Let Vets Work: From the Front Line to the Flight-Line
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Problem:
Thousands of military-trained mechanics are ready to serve again — but outdated FAA rules are holding them back. Sign the petition today.
Every year, thousands of military-trained aviation mechanics complete their service — highly skilled, mission-tested, and ready to bring their talents to the civilian aviation industry.
But despite years of hands-on experience maintaining some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, veterans are forced to repeat training, pay thousands in unnecessary fees, and take redundant oral and practical exams — all to prove skills they already have.
Why This is a Problem:
- Aviation shortage: At the same time, America is facing a critical shortage of certified aviation mechanics.
- Airline staffing: Airlines are short-staffed.
- Safety at risk: Safety and reliability are at risk.
- Unnecessary costs: Our veterans — trained at taxpayer expense — are being told they need to start over.
What We’re Calling For:
We need the FAA, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and Congress to make common-sense reforms that will:
- Remove unnecessary testing (oral and practical) for military mechanics with verified experience.
- Allow military mechanics to test for General, Airframe, and Powerplant (A&P) certifications without delay.
- Recognize military training and records as valid qualifications — just like we do for military pilots.
- Partner with veteran-led organizations like Warriors in Need (WIN) to support a smoother transition to civilian careers.
These are not new skills that need to be learned. These are veterans who have already done the job — and done it well — under the most demanding conditions.
Let them work. Sign this petition and demand action now.
To learn more, go to Warriors In Need (WIN) at https://warriorsinneed.org
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To:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned, call on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reform outdated certification policies that block military-trained aviation mechanics from entering the civilian workforce.
Veterans with proven hands-on experience are being forced to repeat training, pay unnecessary fees, and take redundant tests — despite having already done the work, under the most demanding conditions. Meanwhile, the civilian aviation industry is facing a critical mechanic shortage.
We support the removal of unnecessary testing, faster certification pathways, and formal recognition of military training records.
These reforms are common sense. They benefit veterans, strengthen our aviation workforce, and make smarter use of public resources.
Disclaimer:
This petition is organized by Warriors In Need (WIN), a veteran-led nonprofit organization. WIN does not receive any donations made through this petition platform. Personal information submitted here is used solely for petition delivery and campaign updates — we do not sell or share your information. This petition is not affiliated with the FAA, DOT, or any government agency.