Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has launched the NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool to streamline the process of developing well-documented aviation maintenance technician applicants who are ready for testing. The tool, created in collaboration with the organization's Maintenance Committee, is available only to NATA members and provides a structured approach to recording the on-the-job tasks mandated to fulfill the prerequisites for FAA Form 8610-2.
Structured as an Excel document, the tool aligns with the FAA Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1). It facilitates the visibility of an applicant's progress and also provides a clear pathway to obtaining an FAA aviation mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant privileges in approximately 30 months or privileges in either airframe or powerplant in about 18 months.
“NATA is pleased to support a member-driven resource that follows FAA guidance to provide a more comprehensive pathway to employee mechanic certification," said&nbsp;association president and CEO Curt Castagna.&nbsp;“The NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool prepares an applicant to return to an MRO as an FAA-certificated aircraft mechanic more expediently and efficiently with credible training, real-world experience, and profit-making ability.”
This tool offers multiple benefits, including an FAA-recognized format for documenting hands-on experience across all necessary segments for testing qualification, as well as tracking capabilities for technicians ranging from piston- to turbine-based systems.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

NATA Launches Aviation Maintenance Apprenticeship Tracking Tool

The tool assists members with developing aviation maintenance technician applicants

The National Air Transportation Association has introduced the NATA Aviation Apprenticeship Tracking Tool to aid in developing aviation maintenance technician applicants.

NATA Launches Aviation Mx Apprenticeship Tracking Tool

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Four-decade career in aviation journalism culminated in leading AIN’s editorial team

AIN Editor-in-chief Matt Thurber To Retire in October

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The Dutch air force will receive eight of the two-seaters in 2027

Pilatus PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer Makes First Flight

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Why not teach new pilots to go around before learning how to land?

AINsight: You Can (and Should) Always Go Around

Kerry Lynch

Most major manufacturers will be at static this year

NBAA-BACE Taking Shape with Expanded Program, Most OEMs

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

First step toward licensing could encourage youth to seek aviation careers

GAO Wants High Schoolers To Take Mechanic General Test

Charlotte Bailey

Evolving AI-augmented simulator-based approach to ‘gamify’ learning 

Saab Shaking Up Gripen Training with Project Skynapse 

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

More In Training and Workforce

AIN Editor-in-chief Matt Thurber To Retire in October

Four-decade career in aviation journalism culminated in leading AIN’s editorial team

Pilatus PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer Makes First Flight

The Dutch air force will receive eight of the two-seaters in 2027

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Why not teach new pilots to go around before learning how to land?

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Most major manufacturers will be at static this year

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First step toward licensing could encourage youth to seek aviation careers

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Evolving AI-augmented simulator-based approach to ‘gamify’ learning

Cutting 'Traveled Work' Delays At Spirit Critical To 737 Output

Spirit AeroSystems workers give Leeham News and Analysis the inside track

People in Aviation —September 2026

Michel Denis was named CEO of Daher, Steve Varsano president of Flexjet, and Robert Sumwalt was the next Wright Trophy recipient

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