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.

FMI: www.pama.org