Toronto, ON – The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario, 2023 AME Conference saw an impressive showcase of skills and expertise as teams vied for victory in various challenging competitions. The IAM proved its members are at the very top of every class.
Among the rigorous events were the lock wiring contest, virtual main wheel and brake changes, avionics fault troubleshooting, 2D virtual paint challenge, non-destructive test challenge, and sheet metal repair and riveting challenge.
Keith Aiken, IAM Canada Airline Coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was an exciting event and it’s exciting to see the skills on display. It is awesome that our IAM teams took the top three spots.”
As a Platinum Sponsor at the conference, the IAM demonstrated a strong presence. Members from various IAM locals actively participated in the Skills Challenge. Notably, the team representing Air Transat secured the first-place position, with two additional IAM teams from Air Canada clinching the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively.
“IAM Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are the best in the business and we’re pleased, but not surprised, they’ve shown that to the world,” said IAM Canadian General Vice-President, David Chartrand.
The IAM Canada booth, strategically positioned and staffed by Keith Aiken, Lou Pagrach, and Dave Flowers, attracted significant attention, drawing inquiries about the IAM, the skills and training within the trade and broader discussions on unionism.
Throughout the event, numerous AME students and IAM licensed professionals engaged in insightful conversations about the aviation industry’s future, posing thoughtful questions and contributing to robust discussions.
Adding a nostalgic touch to the event, retired AMEs, including Carlos Dacosta and a few others, dropped by, sharing fond memories and anecdotes from the industry’s earlier days.
The 50th Ontario Aircraft Maintenance Conference took place from Wednesday November 29th to Thursday November 30th, 2023 at the Delta Hotel and Conference in Mississauga, Ontario.
