NATA Announces Advent of Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool

NATA (National Air Transportation Association), in cooperation with its Maintenance committee, introduces the NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool — a resource to assist members with developing test-ready and well-documented aviation maintenance technician applicants. This member-only resource provides a turn-key process for documenting on-the-job tasks required by the FAA to meet the minimum qualifications for an FAA-signed and completed FAA Form 8610-2, which enables applicants to take the required testing for certification.

The NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool eases visibility of the technician applicant progress toward a full FAA Aviation Mechanic Certificate with privileges of Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) in just over 30 months or privileges of Airframe or Powerplant in just over 18 months.

Available as an Excel download, the tool is based on the FAA Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1), which communicate the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skill proficiency standards required for the Aviation Mechanic Certificate.

“We are incredibly proud of the innovative and selfless spirit of our Maintenance committee members in developing solutions to prevalent industry issues like workforce recruitment and development,” says NATA president and CEO, Curt Castagna. “NATA is pleased to support a member-driven resource that follows FAA guidance to provide a more comprehensive pathway to employee mechanic certification. The NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool prepares an applicant to return to an MRO as an FAA-certificated aircraft mechanic more expediently and efficiently with credible training, real-world experience, and profit-making ability.”

The NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool is a versatile and comprehensive resource providing:

• an FAA-recognized template to record “real-world hands-on” experience in all segments needed to qualify for testing
• a quick visual check of where applicants stand in meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements leading up to the testing phase
• tracking ability for full piston- through turbine-based technicians
• customization toward a company’s business specialty
• a clear pathway for non-certificated technicians working in paint, interior, or other areas to pursue an Aviation Mechanic Certificate (A&P).

NATA members can learn more and log in to their member portal at https://www.nata.aero/products-and-services/apprenticeship-guidance to download the NATA Apprenticeship Tracking Tool at no additional cost. Information on NATA membership can be found at https://www.nata.aero/membership/join.

The Association extends sincere appreciation to Dan Lane, vice president of Technical Services at Aero Centers, for his leadership, as well as the entire Maintenance committee’s input, in the development of this valuable resource.