Story ID: 
PAMA Adds Technical Program to Annual Conference
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) has announced a new format for its annual meeting and aviation maintenance conference.
Word Count: 243
The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) has announced a new format for its annual meeting and aviation maintenance conference. In addition to hosting its traditional chili cook-off, PAMA aviation maintenance olympics and awards banquet, the association will include an enhanced technical program in its meeting. According to the organization, there will be an increased emphasis on continuing education, executive round-table discussions, maintenance leadership forums and panel discussions on such topics as safety, legislation and federal regulations. 
“To ensure that we meet the needs of our members, corporate supporters and other attendees to the symposium, PAMA has created several committees consisting of industry leaders to design programs and events that are productive and relevant to the ever-growing community of maintenance professionals, directors and industry executives,” said organization president Brian Finnegan. 
PAMA will hold its 2008 aviation maintenance conference in conjunction with SAE International’s Wichita Aviation Technology Conference from August 19 to 21 next year at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. 
The organization also announced that AIG Aviation will support its new safety and quality certification program for aviation maintenance professionals. Offered under the auspices of the SAE Institute, the certification program establishes and validates a broad spectrum of necessary skills. The inaugural certification addresses basic aviation maintenance skills for FAA-certified and non-certified entry-level technicians. Future certifications are planned to recognize advanced maintenance skills such as the repair and inspection of composite materials and master-level rotorcraft expertise.