Avionics News January 2014 - 55

the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, stated in
certification programs, ASTM will continue to build upon its
ASTM Standardization News, "Simplified, higher-level rules
strategy to provide new programs and services targeted to the
recommended by the ARC, combined with the use of ASTM
aviation and aerospace industries.
performance standards that specify the methods of aircraft
"Developing standards and certifications is a unique
compliance, will bring much-needed flexibility to the regulaendeavor that requires a diverse skill set and understandtory structure." Committee F44 has members from all around
ing that ASTM is able to provide," explained Lee Brewster,
the world. Stakeholder groups represented on the committee
president and executive director of NCATT. "Future growth
include manufacturers, suppliers, trade associations, user
of the NCATT brand will also be ensured, as NCATT will
groups and government agencies.
expand beyond the current certification offerings and build
Another committee impacting the aviation industry is F37.
upon ASTM's existing relationship with the FAA."
Formed in 2002, F37 consists of more than 200 members
Mike Adamson, vice president of member programs and
representing stakeholders in the light sport industry. Another
education for the Aircraft Electronics Association, recogcommittee of note is F39, which develops and maintains
nized the importance of this partnership and impact, as well.
component-level standards to be referenced by component
"It is increasingly more important for aircraft technician
designers and manufacturers. This committee also is involved with aircraftNCATT will become part of ASTM International
level standards related to the design,
certification, production and installation
and continue to provide nonregulatory,
of systems-related equipment.
industry-recognized personnel certifications
Currently, ASTM International boasts
for aviation and aerospace technicians.
more than 30,000 members representing 150 countries. The organization has
developed approximately 12,000 standards, which are used globally to improve product quality,
knowledge and skill standards to evolve in step with the rapid
enhance safety, gain market access along with trade, and
technological advancements we are seeing in our industry,"
build customer confidence.
he said. "NCATT and ASTM's partnership ensures an indusNCATT will become part of ASTM International and
try-led continuous improvement process that will benefit
continue to provide nonregulatory, industry-recognized perall current NCATT certified technicians, while expansion
sonnel certifications for aviation and aerospace technicians.
into new aviation disciplines will offer professional growth
It began as a National Science Foundation Advanced
opportunities and further excite those who are considering
Technical Education grant project, awarded in 1999.
entry in the field."
Originally known as the National Center for Aircraft
Currently, NCATT offers seven personnel certification
Technician Training, NCATT evolved into an independent
programs and has issued more than 1,200 certifications
nonprofit organization led by aviation industry leaders and
and endorsements. ASTM International will expand these
subject-matter experts. When NCATT cut its bonds with the
programs globally and provide even more opportunities to
NSF, it became known as the National Center for Aerospace
thousands of subject matter experts and technicians across
and Transportation Technologies. NCATT established the
the aviation industry. With study materials available and with
infrastructure and processes that resulted in the adoption of a
ASTM involvement, industry insiders expect more technistandard and certification program for avionics technicians.
cians to become certified and the importance of the AET with
The success of this industry-driven program in a highly reguendorsements to grow.
lated and technologically advanced industry is a testament to
In November, ASTM International began working to
the aviation industry's dedication and commitment.
ensure everything is in order with the merger, and that the
Tim Steinhauser, director of customer relations at
AET and endorsement process will continue to operate as it
Gulfstream Aerospace, said, "This is a great opportuhas in the past. With the ASTM infrastructure and expertise,
nity for NCATT and for the aviation industry. NCATT has
the aviation industry can expect more rapid development of
proven itself as an innovator and valuable resource, and
additional industry-driven avionics standards. In the near
this influence and impact will continue to grow now that it
term, ASTM expects to focus on building relationships
is part of an organization with such a rich history as ASTM
between stakeholders and the formation of an advisory
International."
committee. q
ASTM International has had an ongoing partnership with
the FAA, which has led to outstanding successes in aviation
Editor's Note: Avionics News will follow up on this story when more
information becomes available, specifically to address the road map for
standards initiatives to promulgate standards references for
future endorsements and what this means for current certification holders.
FAA regulatory programs. With the addition of NCATT's
avionics news

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Avionics News January 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News January 2014