Abstract:

This paper details the work of the GRABNOWAML project - GRowing Access to Basic kNOWledge for the Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) – which is co-funded under the EU Leonardo da Vinci program. The project sets out to specify and develop an innovative, flexible training program for the AML through the use of e-learning and blended learning in order to experiment a new methods of training. At the moment in some EU countries national regulatory authorities permit only classroom training as an acceptable means of compliance and certified with the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) regulations. In this way the training for the AML in some EU member-states is at the moment precluded from embracing and implementing more innovative and cutting-edge training technologies and methods.

The aim of the project is to provide evidence of the efficacy of an innovative blended-learning approach to the basic knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) for the acquisition of the Aircraft Maintenance License so that it can be proposed to the National and EU regulatory entities. An additional objective of the project is the definition of standard and quality criteria to evaluate and monitor this type of innovative blended-learning path, so that regulatory bodies such as EASA can value and check the indispensable procedure necessary to recognize and certify it.

The project is focusing on defining and pilot testing an integrated learning environment that can deliver and manage innovative blended-learning paths which impart the theoretical and basic KSAs required by EASA Part 66 for obtaining the AML. This paper will set out the issues informing the need for e-learning and blended learning approaches in this sector – chief amongst them the shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance personnel in Europe; the approach adopted in the requirements gathering phase; and some initial results from the activities concluded thus far.

The Partners’ Consortium is composed by AgustaWestland S.p.A. as Applicant, and the following partners: Aerospace Psychology Research Group of School of Psychology of Trinity College of Dublin, Nordian and Grifo Multimedia. The different typology of Partners (University, industry, private company providing education and training systems) permits to cover all the various competence and skills necessary for the development of all the Project deliveries.

Keywords:

Blended learning, aircraft maintenance, training e-learning.