Enhancing Aviation Maintenance Training Using Scenario-based Education

Aviation maintenance technician training programs primarily utilize general aviation equipment. Most graduates in the current demand-driven environment are taking positions with air carriers and MRO’s. Industry reports that new technicians required between 2 – 5 years of further training and experience to be considered able to work independently on the shop floor which exacerbates the technician shortage. Scenario-based education provides graduates with an experience that provides a greater understanding of how large aircraft maintenance is developed and delivered in comparison to small general aviation aircraft. This will allow new hires to become capable of independent work in a shorter time frame allowing the workforce to grow more quickly. This presentation will describe the development and student experience of a large aircraft scenario-based course in which students develop a limited maintenance program, identify safety issues and protocols, and integrate (not just read about) the human factors Dirty Dozen into the actual processes and procedures utilized. Students implement and deliver the maintenance program and acting as the shift manager, lead technician, or technician to deliver the scheduled maintenance as well as non-routines and ACARS exercises. Work is documented and shift turnover communication processes are developed. The course focuses on leadership, communication, safety, maintenance management, and how medium to large aircraft maintenance programs are developed and documented. Students develop a GENFAM for assigned systems and act as the system experts for the class. Several maintenance focused NTSB accident reports are examined to understand the role maintenance and human factors perform in aviation safety