Delegate, Secretary, and Treasurer Training
and Joint Advisory Council Meeting
By Jay Johnson, National Secretary/Treasurer
 On March 19, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, National Convention Delegate Training commenced under the guidance of Don Taylor from the University of Wisconsin. Delegates dove into an intensive exploration of Robert's Rules of Order, a foundational framework for effective organizational governance.
Through structured sessions and interactive workshops, delegates familiarized themselves with parliamentary procedures, honing skills essential for conducting meetings with precision and impartiality. The day's activities emphasized the importance of crafting motions, facilitating productive debate, and fostering consensus-building—a critical toolkit for AMFA's leadership. As the session concluded, delegates were equipped to apply their newfound knowledge to propel AMFA and the National Convention toward a future characterized by transparency, collaboration, and operational excellence.
On March 20, 2024, AMFA hosted the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards for a comprehensive training session focused on the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Ace requirements and mechanisms for ensuring organizational transparency and accountability. The session underscored the significance of adherence to regulatory frameworks in upholding AMFA's integrity and serving the best interests of its membership.
Concluding the series of events, on March 21, 2024, the Joint Advisory Council (JAC) convened, assembling National Officers, Local Presidents, and seated Airline Representatives for a substantive dialogue on Association matters and airline-specific business. The JAC meeting provided a platform for collaborative discourse and strategic planning, addressing pertinent issues impacting AMFA's operations and membership. Some items discussed were assessment approval as prescribed in the constitution for negotiations and single-step Local and National website registration, updating your contact information with the FAA and Transport Canada, the Association's goals and objectives for 2024, and the National Convention.
2024 National Convention Notice
The delegates to the 2020 National Convention (aka 2021) voted to convene the 2024 National Convention in Austin, TX. The Convention will commence on Monday, May 6, 2024.
National Convention Delegates:
Local 4: Michael Ranker, Peter Stoch, Louis Upchurch and Alternates Chris Chakchay and Keven Stauske
Local 11: Doug Collier, Mike Dillon, Lee Rhame, Dennis Tapper and Alternates Pete Miller Tim Regnold and Frank Suentzenich
Local 14: Timothy Cullen, Nic Kula, Jason Munson and Alternates Bradley Fornelius and Tommy Price
Local 18: Joel Behnken, Wayne Lampley, Steve Lewis and Alternates Ken Cardwell and Cameron Lampley
Local 32: Frank Amore, John Butkiewicz, Jeff Heard, Wesley Latecki, Kenneth Patrick and Alternates Vincent Benton and Craig Smith
National Officer Nominations and Election: In accordance with the AMFA Constitution, each Local delegation may nominate one (1) candidate for each National Officer position at the National Convention. Voting for the National Officer Election will commence by July 1, 2024, the tally will be August 12, 2024, and officers will be sworn in on October 7, 2024.
Sincerely,
Jay Johnson
National Secretary/Treasurer
2024 Aerospace Maintenance Competition
By Jay Johnson, National Secretary/Treasurer
In the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Competition, the spirit of excellence shined brightly as teams from across the globe converged to showcase their skills and dedication. AMFA represented eight formidable teams, including Aircraft Engineers International (AEI), Alaska Airlines' Team Anchorage and Team Seattle, Horizon Air, Southwest Airlines' Team Colleen and Team Herb, Spirit Airlines, and WestJet Airlines.
|
.jpg)
Southwest Airlines' Team Herb won Overall First Place and Commercial Category First Place.
|
Team AEI placed second overall in the General Category.
|
With over 450 competitors forming 90 teams from 52 countries, this competition was a true testament to the talent and commitment present in the aviation maintenance community. From commercial and general aviation to educational institutions and military organizations, participants from diverse backgrounds came together to compete in 27 intense timed events, each lasting no more than 15 minutes.
The competition spanned a wide array of tasks, from intricate engine fan blade removals to meticulous aircraft tire inspections, challenging competitors to demonstrate their technical prowess and attention to detail. In every event, the dedication and expertise of the participants were on full display, showcasing the essential role of blue-collar workers in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft.
Among the standout performances, Southwest Airlines' Team Herb emerged as the ultimate victors, securing both Overall First Place and Commercial Category First Place. Aircraft Engineers International (AEI) placed second overall in the General Category. Their achievement exemplified the dedication and teamwork inherent in aircraft maintenance.
