Introducing a Bill to Modernize Aviation Maintenance

On May 7, 2018, U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a bill to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s antiquated regulations governing the training of maintenance technicians.

Jared Britt, Director of Maintenance for the Aviation Program at Southern Utah University and Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Aviation Technician Council (ATEC), has led the initiative:

“SUU's Department of Aviation Sciences, along with Senator Orrin Hatch's team, has been working on legislation that will greatly enhance the training and safety of aviation maintenance technicians for future generations. This legislation will update the 50-year-old rules and allow for the curriculum to be easily incorporated into the system of higher education.”

According to the release on Senator Hatch’s website, he is “pleased to join friends in introducing legislation that will help bring aviation maintenance curriculum into the 21st century. These updates are long overdue. Our proposal ensures that technician students have access to the training they need to keep pilots and passengers safe.”

A variety of airlines, as well as dozens of industry leaders, supported the bill with a letter to Congress this week.

“The needs identified by SUU and Senator Hatch have been met with overwhelming support from 20 aviation industry organizations as well Senator Inhofe, Senator Cantwell, and Senator Blumenthal,” said Britt. “The industry and bipartisan support demonstrate the need for change. SUU worked closely with the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) to leverage relationships across the aviation industry.”

“Everyone involved is hopeful that this legislation will pass into law and bring our aviation maintenance training in-line with all of the technological advances that have occurred since the original regulations were written. There is still much that needs to be accomplished, but we are confident that this team of Senators and industry leaders are up for the challenge.”

Britt is driving changes in technician schools around the country. For the last four years, Britt has managed under FAR Part 141 and SUU also recently obtained our FAR Part 145 Repair Station Certification. Britt is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile.