By DALE FORTON.
First of all I want to thank General Aviation News for offering the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) the opportunity to publish articles that will be of interest to mechanics, as well as some pilots.
PAMA is an association for the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT). We promote professionalism and recognition for the AMT by fostering continuous improvement in aviation safety and through communication, education, representation, and support.
PAMA chapters around the country offer networking and training opportunities. Chapters put on several IA renewals annually. Along with this, our chapters and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Foundation (PAMF) offer many scholarships to existing and potential technicians. Together our chapters and PAMF have given out more than $100,000 in scholarships just this year!
Our Technical Committee is our most active committee, with members recently submitting our opinion on duty time for the AMT to the FAA. This committee also gets requests for technical advice and it then acts as a resource to get the individual to the most knowledgeable resource for the information they need.
One of our most important goals is to be the advocate for the recognition of the value of the AMT in the industry and in the public image. As a pilot or a passenger, you put an unspoken trust in your AMT. Thank them for your safety — as they think about it every time they work on an aircraft.
For more information: PAMA.org