Named SVP of Government and Technical Programs
John Goglia, the first
and only Airframe and Powerplant mechanic to receive a presidential
appointment to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has
joined the leadership of the Professional Aviation Maintenance
Association (PAMA) as Senior Vice President of Government and
Technical Progra Goglia, who retired from NTSB last week following
nine years of service, will spearhead PAMA’s efforts to
increase the public’s recognition and respect for the
individual aviation maintenance
technician.
Throughout his career, Goglia has been a stalwart figure in
support of aviation safety through professional maintenance.
Recognized as the Father of Human Factors for aviation maintenance
technicians, at NTSB Goglia emphasized the importance of
maintenance training while bringing a sharp focus to the effects of
poor maintenance on safety. He was recognized as the FAA’s
Aviation Maintenance Technician of the year in 1994 and by PAMA
with its prestigious Joe Chase Award at this year’s Annual
Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas. Also, Aviation Maintenance magazine
editor Matt Thurber announced the renaming of their annual
recognition as the "John Goglia Time Out for Safety Award" at
PAMA’s 2004 Symposium in Las Vegas.
"John Goglia represents the spirit of integrity, professionalism
and continuous education of the individual aircraft mechanic better
than anyone else," said PAMA president Brian Finnegan. "As PAMA
strives to develop industry-wide support of all aviation
maintenance professionals, John’s reputation as an advocate
from the hangar floor brings tremendous credibility and visibility
to our mission."
Goglia will immediately begin directing PAMA’s efforts to
achieve official recognition of certificated aviation mechanics as
a "skilled workforce" by the United States Department of Labor.
This initiative, on which he has worked within the constraints of a
government employee for many years, includes delineating aviation
mechanics under their own classification number, rather than
including them with another group. Aviation mechanics are currently
included under the broad unskilled classification of
"installers."
"The time has come for all mechanics to be respected for the
important work they do. Together we must work to gain this long
deserved recognition from the Labor Department," said Goglia.
Additionally, Goglia
will spearhead PAMA’s development of "Professional Standards
for Aviation Maintenance Technicians." As industry grapples with
more and more pressure to maintain minimum standards, it is
imperative that aviation maintenance professionals continue to
operate at a level that far exceeds the minimum. "That performance
level is the hallmark of a professional and is appropriately set by
PAMA," said Finnegan. "John’s tenacious energy and
credibility on the hangar floor will assure the development of a
truly representative Professional Standard and industry-wide
acceptance."
Integral with Goglia’s efforts is the expected launch of
PAMA’s Golden Eagle Advanced Recognition program this fall.
Coupled with increased community outreach programs designed to
encourage young people to consider careers in aviation maintenance,
Golden Eagle and Professional Standards enhance a menu of member
benefits that assures our career development and ensures we meet
our industry’s technical brain trust needs of the future.