NGRAIN says it is working to close the gap that used to exist between learning the theory and putting that theory into practice.
integrate into their courseware,” she said. “They have achieved a really impressive ROI compared to the way they did specific training in the past.” Ms. Sutcliff said that the team had been
relying on a limited number of hardware- based panel trainers. The units were very expensive to maintain and were becoming prone to breakdowns, which caused repeated scheduling problems especially when technicians had to travel to the training facility. “That was the reason they decided to try the interactive 3D training solution,” she said. “They were able to make the training available online and on-demand. They haven’t looked back.”
Online Training’s Ever Broadening Appeal
Of course the benefits of online training programs extend well beyond the scope of maintenance training. Pretty much anything that requires a classroom can be supplemented, if not outright replaced by a well-produced online solution. And for aviation technicians working in this rapidly expanding global industry, the benefits on online training are extending into the necessary “soft skills” as well. For example, the International Air
Transport Association (IATA) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with Rosetta Stone (www.
rosettastone.com), providers of technology- based language learning solutions to provide second language training to IATA member airline employees. According to a recent release, the
program will be based on Rosetta Stone’s TOTALe PRO solution, which combines mobile applications with live online tutoring and group-based interactive learning games encompassing over 20 languages.
“If ever there was a truly global
industry, aviation is it,” stated Judy Verses, president, Global Institutions at Rosetta Stone stated in the release. “Being able to communicate across boarders and cultures is a vital skill for global organizations, and we’re delighted that IATA – which represents airlines all over the world— has chosen Rosetta Stone as its go-to language-learning solution.” In the same announcement release, Ismail Albaidhani, Head of Global Partnership & Learning Innovation and interim head of ITDI stated, “Airlines and supply companies serving the global aviation industry may operate in dozens of different countries. Language and communications skills are critical. This partnership with Rosetta Stone will enable us to better serve the education and training needs of the industry.” Speaking of the added value of online training to non-English speaking technicians, Ms. Asmar pointed out that CAE is seeing a trend for maintenance trainees in emergent countries to spend more time studying a particular aircraft’s systems online before traveling to attend a type-specific maintenance course. “More particularly [our] Chinese clients, who also have an additional challenge with their level of understanding in English make sure they are better prepared before attending the class,” she said. “More E-learning as part of their pre-study material is very beneficial.”
Ms. Asmar also stated that along with using the online tools to prep for type school, CAE is seeing significant growth in general refresher topics like batteries, hazardous material handling and other non-aircraft specific training. “Aircraft walk arounds and virtual tours are also ideal for our E-learning,” she said.
As you may expect, while the attraction of online learning is universal, the technology not without its challenges. “Regulatory restraints remain the biggest roadblock, especially in Europe where online delivery of specific type training is not authorize under EASA rules,” Ms. Asmar said. “However, Swiss, Austrian and German EASA authorities have provided guidance to the Part-147 A/C Maintenance Training Organizations that up to 30-percent of an AC Type course can be done through e-learning.” As for the FAA’s stand on online/E- learning they are “looking into it.” “We are addressing recommendations from the Part-147 Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that addresses distance learning,” an FAA spokesperson said.
The Future is Online… So whether you need to brush up on the latest procedures for troubleshooting a bulky braking system or want to learn conversational Arabic to land your dream MRO job in Dubai, you are probably going to spend most of your educational time with a laptop or iPad.
“Just-in-time training will become
increasingly popular for operations,” Ms. Asmar stated. “Training provided during [actual] operations is much more effective, leading to immediate application of the learning, faster learning and a higher mastery, and finally, faster resolution of problems on the line.” “There has been a lot of buy-in and a lot of proof that you can meet, if not exceed, the training requirements using an interactive 3D solution versus the ‘cold hands, warm feel’ type of training,” Ms. Sutcliff said. “It’s the growing trend and one we don’t see an end to any time soon.” AM
Aviation Maintenance |
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