Avionics News February 2023 - 16

THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON
Continued from page 15
The confusion seems focused on recurrent training.
Based on our individual backgrounds, we all may have a
slightly different definition for recurrent training. Some
specialties may require a dated recurrent training such
as annual or biannual training. However, for routine
qualifications, this is not and should not be assumed. The
advisory circular is a wealth of guidance on this topic. First,
the FAA states, " Recurrent maintenance training commonly
includes training known as refresher training, to ensure
that a repair station employee remains capable of properly
performing the assigned job. "
The purpose of the initial training is to " ensure each
employee assigned to perform maintenance, preventive
maintenance, or alterations, and inspection functions is
capable of performing the assigned task. " And, as indicated
in the description for recurrent training, this training
is intended to ensure that a repair station employee's
qualifications remain current. Since this is such a broad
understanding, the FAA further suggests in the AC that " the
repair station's program should define the terms initial and
recurrent and identify the areas of study and/or courses/
lessons that will be provided under the two definitions. "
Since the purpose of recurrent training is to keep current,
any change to the six initial training topics contained in the
AC will trigger the need for recurrent training. In addition,
if a technician has a specialty that requires scheduled
recurrency such as non-destructive testing, this will trigger
a need for recurrent training.
New technologies, new customers, or a technician
taking on new tasks would not be considered recurrent
training; rather, it would be that person's initial technical
training. A training deficiency identified by a root cause
analysis of a quality escape would trigger remedial
training rather than recurrent training. Each of these
categories of training have meaning and purpose. It is
important not to confuse these various types of training;
otherwise, they could create an additional burden not
anticipated by the regulations.
The FAA explicitly addressed the training burden in the
2001 final rule where it first recognized that many repair
stations " already " provide training and that any repair
station who supported commercial operators were already
required to provide training; therefore, there should not be
an additional burden. The FAA also encouraged the use of
existing training sources to minimize the burden to small
businesses. In the final rule, the FAA stated: " The FAA
does not anticipate that the training program requirement
16 avionics news * february 2023
will be burdensome; many repair stations already provide
employee training. In addition, the FAA anticipates that
training requirements may be met by attending trade or
technical society seminars and through on-the-job training.
The FAA notes that repair station personnel performing
maintenance for certificate holders conducting operations
under Part 121 or Part 135 already must undergo training. "
What tools does the AEA offer to its members to support
their initial and recurring training? Let us start with the
obvious: You are reading the pages of Avionics News.
Since the first publication, the View From Washington,
the Frequently Asked Questions, and the International
Regulatory Updates have been written to support your
recurrent training needs. In addition, Avionics News
has been an acceptable means of recurrent training for
mechanics with an inspection authorization for more than
a decade. As such, Avionics News should be in every
member's training program.
Next, the 14 courses offered in the AEA classroom
should be a big help. These courses cover a broad range of
topics. Again, they are designed to support the members
and their training needs. If you are not familiar with them,
you can find the listing at aea.net/training. If your recurrent
training needs can be met with virtual training, there are 38
virtual training courses available on the AEA's Aerospace
Education Resource Online (AERO) at aea.net/aero.
And finally, the face-to-face events support your
training. As you should know, the AEA offers six
Connect Conferences regionally located to support the
membership: one in each of the international regions
(Europe, Canada and the South Pacific) as well as three
in the U.S. These two-day events include 12 to 16 hours
of both regulatory briefings geared toward the regulatory
authority of the region as well as technical training of the
most popular products.
In addition to the six AEA Connect Conferences,
the association annually hosts the AEA International
Convention & Trade Show. This year's event is April
24-27 in Orlando, Florida. While the training schedule
for the 2023 convention is still being finalized, during the
four days of training, we have historically offered close to
100 hours of training covering everything from business
to regulatory to technical. In addition to the 100 hours of
formal training, there are 13 hours of exhibit time where
business owners and technicians can have one-on-one
conversations with manufacturers to see the new products
for 2023 as well as discuss topics not covered during the
formal training.
If your technicians need recurrent training not already
offered, please let the AEA know. See you in Orlando. q
http://www.aea.net/training http://www.aea.net/aero
Avionics News February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News February 2023
