Briefing of the ATEC Annual Board Meeting

The latest ATEC quarterly board meeting, held on March 17 during the ATEC Annual Conference in Tucson, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at advancing aviation maintenance education and fostering industry growth.

Growing membership and conference attendance contributed to a strong financial position for the council. Conference income saw a 10 percent increase, a trend that has continued in the recent past with year-over-year record-breaking attendance, exhibitor presence, and sponsorship.

This achievement can be attributed to a fantastic host and presenting sponsor, Pima Community College and Bombardier, streamlined registration processes and enhanced website features, enhancing the overall conference experience. Planning is already underway for next year's conference in Norfolk, with confirmed presenting sponsor Piedmont Airlines and host, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

Discussions centered on forging partnerships with the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) to develop avionics programs, and providing diverse pathways for aspiring aviation technicians. The inaugural ATEC Academy received rave reviews, with plans for future regional training sessions and pricing and curriculum adjustments based on initial feedback.

The board deliberated legislative priorities, focusing on FAA reauthorization and Mechanic Airman Certification Standards. Regulatory priorities aim to drive reforms in mechanic testing and regulatory efficiency, ensuring aviation education remains robust and adaptive.

Membership renewal rates remain high at 90 percent, buoyed by the successful implementation of a new association management system. Choose Aerospace, ATEC's flagship initiative, continues its pursuit of financial stability through strategic partnerships and grant initiatives, including a pioneering parts donation program in collaboration with AAR Corp.

The ATEC board meets quarterly, including two in-person meetings at the Annual Conference and Washington Fly-in. The board is made up of AMTS and industry representatives, a full roster is available at https://www.atec-amt.org/leadership.

Council governing documents and previous board meeting materials are available for member inspection at https://www.atec-amt.org/governance.

The board is currently accepting nominations for directorships opening this coming September. For more information and to nominate an individual to serve, visit https://www.atec-amt.org/director-nominations.