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Is this a good thing? Is it necessary? If so, why? Who or which group should establish the certification process and why? Is there a better method? What exactly do you think is being attempted? Are the existing programs of recognition adequate? Etc.

The above are all questions that are on the forefront in the general aviation maintenance community. I do not know of any efforts along these lines for air or regional carrier mx ops.

There are several organizations that are attempting to establish certain standards that, when achieved, will attest to a technician’s capability and knowledge. The reason for this blog is to find out what you think about this.

Some background:

For years many A&Ps have not been content with their place in the aviation hierarchy. This is especially noted when salaries, career opportunities and management decisions are discussed. One of the explanations given goes back in history to WWII when pilots were officers and the mx personnel enlisted. This structure carried over to the beginnings of general aviation and air carrier ops and some say continues to this day.

As such maintenance associations like AMTSociety, PAMA/SAE, NCATT and NBAA are working on programs that will raise the recognition and the level of importance for those technicians that have evidenced the attainment of certain standards. Additionally, training organizations like FlightSafety have a Master Technician path that recognizes levels of accomplishment in training.

What do you think about this? Are these efforts something you support? Are you willing to devote the time and resources necessary to achieve levels of certification?

Or do you believe another type of effort would achieve more. For instance, I have heard many say there should be a type rating system in place similar to Canada and Europe enhancing harmony and that the 147 curriculum should be changed to accommodate this new path. Of course this will require regulatory change and that is difficult. But if it is a preferred path our leaders should be made aware.

AMT is interested in what you think. We look forward to your input.

AMT would like to introduce a new member to the team, Nick Sergi.

Nick has a rich background of aviation experience. He recently retired as Director of Maintenance Training Services for FlightSafety after more than 34 years of service with the company.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviator, both fixed wing and helicopter rated.

And he was involved with the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association as a board member for more than 10 years and chaired the association’s conventions in 1995 and 1996. He received the Award of Excellence in 1993, Member Service Award in 1999, and Teterboro Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

As Director of Content he will attend industry shows and contribute to the editorial direction and content of the magazine.

Welcome aboard Nick.

Thanks for reading.

First. the good news is that the IA renewals on the AMT/AMTSociety website are back up and running. Sorry for the inconvenience the delay caused.

The deadline for renewal is March 31, 2009 but next year you have to submit training certficates for both 2008 and 2009. Bill O’Brien will explain it more in his column in the September issue.

In the meantime AMTSociety is planning for additional IA Renewal Road show events this fall. The first one will be Saturday, Sept. 27 in Los Angeles at the campus of Redstone College. Stay tuned for further details.

Thanks for reading.