PAMA

PAMA Supports FAA Efforts to Re-test Mechanics

The April 29 edition of “AINmxReports,” featured an article on the FAA’s investigation of A&P testing centers in Texas that it claims may have improperly certified 1,300 mechanics, beginning as long ago as the early 1990s (see link to the article below.) The FAA states that some of the mechanics have been retested, but, because the mechanics are now dispersed around the world, retesting progress has been slowed. PAMA supports and commends the FAA’s attempts to correct this issue.

PAMA strongly endorses the comprehensive, quality education as prescribed by the FAA for students entering the field, and we are dedicated to helping the FAA improve and modernize the system. We believe the work of an improperly trained and certified A&P mechanic not only reflects negatively upon all maintenance professionals but presents an inherent danger to the purpose of our industry – the safety of flight. We work closely with the FAA to ensure that PAMA continuing education programming meets industry needs and Administration standards. Also, to enhance an A&P candidate’s education, PAMA extends its membership benefits to PART 147 students and encourages their involvement in PAMA chapter activities, as well as national events. To us, quality continuing education is just as important as the quality of initial A&P training.

While we support and commend the FAA’s attempts to correct the problem in Texas, we also encourage the Administration to recognize that the individuals going through these programs may not have understood they were not getting proper training. These individuals no doubt entered the industry placing their trust in a training institution to prepare them properly. We do not believe that these individuals should be working in the industry with their current training, but we do applaud the Administration for providing a mechanism for these unsuspecting individuals to come into compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

Clark Gordon, Chairman PAMA

John Casker, President PAMA

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Management Training the Focus at PAMA’s First Maintenance and Management Symposium

WARRENDALE, Pa. (March 19, 2009) – More than 200 maintenance technicians and managers attended PAMA’s inaugural Aviation Maintenance and Management Symposium earlier this month and received a full course of management training, along with Maintenance and Operation Updates from OEMs and top tier suppliers.

The event was held March 6 & 7 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

“PAMA will be dedicating much of its efforts and resources to providing the industry with management training in the future, so we are excited by the success of this initial venture and the strong positive responses we received from attendees regarding the course content and caliber of speakers,” PAMA Chairman Clark Gordon of TrueNorth Avionics, Inc., said.

In addition to offering training courses in the management of an aviation maintenance operation, the two-day conference featured training for those new to management, as well as courses specifically geared toward IA credit renewal. Also, an exhibit was held and the conference featured the return of the PAMA Olympics, sponsored by Snap-on Tools.

Gulfstream joined Snap-on as a premier partner for the event. Snap-on also contributed prizes for a raffle, the proceeds of which will support the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) PAMA Chapter’s scholarship program. Roger Sickler of Air Land Turbine Services, Inc., General Chair of the event and PAMA’s DFW Chapter President, said, “The DFW PAMA Chapter scholarship program benefited a great deal from this event, and we were happy to welcome many of our past scholarship winners to their first PAMA national event. I encourage all PAMA chapters to say ‘yes’ to PAMA national if asked to host a symposium.”

PAMA President John Casker thanked all who helped make the event possible and turned his attention to the future. “I want to thank the aviation maintenance industry in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for their great encouragement and support in making this event a success. This was the launch of a new PAMA – one that will serve the industry’s need for training to effectively prepare and equip individuals for the challenges of managing the day-to-day operations of a successful maintenance department.”

Joe Tate, of the Tate Law Firm, spoke before a full house on “FAA Enforcement Actions.”

The DFW Symposium saw the return of the PAMA Olympics. The 2009 competition was an individual challenge against time and other competitors. Everyone was a winner as the top three finishers and all participants were rewarded with tools from Olympics sponsor, Snap-On Tools. Snap-On and Gulfstream served as PAMA ‘s Premier Partners for the 2009 event.

Joe Tate, of the Tate Law Firm, spoke before a full house on “FAA Enforcement Actions.”

SAE and PAMA invite you to join us for a FREE 30 minute informative webinar to introduce you to the PAMA/SAE Institute Aviation Maintenance Certification and also to the SAE Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals course. (read more)

The Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals Prep Course is now open for registration (view the course description)

PAMA announces AIG Aviation to support Certification Program (read more)

The September beta testing sessions for the SAE/PAMA AMS-T and AME certifications sold out, with over 175 signups... (read more)

Want a five-minute overview of PAMA and our Certification program? download it here

SAE/PAMA is currently developing the JetBlast! network, an online community for members of the aviation maintenance industry, which will be officially launching before the end of the year. The JetBlast! network will support user profiles, conversation and interaction between the leading members of the Aviation Maintenance industry.

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