Avionics News December 2012 - 40

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Lee Brewster of NCATT
tion because they had someone apply with this credential and they have never heard of it or need to verify it. We work with the FAA through different initiatives, both on the regulatory side and with the FAASTeam. We are here to help and offer a service. When people call, I find an answer for them, which gives me an opportunity to learn something new.

higher standards for technicians and recognize their high level of professionalism. It’s something the FAA doesn’t currently have a structure to identify. A lot of people in this industry are brilliant at their jobs, but we needed to identify and define a skill set for the fundamentals, the base for defining an aircraft electronics/avionics technician. What is an avionics technician? NCATT assists in identifying the career field while also supporting the technicians, their employers and the educational/training institutions.

How often do you revise the test?

CATT ster of N Lee Brew

What is your background?
It’s mainly in education. I’ve been working with NCATT since 2003, so I’ve been with it since its beginning. I worked at a Part 147 school that has an excellent avionics program as well, and I have always been interested in how we help people reach their goals in their professional and career development.

Exams are continuously evaluated for revision needs. The question bank is evaluated on a continual basis, and the psychometric analysis allows us to revise as needed and in a timely manner.

ocated in Fort Worth, Texas, the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies is dedicated to the development of nationally recognized standards and certifications identified and recognized by industry professionals. NCATT standards are easily adaptable into any education or training program to qualify aerospace professionals in their designated career field. NCATT certifications demonstrate the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician to promote integrity, safety and professionalism in the aerospace workforce. Recently, Patricia Luebke, Avionics News contributor, spoke with Lee Brewster to learn about her work at NCATT.

What does psychometric analysis mean?

It means we look at each question to see if it’s a good question or a bad question. We look at the psychometric data and evaluate it for affectivity, or whether the question has been compromised. Based on the statistical data, we can make the revision decisions. That being said, we usually retire questions on a regular basis.

What’s a typical day for you?

What do you like best about your job?

Tell me about NCATT.

NCATT is an organization started by the industry to develop and promote
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Lots of phone calls and emails. I spend most of my time talking to people, trying to be active in the industry, looking online and reading the different trade publications so I can keep abreast of what’s happening. A technician may call to ask, “I need my AET; how do I study?” An employer may call and need informa-

I like dealing with people, and I’ve met so many wonderful people from all aspects of the aviation industry. They are passionate, extremely intelligent and intuitive, and every conversation is an opportunity for me to learn. It’s really the people and the belief that I am helping them. I love learning about their careers and how they got to where they are.

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Avionics News December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News December 2012