August 5, 2026

To: House Committee on Education and the Workforce
 

Dear Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member Scott, and Distinguished Members of the Committee:

On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), representing craft-specific Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) across commercial aviation, I appreciate the opportunity to submit this statement regarding your recent hearing, "Building an AI-Ready America: How AI Is Creating Opportunities Across America's Workforce."

As aviation technology rapidly advances, AMFA fully supports the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies designed to enhance AMT training, improve comprehension of complex maintenance operations, and maximize safety for the technician and the flying public. Specifically, AMFA recognizes the immense value of AI-driven Virtual Reality (VR) modules in initial and recurrent training. Immersive VR environments powered by adaptive AI will allow technicians to practice intricate procedures, master safety protocol execution, and familiarize themselves with complex aircraft systems in a risk-free setting before touching operational aircraft. In addition to enhancing training, VR equipment offers an engaging way to introduce high school students to aircraft maintenance careers and spark interest in the next generation of aviation technicians. 

Furthermore, AMFA supports the development of next-generation interactive Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs) that leverage localized AI models. These dynamic manual assistants can translate complex technical data, schematics, and airworthiness directives into context-aware, step-by-step guidance. By streamlining data retrieval and highlighting critical safety parameters, AI toolsets empower mechanics to perform tasks with higher accuracy and efficiency.

AMFA Core Principles on AI in Aviation Maintenance

• SUPPORT: AI technologies that augment human capabilities, enhance VR training, and modernize technical manuals to protect technician safety and airworthiness.

• OPPOSE: Any deployment of AI automation, or machine intelligence intended to displace, downsize, or replace human aviation professionals, whether Aircraft Maintenance Technicians or Pilots.

However, AMFA maintains a firm, non-negotiable standard: AI must remain a human-augmenting tool, never a human replacement. Commercial aviation's gold standard of safety relies on the certified judgment, skilled oversight, and tactile accountability of licensed human professionals. AMFA cannot support any aspect of AI technology aimed at reducing workforce headcount or replacing the critical decision-making of safety-sensitive personnel—be it in the flight deck or on the maintenance hangar floor.

As Congress shapes policies for an AI-ready workforce, we urge this Committee to adopt legislation that supports cutting-edge technical training while safeguarding skilled human jobs. We look forward to collaborating with lawmakers to ensure AI strengthens America's aviation safety infrastructure without eroding workforce stability.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert R. Cush
Director of Government Affairs