Avionics News October 57-10 - 16

F R O M
R I C
P E R I
A EA V I C E P R ES I D E N T O F G OV E R N M E N T & I N D U ST RY A F FA I RS

The Aircraft Electronics Association's international membership continues to grow. Currently, the AEA represents
avionics businesses in more than 40 countries throughout the world. To better serve the needs of the AEA's international
membership, the "International News and Regulatory Updates" section of Avionics News offers a greater focus on
international regulatory activity, international industry news and an international "Frequently Asked Questions" column
to help promote standardization. If you have comments about this section, send emails to avionicsnews@aea.net.

UNITED STATES

News & Regulatory Updates
Aviation Maintenance Technical
Workforce Development Grant Program
On Oct. 5, 2018, President Donald Trump signed
the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254). Section 625 of
the Act addresses the projected shortage of aviation
maintenance technical workers in the aviation
industry by directing the establishment of an
Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce
Development Grant Program. Congress authorized
the program through the end of fiscal year 2023.
On Nov. 8, 2019, the Aircraft Electronics
Association was one of 42 aviation groups that
urged Congress to fully fund technician and pilot
workforce grant programs created by Section 625 of
the Act.
Ten months later, the FAA announced the
Aviation Maintenance Technical Workforce
Development Grant Program to increase interest and
recruit students for careers in aviation maintenance.
The goal is to provide grants to academia and
the aviation community to help prepare a more
inclusive talent pool of aviation maintenance
technicians, to inspire and recruit the next
generation of aviation professionals.
16

AVIONICS NEWS

OCTOBER

2020

Congress appropriated $5 million in fiscal year
2020 to fund projects to address the projected
shortages of aviation maintenance technical workers
in the aviation industry. Eligible groups may apply
for grants from $25,000 to $500,000 for any one
grant in any single fiscal year.
Section 625 of the Act identifies the following
types of entities as eligible to apply for the
Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce
Development Grants:
* (a) Holders of a certificate issued under
14 CFR Parts 21, 121, 135, or 145, or
labor organizations representing aviation
maintenance workers;
* (b) Accredited institutions of higher education
(as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001), or high
schools or secondary schools (as defined in
20 U.S.C. 7801); or
* (c) State or local governmental entities.
The FAA posted the announcement in the Federal
Register on Sept. 8, 2020, and accepted public
comments through Sept. 23, 2020.

Aircraft Pilots Workforce
Development Grant Program
In addition to the Aviation Maintenance Technical
Workforce Development Grant Program, the FAA
announced the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development
Grant Program with a request for comments. Comments
regarding the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development

Avionics News October 57-10

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News October 57-10