A road map - Methods and Competencies, Aviation Maintenance Training taken to Very High Performance Aircraft Experience, with Elevation to Extensive Advanced Training in Unmanned and Space Technologies

Careers and self-development in Professional Maintenance can and will be much more. The Author’s paper is based on the rapidly developing Advanced Structures, Assemblies, Operating Systems, Propulsion, Electronics, and... [ view full abstract ]

Careers and self-development in Professional Maintenance can and will be much more. The Author’s paper is based on the rapidly developing Advanced Structures, Assemblies, Operating Systems, Propulsion, Electronics, and “Ambient Intelligence Control Networking” and the growing knowledge interface between graduate Students and upgrading to Advanced Engineering Skill Sets. In addition, the paper gives specific insight into recent advancing developments in methods and processes demanded now and in the future of Aviation Technicians, Engineers, Systems Analysts and Specialist Engineers.

Not too long ago the concern of “aging aircraft” and failure thereof was a major issue from the 1970’s on through to year 2000. Today the advanced products require the need for extensive analytical support and advanced testing systems, also the understanding of rapidly advancing technologies and training in Science, Service and Technology. Highly integrated systems far beyond the days of tool boxes on the ramp and panels being taken off, repairs made, and the aircraft signed off and sent on its way. Today the process is evolving into a very complex, sophisticated, multi factored, robotic and artificial intelligent analysis programs in every dimension of Design, Manufacturing, Flight Operations and Safety Readiness. Today’s maintenance processes embody heavily scheduled workloads, precise and demanding “on time practices”. To accommodate those needs the Author explores assertive performance readiness and responsibility placed on every member of the Maintenance and Support Crew.

The Human approach to the Maintenance problem solving process has experienced difficulty in making the same or similar rapid advancement in perfection of human performance. The Human Training processes have not kept pace with world technological advancement and commercialization of High Performance Aircraft, UMV and Space Technology. The Author explores the relationship between human failures, dedication to efficiency, knowledge based processing, personal attitudinal problems solving, impact on ambient intelligence and hands on interface with highly technical equipment and procedures.

In closing this comprehensive paper, the Author takes the Maintenance Engineer or Technician through a futuristic window of suggested training modules and new levels of mental, logical hands on intuitive ability, dexterity and above all awareness; all thru suggested extended training not only in Aeronautics but Humanization and Mechanical Interface from a basic beginning to super advanced aircraft maintenance, UMV and Space activity.

The objective of this paper is to establish a superior set of advanced training expectations and modules that address commercial High Performance Aircraft, UMV and Space Operations; an important link of understanding of the mystifying human connection to Electronic and Fully Ambient Automated Support in an advanced environment of Mechanical and Human involvement. The prospect of fully Grounded Personnel flying Unmanned Vehicles thousands of miles (kilometers) away and at great altitudes for days and weeks or months will demand a very different set of learning processes for Maintenance and Ambient Support Engineers. Today and tomorrow's Professional, Earth Aviation, low Space and outer Space Maintenance Endeavors must effectively and flawlessly service and support sophisticated Maintenance and Flight Operations. This paper explores the important solutions.

Respectfully submitted by:

Author
S.G. (Sandy) McLeod
Tel 250-3532345
Email: smcleod@toweraerospace.com

President
Tower Aerospace Inc.

A career spanning fifty years in Military and Commercial Operations including thirty-seven years in Aviation Flight Operations, Aerospace Support, Design, Manufacturing and Distribution.
Extensive Experience as Maintenance Technician, Flight Engineer, Pilot in Command, Director Quality Assurance Design Engineering Management, Director Manufacturing and Distribution and Director of Quality Assurance.

Author of previous Papers accepted:
In 2006, Mr. McLeod presented a paper at the CASI Conference in Montreal; the paper was titled “Canadian Social, Industrial, and Political Ramifications in Space”.

In September 2014, Mr. McLeod presented a paper to the
IAF (International Astronautics Federation) Congress in Toronto, the Paper was titled “Permanent Habitation, Mechanical, Environmental, Ambient Intelligence and Constant Sociological Interface in Space”

Mr. McLeod was designer and creator of the Basic Composite Materials Program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the lead Instructor of the Course.

Mr. McLeod was a Military Crash Crew Member for four years, assessing and clean-up of military crash sites.

Mr. McLeod was a graduate in psychology and sociology.