MAINTENANCE TRAINING — IT DOESN’T END ON MARCH 31!


Each winter (roughly the months of January through


March), those wanting to renew their Inspection Authorization gather at training events around the country to obtain the necessary eight hours of training that is required to renew their authorization. Currently, eight hours of training are required each year by March 31st – with actual renewal taking place every two years on odd numbered years during the month of March. In addition, if you don’t complete the 8 hours


each year, you may not exercise the privilege of the authorization until you have undergone an oral exam by an FAA inspector and are re-issued your authorization. It’s worth noting that training isn’t required for


everyone who wishes to keep their Inspection Authorization — it can be kept current by “active mechanics” by simply conducting an Annual Inspection every 90 days, or by conducting two major repairs or alterations every 90 days, or one of several other ways listed in 14CFR Part 65.93. The methods listed in the FAR favor staying current through activity. Yet, many mechanics choose to attend IA renewal


courses as a convenient and beneficial way to renew their authorization. By the way, the courses don’t have to be taken all in one sitting, and are typically approved by the FAA in anywhere from one- to eight-hour blocks. Typically, the one-hour block courses are offered at some tradeshows and online, while the 8 hour events are often conducted for the purpose of providing a convenient way to renew your IA. But if you are reading this column, the month


of March has likely come and gone. So why am I covering this topic in April? As I attend trade shows and search online for training seminars and meetings, I am impressed with the number of courses that are still available even after the March 31st date. In fact, these courses are available all year long in the form of State-sponsored seminars, via online training and in conjunction with tradeshows and industry events.


42 HelicopterMaintenanceMagazine.com April | May 2020 Whether you are taking them for IA renewal or not,


you should always be in the learning mode! Typical training courses topics include regulatory updates, technological advances, aircraft system reviews and detailed discussions of some of the latest Airworthiness Directives, service bulletins, etc. Timely topics that shouldn’t wait until March! Also, you don’t need to wait for January to start your 8 hours of training each year! Why not start in April and get your IA requirements in early?


Seminars benefit everyone and anyone who might


be involved in maintenance. Plus, face-to face training and tradeshows offer networking and career building opportunities for many mechanics. It’s never a bad idea to “rub elbows” with your peers in the industry! You never know what might develop and what new opportunity might come your way. Opportunities come in many forms: jobs, idea sharing, tool and test equipment sharing — who knows? These events are often very low cost (usually


covering the cost of lunch and maybe facilities fees) and sometimes are even free — with the cost being covered by sponsors. Exhibit booths are frequently part of these gatherings. This offers an opportunity to question manufacturers and/or suppliers about their products and services. Many of these events recognize that it’s inconvenient for mechanics to take off from work so they frequently occur on a weekend. It’s not difficult to locate training events around the country — simply google IA renewal, or go to FAASafety.gov and register to receive alerts about training events in your area. If you missed one closest to you, chances are there are several others within a short drive from where you live. Thanks for reading!


Publisher, Helicopter Maintenance magazine


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44