"Nine American Eagle airplanes were grounded Tuesday after a TSA inspector, conducting an overnight security check, used sensitive instrument probes to climb onto the parked aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, aviation sources tell ABCNews.com. A TSA official confirmed the incident."

Full story here: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5613502&page=1

The light sport aircraft industry is gaining popularity and promises to create new opportunities for mechanics.

At Sun 'n Fun this year I had the pleasure of attending "Introduction to the Rotax 912 4-stoke engine." The course was presented by Mr Dean Vogel of Aero Technical Institute in Sebring FL. Mr Vogel had the most professional and informative presentation I attended during the week. Interesting little engine!

There's quite a bit of information, free training, data and certification program info on the web at
http://www.rotax-owner.com/

The Wichita Aviation Technology Congress (WATC) is being held August 19-21 in the Air Capital. While it is disappointing that PAMA will NOT be holding its regional symposium on August 22 and 23, the WATC show is promising to be the biggest ever. I recently heard that there was some confusion about the two shows and I want to clear that up now. Both exhibitor and sponsorship numbers are up at the WATC Congress and I hope you will try to make it if you can.

The show is geared toward engineers, but with a distinct maintenance flavor, especially with respect to the repair and service of composite and metal bonded structures. On Thursday, August 21, there will be an entire eight-hour track dedicated to composites.

During the first five hours, a number of technical papers on materials, standards and processes will be presented. The last three-plus hours, from 2 pm until 5:30 pm, will be dedicated to an in-depth discussion of composite repair and the certification of composite repair technicians. Pleae visit http://www.sae.org/events/watc/ for a full rundown on the technical sessions and on our interactive composites repair panel.

See you there!

Brian

Would love to hear stories of Oshkosh. Thanks for this one, Brian.

http://pamablog.typepad.com/pama/2008/07/greetings-from.html

Anyone else on the ground there?

Greg Napert and Joe Escobar, formerly of AMT Magazine, launched their new publication D.O.M. Director of Maintenance magazine

The issue profiled EAA's John Hopkins, which I especially enjoyed. The legal corner has a nice piece by Stephen Prentice "Focus on DOMs: The Pressure Will Increase," which is another must read.

http://dommagazine.com/

SAE International and PAMA/SAE Institute Webinar will Highlight New Aviation Maintenance Course and Certification Programs

WARRENDALE, Pa. (July 2, 2008) A free Webinar will show how PAMA/SAE Institute Aviation Maintenance Certification and the SAE Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals course can help aviation maintenance professionals and their employees stay a step ahead in an ever-changing industry.

What: SAE Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals Course and PAMA/SAE Institute Aviation Mainenance Certification Programs.

When: July 16, 1-1:30 p.m. (EDT)

Register: Online at http://www.sae.org/servlets/pdEvent?OBJECT_TYPE=PDEventInfo&PAGE=getPDEventInfo&EVT_NAME=C0815 or through SAE Customer Service at 1-877-606-7323 (724-776-4970 outside the U.S. and Canada) or CustomerService@sae.org


Participants in this Webinar will learn how:

Their operations can be more efficient and profitable;

To improve performance with standardized credentials;

How PAMA/SAE Institute aviation maintenance training can be offered at individual facilities;

How knowledge assessment can ensure the highest quality training;

To fulfill FAA-mandated initial and recurrent training plans.

- PAMA -

Hello All -

Thanks very much for all your patience as I "catch my breath" (to use Gary Brossett's words) to provide an update on our certification program. There is quite a bit happening and there is quite a bit of interest.

I would say we are in a "familiarizing" mode right now with several serious customers looking beyond the brochures to implementation of the AMS/AME certification and prep course. Just like with any purchase, the consumer has to clearly see the "What's in it for me?" before they will buy. However, individual states and the federal government will soon begin requiring certifications as validation of knowledge and skill transfer.

Because our certification program is "High Stakes," we made the fundamental decision at the outset that our program would be rigorous enough to withstand legal scrutiny. High Stakes, for our purpose, has two valid definitions. Our certifications are High Stakes because if the certified individual makes an error that causes damage or injury, the certification itself could come under scrutiny. A certification, properly developed, can only certify that a person has the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform a task - not that they actually did so in a specific situation.

