Kenosha, Wis., January 13, 2020 – The competition is back and better than ever!

A record 90 aviation maintenance teams from around the world are expected to compete against each other in the industry’s premier annual event, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on. The event will be held at the MRO Americas 2020 Convention, April 28-30, at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Over the past several years, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on has grown to become a widely attended international aviation experience for both technicians and fans. The venue provides certified AMTs from major airlines, MROs and OEMs, as well as military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools, the chance to test their skills against their peers. The three-day competition runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29; and the awards presentation from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30.   

​“There’s no greater event that recognizes the men and women that comprise our industry than the Aerospace Maintenance Competition,” said Ken MacTiernan, Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition. “The AMC is a world stage for our entire craft to be highlighted. Many people don’t see the knowledge, skill and integrity it takes to keep aircraft flying safe. The AMC puts those men and women on a stage with a spotlight to be recognized.”

The AMC truly has an international flavor as this year’s field includes commercial teams from Alitalia, Qatar, Flybe, Qantas, JetStar, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, WestJet and several other commercial, MRO, military and school teams. Participants will be competing in 28 events, including airframe damage inspection, cable rigging, fiber optics, engine fan blade removal, and many others that are new this year that challenge their knowledge, skill and team work. 

“It has been our goal to keep the AMC fresh, and we do that by replacing a few events every year; bring in new technology, something they haven’t seen before,” said The Honorable John Goglia, a former National Transportation Safety Board member who runs the AMC with MacTiernan.

​The team earning the overall best score takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the coveted award signifies the highest standard of excellence in aviation maintenance. The O’Brien Award is a traveling trophy that debuted at the 2013 competition. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the 5-foot tall trophy in their facility for a year. In addition to the trophy, Snap-on is awarding more than $75,000 in tools and equipment as prizes to the top finishers in the competition. Last year, the five-member team from United Airlines Team Cleveland showed everyone why they were the team to beat, keeping the O’Brien Award trophy on display at the company’s facility at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for a third straight year. 

“Snap-on is pleased to continue our partnership with the AMC and we look forward to once again putting on a world-class event for these talented men and women in Dallas,” said Tom Murray, Director of Marketing, Snap-on Industrial. “Aviation technicians are the unsung heroes in the industry, and Snap-on takes great pride in not only providing them with the right tools and equipment they need, but becoming a true partner with them. That’s what the Snap-on brand brings to this critical industry.”

Snap-on has a long history of supporting aviation technicians and students around the world, and that commitment is reaffirmed through its sponsorship as the official tool sponsor for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Snap-on provides all the tools and equipment used by the participants during the competition, as well as planning and logistical support. 

Aviation maintenance supporters can get involved with the AMC through college financial donations. The Aerospace Maintenance Council, which hosts the AMC, is accepting donations from industry organizations to increase funding of its Phoebe Omlie Award. Named after the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927, the Phoebe Omlie Award is available to both men and women who are enrolled in an FAA Part 147 school, and who are participating in the AMC. 

Although the scholarship began just three years ago, several students have received financial assistance. The Council is hoping to raise $20,000 this year. To make a financial donation to the Phoebe Omlie Award, email Crystal Maguire at team@aerospacecompetition.com. For students to apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship.html.

For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900, or visit www.snaponaviation.com; for information on the Maintenance Skills Competition Presented by Snap-on, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com.

About Snap-on Industrial
Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.  Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources.  Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $3.7 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The Aerospace Maintenance Council hosts annually the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). This year’s event will take place on April 28-30, 2020 in Dallas.
 
The event showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide scholarships in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.
 
Awards in the amount of $500-2500 are possible only through the generous contributions of our sponsors. The council is currently soliciting financial contributions in support of these scholarships. For more information, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship.

Participation as a competitor is not a requirement of eligibility, but will be considered by the selection committee.

Contact: Jay Johnson, National Secretary/Treasurer
Phone: (720) 744-6632
​
December 30, 2019 – The AMFA National Executive Council (NEC) is pleased to announce that we will be accepting applications until February 28, 2020, for two AMFA Scholarships for 2019. Scholarships will be $2500 and will be payable to each recipient’s institution of higher learning. Last year’s scholarships were awarded to students of South Seattle Community College in Seattle, WA and Hallmark University in San Antonio, TX.

“Contributing to the education of the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians is one of AMFA’s ambitions,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National Director. “We are honored to be offering this opportunity as costs have risen to obtain a FAA Airframe & Powerplant license.”

Those who apply must be currently enrolled in a school or university to gain their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, be a US Citizen, and submit a 500-word essay about the importance of the FAA Hotline, ASAP, NASA ASRS, and safety reporting system as they relate to the aviation industry. The application and further information can be found on the Education page of the AMFA National website.
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Founded in 1962, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.

The Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC)—being held in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas—will take place April 27-30, 2020 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

​This year’s competition will showcase events testing the technical prowess of current and future aviation maintenance professionals. Last year, 80 teams participated, the largest number ever to compete; this year we expect to host 90 teams. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis. Register now to guarantee your spot.

Reservation options for negotiated and preferred hotels, managed by onPeak, is available at https://mroamericas.aviationweek.com/en/plan-your-visit/hotel.html.    

The council strongly recommends that all sponsors and teams book hotels via onPeak to receive the lowest rate for your room(s) as well as added services and incentives.

To request rooms for a group of 8 or more, visit https://onpeak.wufoo.com/forms/rgvwkdf1237lsb/
For questions regarding accommodation, contact onPeak directly at (877) 422-7123 or MRO@onpeak.com  

For many years, United Airlines has sponsored the Fuel Tank event. A favorite among competitors, the task challenges individuals to defuel and refuel a 747-400 fuel tank.

During the awards ceremony it was incorrectly announced that two United Airlines teams had the best times in the event. In fact, all four United Airlines teams came out on top, with United Airlines Base Maintenance leading the pack, followed by CLE, Chicago and Chix Fix.

While the teams passed the event prize to the first non-United team with the best score, FedEx Express INDY, the council would like to apologize for the error made during the live event, and give credit where credit is due.

​Congratulations to Teams United for an incredibly impressive showing in its own fueling event.

UNITED AIRLINES TEAM CLEVELAND WINS WILLIAM F. “BILL” O’BRIEN AWARD AT 2019 AEROSPACE MAINTENANCE COMPETITION PRESENTED BY SNAP-ON

​Kenosha, Wis., April 23, 2019 – Make that three in a row for the team from Cleveland!
 
United Airlines Team Cleveland bested 82 teams from around the world, the largest field ever to compete in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on (AMC), to win the famed William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. This is Team Cleveland’s third consecutive AMC victory, which was announced April 11 at the MRO Americas Convention in Atlanta.
 
“When we heard United Airlines Team Cleveland, I was so incredibly proud and happy. To do a three-peat, I didn’t expect it,” said Team Captain Russ Peterson. “I can’t say anything more than the guys on my team are the best. Brian Hall, being the coach of the team, is definitely the leader. He sets the foundation and they take it from there. These guys just build on each other; it’s the greatest experience ever.”
 
“It’s a lot of support from United and a lot of teamwork from everybody,” added Team Coach Brian Hall on the keys to winning a third straight O’Brien Award.
 
Joining Peterson and Hall on United Airlines Team Cleveland were Harold Dschuhan, Daniel Morrison, Garrett Morrison, David Vance and Jack Waldeck.
 
The William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, is the grand prize for the team with the overall winning score in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. The four-foot tall O’Brien trophy will be on display at United Airlines’ Cleveland maintenance facility for the next 12 months. The trophy features a bust of Charles E. Taylor, an aviation pioneer who built and maintained the first aircraft engine used by the Wright Brothers. Sponsorship of the Award is part of Snap-on’s continued commitment to the Aerospace Maintenance Competition and aviation maintenance technicians around the world.

​The Aerospace Maintenance Competition showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support of our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide a scholarship in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.
 
Awards in the amount of $1,000-$1,500 were presented at the AMC awards ceremony. The following students received a $1,500 award.

Two additional students received a $1,000 award. 

• Raj Gouden is a student at Aviation High School where he is taking a number of Advanced Placement classes.  He is the vice president of Pegasus, Aviation High School's Technical Honor Society and maintains an A average.  His teachers speak glowingly of his aptitude for math, science and technical work. They also speak of his leadership skills in organizing classes and mentoring other students.​
• Laura Pantoja is a senior at Aviation High School where she maintains an A average.  She is President of Pegasus, the school's Technical Honor Society.  She wrote the best essay of all the applicants, interweaving Phoebe Omlie's legacy with her own aspirations.  She has glowing and detailed recommendations from her teachers extolling her intellectual, technical and leadership skills. She is currently interning at JetBlue Airways Tech Ops.  She aspires to working in aircraft maintenance, ultimately getting an engineering degree and working at the NTSB.

 
The scholarship is supported through the generous contributions of AMC participants and sponsors. For more information and to apply, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship.
 
Applications for next year's award are due March 15, 2020.

Congratulations to United Airlines CLE, third-time recipient of the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, sponsored by Snap-on. The four-foot tall O’Brien trophy, featuring a bust of the first aviation mechanic Charles E. Taylor, will find its way back to Cleveland where it will remain until April 2020, when it will be again up for grabs.

Congratulations to everyone that competed in the 2019 event. ​Top event scores will be posted on the page linked below when they are available. Teams will soon be able to see overall, category, and event standings in the scoring dashboard (team login credentials required).