Aerospace Industry to Launch Qualification Program for Coatings Applicators

PRI Qualification is launching an Aerospace Coatings Applicator Specialist (ACAS) program in 2021 aimed at allowing professional aerospace coatings applicators to earn industry approved qualifications.  The initiative will launch this year following the recent release of a Coatings Applicator Body of Knowledge and the completion of a pilot program to qualify certifying agencies.

The ACAS program is underpinned by the SAE AS7489 standard written by the SAE G8 Organic Coatings committee. The PRI Qualification program supports the operational delivery of ACAS working in collaboration with industry experts from companies including ADDEV Materials, Boeing, CFAN, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Nycote Laboratories, PPG, Saint Clair Systems, and professional development organizations such as SpaceTEC and SAE ITC. Individuals will be able to validate their skills through a network of global certifying agencies, and training providers will conduct training based on the Body of Knowledge and proctor practical assessments.

“The work that PRI is doing to establish an ACAS  program couldn’t come in a more timely moment,” says Pennie Burnham, VP of Sales and Marketing with Nycote Laboratories Corporation and the new Chair of the PRI Qualification Coatings Applicator Review Board. “The ACAS program provides a universal level of quality, access to experienced certified technicians and trainers, and a Review Board to ensure compliance. This program is a great benefit for the aerospace industry.”