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 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.
 
While the 2020 competition was cancelled amidst coronavirus concerns, the council recognized a handful of student competitors through a "virtual" awards ceremony on June 24.

The following individuals were presented with $1,000 awards:

• Tristan Anderson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Mr. Anderson is a straight A student at Embry-Riddle majoring in aviation maintenance science, while also working towards his pilot certificate.  He plans to continue his education by obtaining a Masters Degree in aeronautics.  Mr. Anderson is looking forward to working in business aviation with a goal of ultimately becoming a director of maintenance.
• Beth Anne Chevalier, Utah State University:  Ms. Chevalier is a senior at Utah State  University where she is majoring in aviation technology maintenance management and minoring in unmanned aerial systems.   She has enjoyed working with tools from a young age and would like a career building aircraft engines.  Ms. Chevalier has demonstrated leadership attributes and was voted by her peers into the Society of Aviation Maintenance Professionals (SAMP) club leadership. She has also shared her enthusiasm and love for aviation by organizing a Girls in Aviation Day at her local airport.
• Zening Loh, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Ms. Loh began Embry-Riddle with the intention of becoming an airline pilot and is now a certified flight instructor.  However, she soon decided to switch to the aviation maintenance program and she is scheduled to graduate this year.  She plans to use both her flying and maintenance skills in the future working for a seaplane company in the Maldives, both flying and performing maintenance.
• Cody Rundle, Mohawk Valley Community College: Mr. Rundle is extremely hardworking and dedicated. He worked for a year to save up to be able to afford the A&P tech program he is majoring in.  He goes to school full time and works as a welder six days a week. Despite his arduous schedule, he still makes time to be involved in his College’s Aviation Maintenance Club.
• Tyler Yoder, Liberty University: Mr. Yoder, is a straight A student and on the Dean’s List at Liberty University. His dream as a child was to be a Marine and an aircraft mechanic and he is fulfilling both those dreams. He was in the Marines and worked as an aircraft mechanic on CH53-E helicopter. He is now pursuing his A&P and undergraduate degree in aviation maintenance management so that he can rise in the management ranks of an aviation organization.

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, 2021.

It is with heavy regret that I write to you today. The consequences of Covid-19 have reverberated through the aviation community and created obstacles that demand rigid responses. The Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) is not immune to the impacts. With the best interest of the competition and participants in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event, despite our original intention to reschedule for September.

We understand the disappointment this cancellation will cause. Competitors invested time and resources into training and studying in order to compete, and our incredible sponsors were prepared to put on the best event yet. It is unfortunate and unpleasant that we will not be able to provide a world stage for students and professionals to compete against each other. 

All team, event, and sponsor registrations will carry forward to the 2021 competition. (Let us know if you need to make a change to your participation.) And we will still recognize recipients of the 2020 Phoebe Omlie Award, so stay tuned for information on the virtual awards ceremony. 

We look forward to seeing you next year at the AMC in Orlando on April 27-29. 

The cancellation of this year's event does not diminish the fact that you are the best of the best. You remain the true faces behind safety in aviation.

Sincerely,

Ken MacTiernan
Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition

Note: While the AMC has been cancelled, Aviation Week Network's MRO Americas will take place as scheduled, in Dallas on Sept. 1-3, 2020.