EASA Approval Kick Starts Launch of 'Dassault Training Academy'

Dassault Aviation recently received regulatory approval from the EASA to operate as a Part 147 Training Center, the first such authorization to be granted to a business jet OEM. The approval allows Dassault Aviation to comply with new European regulations requiring that technicians be offered practical maintenance instruction in addition to theoretical training, and permits them the ability to obtain an EASA type rating certificate through their Part 66 license.

A new Dassault Training Academy in Merignac/Bordeaux France will serve as the Part 147 Training Center, offering accredited two-week, model-specific courses.

Dassault introduced practical training in April 2007, to complement theoretical instruction provided by the company's training partners, CAE and FlightSafety International. "Our Practical Training Program was a proactive response to feedback from Falcon operators and Authorized Service Centers requesting more manufacturer involvement in the training process," said Guilhem Rousset, Quality Manager at the Dassault Training Academy. "It emphasizes a 'hands-on' approach that allows trainees to perform real-life maintenance tasks, including engine run up."

In the program, students work on production Falcon aircraft during the pre-completion phase. Instruction is available in English and is aimed primarily at technicians and mechanics. More than 400 trainees have already graduated. It covers Falcon 900EX/2000EX EASy Series and 7X aircraft models and will be available for the newly-launched ultra wide body Falcon 5X prior to deliveries beginning in 2017.

"The real-life working conditions offered by the Practical Training Program make it the most useful and comprehensive program available from any OEM," remarked Patrice Kurdijian, Training Manager at the Dassault Training Academy. "We're already looking at ways to expand and improve training program content to meet the future needs of our operators as new regulations and technologies are introduced."

(Image provided with Dassault Aviation news release)

FMI: www.dassault-aviation.com