The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) kicked off its annual Washington D.C. Fly-In with a full schedule of conference sessions, updating attendees on initiatives and legislative priorities, all in preparation for heading to Capitol Hill to meet legislators and aides on day two.
Aircraft maintenance and workforce leaders, including Center of Excellence Executive Director Jason Petrait, heard from the FAA on the regulatory implementation of the new part 147 and joined a discussion on building career pipelines in aviation maintenance for youth. The conference date, September 21st, marked an important occasion, with the new 147 rules taking effect. Some ATEC members reported
having spent years advocating for the updated rules. Members were in an understandably celebratory mood.
Later in the day, STEM Education Coalition Executive Director James Brown shared insight into what’s happening in Washington, focusing on the recent workforce investments in the CHIPS Act. He also highlighted how federal resources are shifting, funding workforce through non-traditional venues like economic development, where state and local economic development plans will help to guide workforce funding.
ATEC’s D.C. Fly-In continues Thursday with meetings on Capitol Hill. Jason is set to meet with staff from Senator Patty Murray’s office, Representative Rick Larsen’s office and both majority and minority staff from the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. Look out for a day two report tomorrow.