PAMA Ends SAE Affiliation to Focus On Aviation Maintenance Services

Separation from the Society of Automotive Engineers leads to more autonomy and a renewed emphasis on member, chapter and corporate programs

Warrendale, PA (June 15, 2009) — PAMA, the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, has announced it is ending its affiliation with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and will focus exclusively on programs and support for aviation maintenance managers, aviation mechanics and the aviation maintenance industry. PAMA plans to hire an association management firm to handle day-to-day operations and its recent initiatives to enhance member services, increase corporate and individual membership, and expand its technical leadership. PAMA will continue to provide a lobbying presence in Washington, DC, to ensure that aviation maintenance issues are properly represented in government circles.

“While our affiliation with SAE was well founded at the time, it’s clear that recent developments in the automotive industry created a challenge for SAE to continue providing the support we needed to achieve PAMA’s goals,” said Clark Gordon, chairman of PAMA’s board of directors. “Integrating PAMA further with SAE would have diminished the focus on our programs and partnerships, especially our professional development track for aviation maintenance managers,” he added.

“The PAMA board is conducting a search for a new association management firm and we’ll announce our selection within the next few weeks,” said John Casker, PAMA’s president. “PAMA is well-funded and we’re prepared to continue in our role as the voice of aviation maintenance,” Casker concluded.

 FAQ about the termination of PAMA’s affiliation with SAE International

Q: Why is PAMA separating from SAE?
A: As part of the "Affiliation" with SAE, PAMA was to evaluate full integration into SAE in 2011. Due to outside influences affecting operations, SAE asked PAMA to move the integration up to March of 2009. After careful review by the PAMA Strategic Planning Council and approval of the PAMA Board of Dirctors, it was determined that PAMA's best interests would be served as a separate organization. PAMA looks forward to partnering with SAE on selected programs in the future.

Q: What happens to my PAMA/SAE membership?
A: Your PAMA membership and benefits will continue until your renewal date, at which time you will be encouraged to renew your membership in PAMA. SAE member benefits will continue until your renewal date, provided you are a paid member prior to June 1, 2009.

Q: Who will manage PAMA?
A: Under the guidance of the PAMA Board of Directors, PAMA will hire an association management firm to meet the needs of our members and chapters. 

Q: Who will lead PAMA?
A: The PAMA Board of Directors will continue to operate as outlined in the PAMA Governance and Bylaws. The BoD is working closely with the PAMA President to insure a smooth transition.

Q: Is John Casker still the President?
A: John will continue as the PAMA President and has agreed to lead PAMA through the transition. After that, the PAMA BoD will review its options to continue with a President, Executive Administrator or Industry spokesperson.

Q: Where will PAMA Headquarters be located?
A: It is the wish of the PAMA BoD to have a the PAMA headquarters located in Washington DC

Q: What will happen to the chapters?
A: The chapters will continue to serve members at the local level with the help and support of PAMA National.

Q: Is PAMA financially stable?
A: Absolutely. PAMA has many opportunities to increase revenue and will work diligently to build membership and revenue on an ongoing basis.

Q: What will happen to the PAMA Aviation Maintenance & Management Symposium?
A: This program will continue with dates and locations to be announced later in the summer.

Q: How will PAMA address the continuing education needs of its members?
A: PAMA chapters will continue to provide technical programming at the local level. PAMA National will continue its new professional development tracks for entry-level maintenance managers, preparing them for the challenges of managerial functions. These programs are available at the PAMA Symposiums and, in the future, on-line and via webinars.

Q: What is going to happen to the PAMA/SAE Institute Professional Certification Program?
A: It has not been determined. PAMA and SAE will review this and come to a decision soon.

Q: What will happen to PAMF, the Professional Aviation Maintenance Foundation?
A: PAMA will continue to encourage the support of individual members, chapters and corporations to help PAMF’s worth while endeavors.