2025 House Resolution 116

Whereas, May 24 is observed to commemorate the work of aviation maintenance professionals; and

Whereas, National AMT Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions AMTs have made to the aviation industry and recognizes the important tasks carried out by AMTs every day; and

Whereas, National AMT Day was selected in honor of Charles Edward Taylor’s birthday, who worked with the Wright Brothers and built the engine used to power their airplane; and

Whereas, Today, our nation’s AMTs are responsible for ensuring the safety and mechanical reliability and support of thousands of aircraft every day and have a critical role in keeping millions of people safe each year; and

Whereas, AMTs are responsible for servicing aircraft, aircraft engines, and aircraft components, as well as avionics systems according to airline and FAA specifications. They also perform inspections during assembly of parts and after repair or installation of components, document maintenance procedures including component damage, origin, and condition. AMTs also practice safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures; and

Whereas, The need for highly skilled aviation professionals such as AMTs continues to grow. Boeing projects that commercial carriers will need 690,000 new AMTs to maintain the global commercial aviation fleet over the next 20 years; and

Whereas, Airlines have established partnerships with Maintenance Training programs across the U.S., including several prominent institutions here in Michigan. These include Lansing Community College, MIAT College of Technology in Canton, and Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation located at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek.

Whereas, Battle Creek is home to Duncan Aviation’s Technical Education Center, which offers a Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship program, and the Calhoun Area Career Center, which provides aviation exploration opportunities for high school students. These programs collectively provide hands-on training, career guidance, and direct employment pathways, making Michigan a strategic hub for workforce development in aviation maintenance; and

Whereas, AMTs are among the aviation industry’s top talent, with competitive compensation. The top 10% of aircraft mechanics earn over $120,000 annually, and many AMTs can expect to earn $100,000 or more within five to eight years, depending on experience and employer; and

Whereas, Airlines will need to have a multi-pronged recruitment and professional development effort to help identify, source, and support the next generation of AMTs; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 24, 2025, as National AMT Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the contributions of these important airline professionals and the need to shine a continued spotlight on these important aviation careers now and into the future.