Washington, DC, March 7, 2018 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA), along with 16 other organizations representing a broad cross-section of the industry, sent a letter supporting legislation to establish an Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program. The bipartisan legislation was introduced today by Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

“NATA applauds Senators Inhofe, Blumenthal, Moran and Cantwell for recognizing the needs of the aviation maintenance sector by introducing legislation that would address the technical workforce shortage,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller. “The establishment of the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program brings together the aviation maintenance industry to encourage new opportunities through innovation and provides resources to inspire the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians.”

“The need for skilled maintenance technicians is increasing, and according to a study conducted by the Aviation Technician Education Council, 25% of all graduates from FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools do not pursue aviation careers – making this bipartisan legislation timely and imperative to advancing the prosperity of the aviation maintenance community and the safety of the industry overall,” added Hiller.

NATA and the supporting organizations reiterated the importance of this legislation to “help ensure our member organizations have the technical professionals they need to grow, compete globally, and, most importantly, continue to ensure the safety of civil aviation aircraft.”

NATA and its Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee will continue to monitor the bill as it moves through the legislative process.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.