Avionics News April 2012 - 55

McFarland added that since AEA member Gary Picou originated the Ambassador Program in 2007, it has helped increase FAA personnel attendance at AEA regional meetings, as well as the annual convention. “Not only does this create awareness for the FSDO manager and inspectors about the opportunities the AEA has to offer, but if the inspectors attend the regional meetings and annual convention, they will be able to network and gain knowledge in regulatory affairs and standards,” she said. “This will then create a better understanding, so ultimately, each FSDO and avionics repair station will be on the same page across the nation.” It sounds like it’s a win-win situation for everyone. But, something with such a big payoff must take a lot of work by the AEA Ambassador, right? Well, there is work involved, but not as much as you might think. In fact, the kind folks at AEA headquarters have actually created a program that’s a lot of fun. The hardest part is getting out of your shop and driving to your FSDO office for a meeting a couple of times a year. “The time commitment to get involved is minimal, but the impact is great,” McFarland said. “All the ambassador is asked to do is hand-deliver materials that we supply to the manager of their local FSDO. We also ask that they explain the importance of attending an upcoming meeting and other benefits the AEA offers. I also ask the ambassador to email me the results of the meeting. It’s as simple as that.” The goal is to ensure that the FSDO managers and inspectors know about AEA activities and all of the resources and training the association provides. “We also want the FSDO managers to know what we are doing, so they can better support the requests from their avionics inspectors who wish to participate in AEA functions,” McFarland added.

While the Ambassador Program is off to a good start, there’s still plenty of room to grow and strengthen the efforts. To help you get a feel for what it’s like, Avionics News chatted with a few current ambassadors for their thoughts on the program. Jim Joubert, president and CEO, Pacific Southwest Instruments Riverside FSDO Why did you become involved with the Ambassador Program? I thought the program was a great idea, and because of my location to and relationship with the Riverside FSDO, I felt this would be something I could do to benefit the AEA and the membership. What do you feel is the biggest benefit of the program? When we, the AEA, reach out to share information and resources with the FAA, such as the wealth of information available on the AEA website and in Avionics News, I believe it brings both parties closer together in our common goals and interests. How has the program been accepted by your local FSDO manager? It is my feeling that the FSDO manager sees the Ambassador Program as one of mutual benefit to the FAA and the AEA. It’s a win-win program.
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Avionics News April 2012

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