Business View Magazine - May 2024

often think of government compliance as akin to visiting the DMV — it’s seen as bureaucratic and cumbersome,” he explains. “However, in regulated industries like ours, it’s critical to understand the underlying rules and not just follow procedures blindly.” He emphasizes the importance of a knowledgeable approach to compliance, especially for smaller businesses that can ill afford the consequences of missteps. “It’s essential for these businesses to be informed and confident in their knowledge of the rules,” Levanto argues. “This empowers them to engage with inspectors and regulatory bodies in a way that aligns with both the letter and spirit of the law, optimizing their operations while remaining compliant.” ARSA’S ROLE IN SHAPING AVIATION LEGISLATION The intersection of aviation maintenance and legislative influence is critical for ARSA, especially in facilitating entry into and growth within the industry. Klein dives into recent legislative triumphs, particularly policies included in Congress bill to reauthorize the FAA. “Just today, we’ve seen the fruits of our labor with the latest FAA reauthorization bill, which is vital for setting policy priorities and budgets for the next five years,” he shares. “Significantly, this bill includes an expansion of the aviation maintenance workforce development grant program from $5 million to $20 million annually, a testament to our advocacy efforts and recognition of the need for enhanced training and entry paths into the industry.” The strategic importance of these grants, especially for smaller companies, is a key focus.“We advocated for these grants knowing they would empower not only large companies but also smaller firms that lack the resources to establish programs like apprenticeships on their own,” Klein explains. This approach demonstrates ARSA’s commitment to inclusivity within the industry, ensuring companies of all sizes have the support needed to contribute to aviation safety and efficiency. Klein also highlights efforts to streamline the path from military service to civilian aviation careers, particularly for technicians. “It’s easier for pilots to transition from military to civilian roles than for technicians.The new legislation directs a rulemaking that we hope will facilitate this transition, making it smoother for skilled veterans to continue their careers in civil aviation,” he states. Expanding on the regulatory and legislative impact theme, Levanto reflects on ARSA’s work with the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force.“Our involvement with the task force aimed to increase awareness and interest in aviation careers starting from a young age,” he explains. The industry must plant the seeds of career interest well before the traditional recruitment age by capturing the imagination of younger demographics. BRIDGING TRADITION AND INNOVATION IN AVIATION MAINTENANCE In the rapidly evolving field of aviation maintenance, adopting new technologies represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The industry’s traditional approach to integrating emerging technologies—cautiously and sometimes hesitantly— highlights a broader struggle between maintaining proven safety standards and embracing innovation that could redefine operational norms. Levanto discusses the juxtaposition of technological advancement and industry readiness. “In aviation, technologies considered ‘emerging’ are often already established in other sectors. Our industry’s cautious approach is partly about prioritizing safety, but it also reflects a resistance to change rooted in human nature,” he points out. While beneficial for safety, this cautiousness can stifle the quicker adoption of innovations that are commonplace elsewhere. “For instance, developing a supersonic airliner involves not just technological hurdles but also regulatory ones, like gaining exemptions to fly over land,” Levanto explains.“This slow integration process can deter those excited about rapid technological advancements from entering the aviation field.” Levanto also reflects on internal perceptions of technology within ARSA. “We’ve had to evolve our views significantly,” he admits. “A few years back, 186 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 05