NATA Addresses Ethical Conduct and Technical Workforce Shortage
/The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has issued the “Statement Regarding Ethical Conduct” for general aviation businesses, outlining the Association’s ongoing commitment to promoting the highest ethical standards and integrity throughout the industry. NATA’s Board of Directors met in February to discuss fulfilling the vital need for all aviation businesses to adopt and adhere to a code of ethics that enforces company values, promotes fair business practices and deters wrongdoing.
“The heart of NATA’s mission is to empower general aviation businesses to act safely and with integrity. It is these attributes that have historically been a key part of the success of the general aviation industry. NATA’s Board of Directors firmly believes that general aviation businesses should adhere to the ethical principles of Safety, Integrity, Accountability and Respect. NATA strongly encourages general aviation businesses to establish and enforce a code of ethics using these four guiding principles,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller on behalf of NATA’s Board of Directors.
“NATA’s Board of Directors recognizes that many general aviation businesses have a code of ethics in place, but believes that all businesses should abide by the guiding principles set forth by a code to ensure the industry continues to prosper. NATA’s Statement Regarding Ethical Conduct is a solid product borne of careful consideration and the fusion of decades of industry experience. We hope that it serves as a guide for our members and aviation businesses everywhere,” added Greg Schmidt, NATA Board Chairman and President & CEO of Pentastar Aviation.
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The National Air Transportation Association (NATA), along with 16 other organizations representing a broad cross-section of the industry, sent a letter supporting legislation to establish an Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program. The bipartisan legislation was introduced today by Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
“NATA applauds Senators Inhofe, Blumenthal, Moran and Cantwell for recognizing the needs of the aviation maintenance sector by introducing legislation that would address the technical workforce shortage,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller. “The establishment of the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program brings together the aviation maintenance industry to encourage new opportunities through innovation and provides resources to inspire the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians.”
“The need for skilled maintenance technicians is increasing, and according to a study conducted by the Aviation Technician Education Council, 25% of all graduates from FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools do not pursue aviation careers – making this bipartisan legislation timely and imperative to advancing the prosperity of the aviation maintenance community and the safety of the industry overall,” added Hiller.
NATA and the supporting organizations reiterated the importance of this legislation to “help ensure our member organizations have the technical professionals they need to grow, compete globally, and, most importantly, continue to ensure the safety of civil aviation aircraft.”
NATA and its Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee will continue to monitor the bill as it moves through the legislative process.