February 2013 - As the government counts down to sequestration, the Association is working feverously to finalize details for its Annual Legislative Day and Repair Symposium. Unlike our elected officials, ARSA has run successful gatherings since its inception. The annual event has traditions—a legislative day for members to meet lawmakers, opening segments with educational exchanges among and between regulators and regulated parties, a unique form of jeopardy, and annual membership meeting. The event provides education, humor, and networking opportunities unavailable anywhere else; if you have not registered, now is the time to punch the proper buttons and guarantee time well spent.

The activities begin on March 20, with the Association’s legislative day. This is your chance to speak directly with lawmakers and their staff and share insights into the impacts their actions have on your business. For those members who have given ARSA PAC solicitation consent, there will a special PAC luncheon with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security. Later that afternoon there will be separate meetings to discuss ARSA’s PR efforts through the Positive Publicity Campaign, the savings ARSA members can join through the Aviation Alliance Insurance Risk Retention Group, and efforts to overhaul the Part 147 curriculum.

On the March 21, the Repair Symposium will get underway with important sessions on maintenance, certification, new and pending regulations, and a customer session featuring airline representatives from American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Atlas Air, and Delta TechOps.

On the 22nd, the Association will be trying something new following its annual Membership Meeting and breakfast. The morning will feature three breakout panels including an ICA workshop, a session on doing business with the military, and a discussion on major and minor repairs.

The complete agenda is available online. With your active participation, the Association can ensure its best Symposium yet. I look forward to seeing you there!