FAA opens grant program that could support aviation maintenance, pilot training in Maine
Photo / Courtesy of WingsReality EDU
The Federal Aviation Administration is opening a grant program aimed at recruiting and education aviation technicians and pilots. PIctured is an aviation training class at the Upstart Center in Orono.
The Federal Aviation Administration is opening up two key grants that will support workforce recruitment and training in aviation, a growing sector in Maine.
The Aviation Development Workforce Grants program is aimed at closing a widening workforce gap and provides grants between $25,000 and $500,000 to programs that support recruitment of those who would seek a career in aviation, as well as training. Eligible entities include schools, government programs and unions.
The grants are separated into two categories — programs for aviation technicians and those that train pilots, aviation engineers and unmanned air system operators. The grants can also be used to support the professional development of teachers in eligible aviation programs in either category.
The Manufacturing Association of Maine lists more than 40 aerospace-related companies in Maine. Stakeholders in that sector have told Mainebiz that recruitment and training are key to the industry's growth in Maine, particularly as the aerospace industry expands in the state.
Congress appropriated $5 million for the program for the 2020 fiscal year after FAA funding was reauthorized with addition of the grants in 2018. That year, pilot training was added to aircraft technician and maintenance training. The FAA expects 10 grants to be awarded in the competitive national program.
Maine's U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King have pushed for implementation of the program, supporting its addition to the FAA reauthorization, they said in a joint news release Monday.
“A strong aviation workforce is critical to America’s economy, supporting not only this important sector but all the other economic activity that relies on the aviation industry,” King and Collins said.
“These programs, which were first enacted by Congress two years ago, are a vital tool to help bolster our nation’s aviation workforce. We look forward to seeing these funding programs open before the end of the year, so that Maine students can benefit from the opportunity to explore potential careers in aviation-related fields.” Collins, a Republican, is running for re-election against Democratic opponent Sarah Gideon.
Last year, King, an Independent, and U.S. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., introduced the Promoting the Launch of Aviation’s Next Era Act of 2019, which provided more support for opportunities for a trained aviation workforce.
The grants are still in the public comment phase through Sept. 23-24, and the FAA plans to issue a request for proposals after that.
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