Additionally, Alaska Airlines' Team Anchorage demonstrated their excellence by clinching top honors in categories such as APU Starter and Composite Repair, Alaska Airlines Team Seattle placed first in Fuel Nozzle Remove and Replace, AEI placed second in Thrust Reverser Control Fault Troubleshooting and Repair, Spirit tied for third in Engine Fan Blade removal, and WestJet placed third in Nose-Leading edge sealing, further highlighting the depth of talent present in the competition.
Individual accolades were also celebrated, with Team Herb from Southwest Airlines receiving the prestigious Bill O'Brien award for achieving the highest overall score—a testament to their exceptional skill and performance.
As the competition came to a close, all participants—whether from AEI, Alaska, Horizon, Southwest, Spirit, or WestJet—stood united in their commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality in aviation maintenance. Their collective efforts served as a powerful reminder that “safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground."
Congratulations to all the teams and individuals who participated in the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Competition. May your passion and dedication continue to inspire excellence in the aviation maintenance industry.
Safety Reminder
As the summer begins, our aircraft are taking to the skies with greater frequency and duration. Safeguarding passengers' trust and preserving the industry's reputation as a paragon of regulatory compliance and safety must remain our non-negotiable priorities.
Take a moment to re-read the Mechanic’s Creed and reflect on its significance in your daily work. Let it remind you of the gravity of your role as an AMT/AME and the importance of always prioritizing safety in the aviation industry. As you perform your duties, remember that there are people relying on your expertise and trust in your ability to ensure their safety. Are you willing to stand by the creed and uphold the highest standards, even in the face of pressure or time constraints?
As the seasonal schedules increase, daily flight utilization is forecast to increase substantially. With this, an even greater effort and attention to detail is needed during the limited turn-around times between flights and the reduced time for overnight maintenance. As touch time is reduced, the potential for errors increases along with error reporting. The Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) are excellent tools to use in case you encounter irregularities during this difficult time. Make sure to carefully review each and every task before and after completion to remain compliant. While safety reporting usually occurs after an error, these systems can also be used as a preventative measure to identify and assess potential future risks.
Scheduled maintenance checks become indispensable to assessment, detect, and address potential issues swiftly, ensuring aircraft readiness for prolonged operations. We must not compromise on safety, regardless of the push for maximum efficiency and revenue. Every maintenance check is crucial in identifying and resolving potential issues to keep aircraft in top condition for continuous operation. As AMTs/ AMEs risk is inherent in the maintenance and operation of aircraft, but risk can also be managed to acceptable levels by following established and approved procedures. Do not rush, use checklists, never assume, look to your coworkers for assistance, and remember even well-intended procedures are not foolproof. You always have the ability to call for a Safety Stop.
It is crucial to cultivate a safety-first culture at all levels of our organizations and never forget our objective through proactively identifying and reporting hazards in the operation, contributing to our positive Safety Culture and performance. To safeguard, with ceaseless vigilance, the safety of the air transportation industry in recognition of the high degree of public interest, confidence, and responsibility placed on the members of our association. Your license is not just a piece of paper; it represents your expertise and dedication to ensuring safe air travel. It is a testament to your knowledge, integrity, accountability, and responsibility as the last line of defense in maintaining aircraft safety. You are one of many dedicated licensed professionals standing guard over safety, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Alone we’re imperfect, together we're as close to perfection as humanly possible. Look to your fellow AMTs/AMEs and let the Mechanic's Creed guide you in delivering your duties with the utmost professionalism and dedication to safety.
In today's aviation landscape, vigilance in safety and compliance is paramount. AMFA recognizes the evolving challenges and remain steadfast in our dedication to upholding the highest safety standards. Through continuous training, rigorous adherence to regulations, and proactive risk management, we ensure the safety of all involved in aviation operations.
AMFA 2023 Officer of the Year Award Wes Latecki
By Jay Johnson, National Secretary/Treasurer
.jpg) In the realm of safety and standards, there are individuals whose dedication and commitment stand out among the rest. They are the unsung heroes who ensure that safety protocols are not just followed but are ingrained into the very fabric of AMFA’s culture. Among these exceptional individuals, Wes Latecki emerges as a beacon of excellence, earning the AMFA National Officer of the Year Award for 2023.
Wes Latecki's journey towards safety and standards is one marked by unwavering dedication and a profound understanding of the importance of safety in every aspect of operations. Wes assumed the role of Local 32 Safety and Standards Representative in 2012 and served as Professional Standards Representative from 2015 to January 1, 2021. With years of experience under his belt, Wes has demonstrated time and again his ability to navigate the complex landscape of safety regulations and standards with finesse and expertise.
