A Brief History
The EAMTC started in 1984 as a first effort to streamline Maintenance Training activities between KLM, SAS, Swissair and UTA. These parties formed the KSSU group where cooperation in the aircraft maintenance field was the primary driver. Building on work done together in the 70’s for the DC 10 training programme, the team was joined in the 80’s by Lufthansa amongst others as an effort was made to harmonise training for the B747. A common approach for B747 training never materialised but the group agreed to widen their scope and continue to work together on Airbus training programmes. Due to this there was the involvement of Airbus and other European manufacturers and airlines with the growing group of training managers wishing to “pool” their knowledge and resources.
In the days before the regulation of maintenance training by the JAA or EASA, each country had its own maintenance training philosophy. Sometimes even within a country a difference in philosophy between organisations was present. This was a primary obstruction for creating and harmonising maintenance training across borders. The ATA specification 104 was the basis for training courses during these times and was promoted by the EAMTC to prevent cross-border training difficulties.
In 1990 the members of the day decided to continue their efforts under the name of European Airlines Maintenance Training Committee. For this purpose a Charter was created in which, amongst other things, the appointment of a rotating Chairmanship, in alphabetical order of the member company’s name was defined. A meeting schedule was set at twice per year with the Chairman being responsible for organising the meeting.
In 2006 in Amsterdam the group made the first step to become a Foundation. In Luxembourg 2007 the first Charter outlining their objectives and intentions for the Foundation was written. Later in 2007 the Foundation was established under Dutch Civil Law. The Foundation is now named:
European Aviation Maintenance Training Committee
Increasing regulation and business pressures in the aviation industry make it increasingly important to have joint efforts. The EAMTC’s founding objectives remain as important today as they were in the 80’s.