Transforming Maintenance Training

Aviation maintenance training is performed today in the same manner as it was in 1940. Advances in training technology and costs have finally aligned to allow for a transformation in the conduct of training with potential for improvements in student outcomes and reductions in the cost of training. The proposed transformation applies the principles of quality systems design to the training pipeline. The proposed solution postulates an integrated system of networks, electronic learning environments and hands-on simulations using intelligent part task training devices. This integrated system constantly captures qualitative measurements of student learning and drives the training in the direction of individual student mastery rather than group measurement. An application of this system reduced training time by over 20%, training capitalization by 80%, and total training costs by 50% while producing a measurably improved outcome.