Mechanics’ Organizations Regroup, Agree To Cooperate

Finally, after several years of friction between organizations competing to represent aircraft technicians, the key players seem to have put the past behind them. In a recent meeting, representatives of the AMTSociety, the NBAA Maintenance Committee and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) agreed to work cooperatively in the future. Tom Hendershot, executive director of the AMTSociety, said, “We agree to collaborate on issues related to aviation maintenance, including regulatory concerns, National AMT Day and the education of technicians. This initiative puts together, for the first time, a prominent force dedicated to promoting the aircraft technician and professionalism within the ranks. As we move forward together with these initiatives, each organization will maintain its own autonomy and mission while partnering on issues of mutual interest.” Dale Forton, the newly appointed PAMA president, agreed, saying, “As our economy continues to grow, the demand for well trained maintenance professionals will be in the forefront of each organization. Working together will ensure the proper recognition and economic growth of our individual members.” All three groups plan to hold regular meetings together to build on the momentum and work through selected common causes that will unite the global aviation maintenance community.