Mechanics From Launch Customer Airline Learns How To Maintain Its New Airplanes

It may seem like it's a little ahead of the game, but Boeing announced Tuesday that it has completed the first maintenance training class for the 787 Dreamliner. The class consisted of 10 mechanics from 787 launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) and two regulators from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

(L-R) Tatsuo Yanagisawa, ANA Instructor and Koichi Sato, ANA Maintenance Manager

The mechanics, who completed the training last week, are the first of 150 ANA mechanics to be trained by Boeing over the next seven months. They spent more than 30 days learning how to maintain the world's most advanced commercial jetliner, including 20 days of theoretical training, two days of engine runs and taxi testing, five days of practical training and five days of troubleshooting exercises. To conclude the training, students conducted component identification exams on production airplanes, as well as troubleshooting exams in the full flight simulator.

To support the all-new 787, Boeing Training & Flight Services, a division of Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has developed an all-digital, Internet-based teaching system for maintenance training, along with training tools that connect real-time to a virtual airplane and airplane systems.

"Getting our mechanics trained and prepared is essential to being ready to take delivery of the airplane later this year," said Michihide Kono, vice president of Engineering and Maintenance for ANA. "This is an important milestone for our ANA team and we are delighted to see the continued progress on the program."

The curriculum is designed to focus on performance-based training that incorporates real-world simulated maintenance scenarios for a more immersive training experience.

"The use of personal tablet computers, interactive computer-based training, three-dimensional images and desktop simulation makes it possible to deliver training more efficiently," said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Training & Flight Services, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our team is committed to providing our customers with the resources and tools they need to be successful."

The 787 comes with digital tools and databases that replace volumes of printed materials. The graphic and textual database has point-and-click features for more details, allowing mechanics to navigate through documents quickly to get the information they need to do their jobs.

"This milestone is another important step along the way to being service-ready," said Mike Fleming, director of 787 Services and Support, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our goal is to make entry into service a seamless experience for our customers."

FMI: www.boeing.com