Safety Is A Journey
By Jennifer Caron, FAA Safety Briefing Copy Editor
Technology is advancing at a rapid rate — it changes almost daily. Staying proficient to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce is not easy, but it is important for each aviation maintenance technician (AMT) to take a personal interest in continued and recurrent training.
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to helping you achieve the highest level of safety by providing the “tools” and resources you need to enhance your knowledge and proficiency.
Take advantage of the free or low cost training on FAASafety.gov. You will be recognized, awarded, and become a safer technician.
Get An Award for Initial and Recurrent Training
Participate in the AMT Awards Program to get your award for receiving, promoting, and fostering initial and recurrent maintenance training.
🔧 Register on FAASafety.gov to enroll in the awards program.
🔧 Complete the online Core Course — A Case for Non-Technical Training (ALC-666).
- You can complete the course in multiple sessions, and then take the exam.
- Second time’s a charm — if you didn’t pass the first time, you can re-take the exam right after your first try.
- Need a refresher? You can take the course again 90 days later and receive additional AMT or WINGS program credit.
🔧 Eligible training also includes aviation maintenance career-related training in such categories as technology, human factors, and certain courses from an accredited trade school or university.
- You can enter your eligible training in the My AMT tab under Enter Eligible Training.
- Pro Tip: Keep a personal log to document all completed training and recent experience requirements. Keep all your training certificates.
- Manufacturers, repair stations, and FAASTeam members develop courses for AMT credit with a focus on accident/incident causal factors, special emphasis items, and regulatory issues.
- There’s a different core course each year. Next year’s course — Ethics for Aviation Maintainers.
🔧 Technicians who successfully meet the program requirements within a given calendar year will obtain a certificate of training, and a Bronze, Silver, or Gold AMT Award!
🔧 Your employer can also get a Gold or Diamond Award of Excellence based on the number of technicians in the company that receive an award each year.
Train From Home or Hangar
You’ll also find thousands of free, online safety and risk reduction seminars and webinars that you can attend virtually. There’s online courses available too. Most are free or low cost.
Need to renew your inspection authorization? There’s a list of IA renewal courses and programs as well.
Take a look at the special training projects on risk management and human error in the maintenance hangar tab, and you’ll also discover resources on everything from maintenance alerts and safety tips to standards, regulations, and scholarships for up-and-coming mechanics.
🔧 If you have any questions or need help, contact Guy Minor at Guy.D.Minor@faa.gov.
The learning process never ends. Keep an open manual and an open mind. As the Mechanic’s Creed says, “… the safety and lives of others are dependent upon (your) skill and judgment.”
Jennifer Caron is FAA Safety Briefing’s copy editor and quality assurance lead. She is a certified technical writer-editor in the FAA’s Flight Standards Service.
