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.