National Assessment of Mechanics OMB - Part B

National Assessment of Mechanics

2120-XXXX

B. Statistical Methods

1. Describe the potential respondent universe.

The total respondent universe consists of all newly certified individuals who have recently taken, for the first time, and passed an Airframe and/or Powerplant (A and/or P) Mechanic Certification test in the U. S. Since the number of people taking the certification test varies each year, we can only estimate that the possible number of respondents will equal approximately 2,200 during the data collection period from January to December.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information.

The data collection will be conducted from January through December 2008, 2009, and 2010. Since certification is an ongoing process, questionnaires will be mailed out immediately following certification to mechanic’s home addresses as needed, organized by FAA region. All mechanics will be mailed a questionnaire with a postage-paid return envelope.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates.

Newly certified applicants who have recently taken, for the first time, and passed an Airframe and/or Powerplant (A and/or P) Mechanic Certification test will receive a survey with a cover letter explaining the purpose of the survey and asking for their feedback regarding their testing experiences. The letter will explain the importance of their feedback in improving the quality of FAA Designee testing. They will be assured that the survey is completely anonymous, confidential, and voluntary and that if any of the questions make them feel uncomfortable, they should skip them. In order to improve response rates, a reminder postcard will be sent to all survey recipients 2 weeks after survey distribution. It will not be possible to send reminders or make phone calls to those who do not respond due to respondent anonymity.

4. Describe tests of procedures and methods to be undertaken.

All instruments will be reviewed by a group of experienced FAA researchers and AFS personnel for clarity of instructions and technical details.

5. Provide the names of consultants and the person who will collect and analyze the information.

The information will be collected and analyzed by Casey L. Blaine, Ed.D., AFS-650, (405) 954-8711; Eric Baird, AFS-650, (405) 954-6474; Stephen H. Wright, AFS-650, (405) 954-8796; Bruce Rengstorf, AFS-650, (405) 954-2456; Cristy Detwiler, AFS-620, (405) 954-6810; and Ed Hall, AFS-350, (804) 222-7494 ext 240.