Wes’s notable achievements are his instrumental role in facilitating crucial meetings within our organization. Whether it's quarterly meetings, CASS meetings, or TRC meetings, Wes has been the driving force behind bringing the AMFA LSSC to the table. His ability to foster collaboration and dialogue has been instrumental in advancing AMFA safety initiatives.
At the heart of Wes Latecki's success lies his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those around him. It's implementing rigorous safety protocols in high-risk environments with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that our standards are not just met, but elevated and exceeded. Wes approaches every task with the utmost seriousness and dedication.
What truly sets Wes apart, however, is his innovative approach to safety. In an ever-evolving landscape where new challenges constantly emerge, Wes has proven himself to be a forward-thinker, always one step ahead when it comes to anticipating and mitigating potential risks and has not only enhanced safety standards within AMFA’s organization but has also set a benchmark for others to follow.
As we honor Wes Latecki with the Safety and Standards Officer of the Year Award, we also celebrate the countless lives he has undoubtedly touched and the profound impact he has had on the world of safety. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence inspire us all and remind us of the vital importance of prioritizing safety in everything we do.
Team Work
By Rui Leonardo
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
— Phil Jackson
One of my favorite quotes regarding teamwork, Phil Jackson’s Chicago Bulls of 1996 exemplified this principle. On February 4th, 1996, during the third quarter, the Bulls faced a daunting 28-point deficit. Determined to turn the game around, they shifted into overdrive. Michael Jordan orchestrated plays, creating openings for teammates; Tony Kukoc’s power propelled the team forward; Dennis Rodman dominated rebounds; Steve Kerr’s precise shooting added crucial points, and Scottie Pippen provided invaluable support. Despite losing that game due to fatigue, they set a record for the best NBA season, a record that stood for nearly two decades.
Although the Bulls lost that battle, they triumphed in the championship that season. This narrative resonates with numerous instances in AMFA’s history where hard work paved the way for long-term success. For example, Local 14 revamped its website, launched a phone app for member outreach, and initiated a program where the president visits local schools to educate students about our craft. Similarly, Local 11 embraced the AMFA app, engaged in outreach with various work groups, and ensured contract enforcement through arbitrations. Likewise, Local 18 expanded its online presence, updated its app, and maintained member engagement through various channels. Local 4 embraced modernity, becoming virtually paperless, conducting meetings via Zoom, and establishing an online store for members to purchase AMFA merchandise. In all cases, teamwork and persistence were crucial for sustained success.
The significance of our Local Executive Councils (LECs) cannot be overstated. Comprising five individuals elected by their peers—President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Safety and Standards Officers—the LECs function as a cohesive unit. Their collaborative efforts ensure well-informed and engaged membership, advocating for members, enforcing contracts, and educating the industry and public about our craft.
My personal experience with teamwork within the LEC began when I joined Local 32. The leadership was strong and, having built an efficient system from scratch, recognized the need for a website. The officers collaborated as a team, sought external expertise for the website’s development, brainstormed content, and launched a platform to benefit our members. This initiative spurred ideas for real-time member interaction, enhancing the entire local’s functionality. These collaborative processes foster success across the entire AMFA organization. LECs convene to exchange ideas, driving the growth of each local. This collective support enables us to adapt to evolving industrial, technological, and professional landscapes.
Returning to the Bulls, their championship team laid a lasting foundation, not only for Chicago but for the NBA as a whole. Each member played a vital role, supported by the collective strength of the team. Coach Phil Jackson’s wisdom reverberates in this context, as evidenced by his accolades in the NBA. He was rightfully recognized as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time.
In conclusion, the strength of the team lies in each individual member, and reciprocally, each member’s strength enhances the team. Join an AMFA Local today and contribute to making a difference in your craft.
2024 National Scholarship Winners
By Jay Johnson, National Secretary/Treasurer
AMFA National has recognized the potential and dedication of three exceptional individuals by awarding them with scholarships for the year of 2024. These scholarships, each worth $2,000.00, signify the commitment to excellence and passion for the craft displayed by students enrolled in A&P schools, universities, or Transport Canada-approved colleges.
This year’s scholarship recipients were Deanna Lohnes, a Cape Cod Community College student; Madison Glassett, attending Tarrant County College; and James Choi, a student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.
These recipients symbolize the promising future of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, ready to make meaningful contributions to the industry. Their stories inspire aspiring professionals and underscore the importance of passion, perseverance, and lifelong learning in the aviation maintenance workforce. Congratulations to Deanna, Madison, James, and all the applicants who exemplify the meaning of “safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground."
|
.jpg)
Presentation of Scholarship to Madison Glassett
Deanna Lohnes scholarship winner
|
Scholarship winner James Choi
|
|
