The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) has set March 31 through April 2 as the dates for its annual repair symposium at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City, Va. The agenda and registration for the symposium, which also includes a Legislative Day on Capitol Hill, are available on the organization’s Web site.

“As the new Congress gets under way this week we’re ramping up our lobbying on behalf of the aviation maintenance industry,” Christian Klein, executive vice president, told AIN. “The top priority is preventing hostile legislation that would drive up regulatory compliance costs for repair stations.”

But bills on the Hill aren’t the only challenge the industry faces this year. Klein said a constantly evolving regulatory environment and negative press in the general media are contributing to uncertainty. 

The three-day meeting will feature high-level speakers from the FAA, Transportation Security Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency, Congress, industry trade groups and leading aviation maintenance companies. 

Symposium topics will include new repair station security rules, maintenance and certification regulatory developments, safety management systems, and tool and test calibration.

“ARSA’s lobbying, public relations efforts and new insurance program exclusively for repair stations will also be front and center,” Klein said. “But the meeting isn’t just about learning; it’s also about acting. As part of Legislative Day [March 31], ARSA members will go to Capitol Hill en masse to meet with representatives and senators to promote the repair station policy agenda.”

According to Klein, one major reason to attend the symposium is the opportunity to connect with officials from the FAA, other aviation authorities, key members of Congress, and industry colleagues.

“We’re proud that our unique networking, training and advocacy opportunities have made this meeting a must-attend event for the maintenance industry,” he said. “Given the enormous impact government has on repair stations, it’s more important than ever for business leaders to come to Washington and make their voices heard.”