Airlines, On-Demand and Commercial Operators Cited

The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) strongly urges the FAA to require all Air Carrier, Commuter and On-Demand operators to have and implement FAA-approved maintenance training programs.

In a letter Tuesday to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey, PAMA President Brian Finnegan noted that, "a number of fatal commercial aviation accidents have occurred over the past several years in which maintenance issues have played contributory, if not causal roles." Regrettably, "poor, incomplete or infrequent maintenance training" was often at the heart of those maintenance issues, said Mr. Finnegan. PAMA urges FAA to immediately address these maintenance training deficiencies. 

In his letter, Mr. Finnegan spelled out the disparity between the training requirements for flight crewmembers and other airmen and those for maintenance technicians. "The Federal Aviation Regulations currently require comprehensive, FAA-approved initial and recurrent training programs for Pilots, Flight Engineers, Flight Attendants and Dispatchers" (14 CFR 121 Subpart N and 135.323), said Finnegan. "No FAA-approved training program is required for Maintenance Technicians" (14 CFR 121.375 and 135.433). While flight crewmembers constantly perform critical safety-of-flight tasks, their efforts can be for naught if highly trained and experienced technicians do not maintain their aircraft.

"This regulatory lapse must be corrected immediately," Finnegan added. "The flying public must be assured the Design, Operations and Maintenance 'Circle of Safety' is complete."

PAMA expressed concern claiming that while the aviation industry expands with greater numbers of flights carrying more passengers every year, the number of fatal accidents will also increase significantly with a constant accident rate. In addition, the organization claims the intense pressure to remain profitable will focus on programs not driven by FAA regulation.

"Maintenance training is in the financial crosshairs, said Finnegan. "We must help bring the accident rate down by enacting the many safety enhancements to be enjoyed by requiring FAA-approved maintenance training."

PAMA encourages FAA to complete the "Circle of Safety" now by requiring FAA-approved training for all Maintenance Technicians in commercial operations. PAMA pledged its support for Administrator Blakey's efforts to achieve this training initiative and offers the advice and perspectives of PAMA's members.

FMI: www.pama.org