Early 2020 saw the last of in-person events including the Concorde Battery IA (Inspection Authorization) Renewal Series hosted annually at key locations throughout the country. Rather than cancel Concorde’s IA recurrent training events in 2021, Concorde pivoted, and created Concorde’s Virtual IA Renewal Series that provided the opportunity for airmen to complete the training necessary to renew their IA certificate through virtual classes provided free of charge.
The inaugural Virtual IA Renewal Series event in January had nearly 1,500 attendees via virtual connection. This was the largest IA Seminar ever held and included participants from all over the world. In March, Concorde presented the Northeast Concorde Battery Virtual IA Renewal Series in conjunction with the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association (WAMA). This event provided a last-minute opportunity to complete IA Renewal Training ahead of the March 31 application deadline. Concorde Battery Corporation representatives also participated in online courses eligible for IA and AMT credit hosted by the Helicopter Association International (HAI), universities, colleges, associations and the FAA across the nation this year. These virtual events resulted in training of more than 2,500 individuals in 2021.
“The industry needed it. Concorde stepped up big this year,” confirms Dave Schiavone, Area Sales Manager and host of the Concorde Northeast Virtual IA Renewal Series. “We continue to support HAI, NBAA, along with aviation organizations like PAMA, WAMA (Happy Anniversary to WAMA for 60 years in operation!), and LIBAA – Long Island Business Aviation Association. There was little opportunity for these professionals to train for IA recertification in 2021 – we had to find a way to present this information.”
“Concorde Battery Corporation has provided IA training in South Carolina for 23 years. When several IA seminars in Florida and Tennessee were shuttered in 2017, Concorde Battery revived those seminars in order to provide continuity for those technicians to recertify each year,” said Chris Holder, Eastern US Sales Manager and founder of the South Carolina IA Seminar. “As the 2020 pandemic set in, it immediately became clear to us that thousands of IAs across the nation would soon be in a precarious position regarding their Inspection Authorization certification renewal – and something had to be planned.”
“What continues to stand out with regard to the Concorde IA Renewal Series is the quality of the speakers at each event,” Dave said. “Our lineup of presenters – Collins Aerospace, JSSI, CAMP, Champion Aerospace, Michelin Aircraft Tire, Dassault Falcon Jet, Honeywell Aerospace, WAMA, and the FAA Safety Team – are recognized in the aviation industry as exceptional instructors. Their knowledge regarding their product and aspects of safety in the industry is what sets them apart. We could not have done it without them.”
“Each year, I’m approached by attendees who are so grateful – and a little surprised – at the quality of the training that is provided at the Concorde Battery IA Renewal Series. Being involved in these seminars for a quarter century gives you an opportunity to listen to hundreds of speakers,” Mr. Holder added. “That has allowed me to identify folks like Tim Gauntt (Hartzell), Vince Bechtel (Tempest), Dennis Wyman (G&N Aircraft Engines), Vern Rogers (Cleveland Wheel & Brake) and so many others who are very passionate – as I am – about providing the right information to the technician in a way that is both entertaining and informative.”
The FAA has also adopted a virtual submission process utilizing the web based IACRA, Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application portal for Inspection Authorization Renewal applications as an alternative to mail or in person application processes. For a guide, visit: IACRA – Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov)
Concorde Battery Corporation highly values education. It is paramount to the industry’s safety and success. With a focus on educating operators on battery airworthiness and maximizing the life of your battery, Concorde Battery Corporation provides training opportunities throughout the year through our IA Renewal Series, engagement with pilot groups, technical seminars and individual training opportunities. For more information on Concorde Battery Corporation and future events please visit www.concordebattery.com .
For more details, contact:
Customer-service@
Phone 626/813-1234
