WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization measure last week.
The bill includes an amendment, filed by Cape and Islands Congressman Bill Keating which would direct the FAA to lead coordinated efforts between government, educational institutions, labor organizations, and the private sector to ensure aviation maintenance training programs are preparing the next generation of the aviation workforce to fill the types of jobs the industry needs.
According to Boeing, from now until 2036, North American commercial airlines will need over 100,000 new technicians.
An example of the type of program that is preparing new technicians to meet this urgent industry need and would benefit from the amendment is the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Cape Cod Community College.
According to the college’s website, that program “will prepare students for FAA Certification, and lay the foundation for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance, and transfer into a variety of four-year programs.”
The amendment also directs the U.S. Government Accountability Office to make evidence-based recommendations on how to best strengthen and expand aviation training programs by addressing public funding, equipment, and other needs.