The other definition for "High Stakes" is that employers and clients may use the outcomes of a certification exam in their decision-making process to hire or promote an employee or to award a work contract. If the outcome of a certification examination is negative, the certification must be able to withstand legal scrutiny.

That is why we use very high levels of rigor in our certification development process. Industry stakeholders, subject matter experts, industry surveys, beta testing and follow-up analysis of exam performance are examples of our rigorous process. Also, continuous education is the hallmark of any legitimate certification. Yes, there are fees involved, but one must maintain currency with one's profession if one is to remain competent and capable. It's a good lead question for you to ask when examining any certification: "Do you require recurrent training?" If not, it is not a certification - it's a certificate. This is what makes your PAMA/SAE Institute certifications valuable. They are strictly compliant with industry development standards.

As far as future programs go, I have received word that there may be funding for our Rotorcraft Master Technician certification forthcoming and we anticipate holding a joint military/civilian stakeholders program design meeting this fall. Stay tuned for details on that.

Composite Bonded Structure repair certification is on the front burner right now and I am looking forward to kicking that effort off this fall, as well. There are a few changes to the Program Design we just finished that must be incorporated before we can proceed. I hope to be able to release that final document by the end of summer.

Finally, we are looking hard at Avionics Certification and may have an announcement this fall, too. We have been approached by an industry partner and may be looking at ways to expand the skills and knowledge aviation maintenance professionals have across the board to other industries as well. (Wow...busy fall!)

We'll be needing Subject Matter Experts for each of these programs (Rotorcraft, Composites, and Avionics) and we will formally solicit those volunteers at that time. However, if you are interested and want to get your name on one of those lists now, please feel free to email me directly at bfinnegan@sae.org.

Thanks again for your great support in our historic program development efforts!

Skilled...Knowledgable...Capable? Prove it.

Brian

COMING IN 2008
THE FAA'S AMT AWARDS PROGRAM ON-LINE


The new on-line FAA Aviation Maintenance Awards Program will soon be available at www.FAASafety.gov.

What does this mean for you the AMT, AMT employer or training provider?

For the AMT

On-line training courses like the newly developed "Failure to Follow Procedures - Inspection" program.
No need to visit the FSDO or to mail in your proof of training
Training received can be recorded right in the on-line program
The training you, your employer, or a training provider records will become your permanent AMT Award Program training record that you can email to either a perspective employer, a school of higher learning for credit, or to your insurance company.
You will be able to make application and receive your appropriate Certificate of Training.
You can record your employer information, which will reduce paperwork and time spent by your employer in applying for their AMT Award of Excellence.

For the Employer of AMT's

Paperwork Reduction
Track your award application process on-line
(All of your eligible AMT's, both certificated and non-certificated must first, be registered at FAASafety.gov and secondly, registered in the on-line AMT Awards Program)
Ability to record training that you provide to each employee as it is received and not have to provide proof at the end of the year.
You may upload all in - house training for all employees registered for the program at the end of the year.
You may make application for your employer award on-line

AMT Awards Program Training Providers

Register as an AMT Awards Program Training Provider
Record available courses and contact information
You may record training that you provide for individual AMT's on-line as soon as the training is completed.

Please post an update on the AME certification program.

Have the numbers registering increased? How many have been certified to date?

Haven't seen much on the internet and in trade publications...is a promotion/marketing campaign in the works?

Here is a post I just put up on the JetBlog! Our colleages at American Airlines called and asked if I was aware of how different organizations celebrate Charles Taylor's birthday each year...and I wondered what better place to pose this question than on the JetBlast! Network and on JetBlog! Here is the post - please share your thoughts with us here or on the blog. Thanks! Brian

With the U.S. House of Representatives recent support for the goals and ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, we are wondering how our many industry colleagues rememeber Charles. E. Taylor. Some locations, like the Baker School of Aeronautics, hold an annual picnic in Charlie's honor. Several airlines make announcements on every flight on May 24. Some even bring one of their mechanics into the cabin and introduce them to the passengers. That always results in rousing cheers and applause. Its nice to be recognized for all the hard work and personal integrity.

Do you and your colleagues, or does your company, celebrate the women and men that maintain the airworthiness of your aircraft every May 24? Please share your activities, thoughts and ideas with us here on JetBlog! so that others may be inspired by your efforts, as well.

Stay Strong!