization front and center on the congressional agenda and ensure our workforce priorities are included. Please use ARSA’s grassroots action center (sponsored by Aircraft Electric Motors) to send a quick note to your elected representatives in support of our efforts.

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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