LEE'S SUMMIT, MO, June 21, 2012 -- On Wednesday, June 20, members of the Aircraft Electronics Association participated in the first of a progressive three-part webinar series designed to educate member businesses on the changes coming to their Part 145 operations, as the Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a significant and potentially damaging rewrite of Part 145 repair stations.
The webinar was presented by Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs. It offered an overview of the FAA's proposal along with developing and submitting comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). AEA members may click here to watch a replay of the webinar through the members-only portion of the AEA website.
"In May, the FAA proposed a significant rewrite of the repair station regulations without a clear layout of who may accomplish what maintenance," Peri said. "The proposal challenges many of the currently utilized opportunities for mobile maintenance operations. In addition, it appears that a current radio-rated repair station with a limited airframe rating would, under this proposal, need to hold two additional airframe ratings just to retain the opportunities that it currently has. Most disappointing of all is the proposal to reverse many of the hard-fought provisions that were gained in previous rulemaking efforts.
"The progressive series of webinars for AEA members is just another step in following up on this critical issue. Since comments are due no later than Aug. 20, which is prior to the start of the AEA Regional Meetings in the fall, the webinars provide AEA members an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes that will impact the livelihood of many businesses."
The second webinar is scheduled for July 16 at 4 p.m. CDT. It will provide an in-depth analysis of the FAA's NPRM with pros and cons of each proposed change to Part 145.
The third webinar will take place Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. CDT. It will be a continuation of the progressive analysis of the FAA's proposed changes and discuss preparation for submitting comments to the FAA.
AEA member input on the proposed changes is essential to the future of certified repair stations. There is no cost for AEA members to participate in the webinars; however, each session has a limited number of participants. AEA members may reserve a spot now for the July 16 session. Non-AEA member companies may participate in the webinars for a fee by calling 816-347-8400. Webinar participants will receive detailed login information via email prior to the scheduled webinar.
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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.