Aviation Learning Enhances Borescope Training Programs

Modern borescopes are tremendously expensive, and putting such sophisticated tools to effective use demands some kind of training program. Sure, it's easy to use almost any borescope right out of the box, but when it comes to using one to return an engine to service, this type of job is just not possible without extensive knowledge.

Aviation Learning (www.aviationlearning.com) has long specialized in type-specific borescope training, using the best of computer-based training and traditional instructor-led classroom training, to bring consistency and measurability to borescope instruction.

Now the company has enhanced its training program by introducing a human factors segment to its classroom sessions. "Human factors is becoming such a big part of all maintenance training that we felt it was time to make it part of our Blended Training Program," explained John Marszalek, Aviation Learning's president and CEO. "We've learned that to be

successful in a highly specialized skill like borescoping, a technician has to not only be very good at identifying a problem, they also have to know how to communicate what they see to their supervisor and other technicians.

"If they can't tell others what they saw, they're not going to be able to use the information they get from their borescope to the fullest," he added. "So as part of our hands-on class, we are now teaching the human aspects of the job, including listening and task management along with a strong foundation of engineering and technology."

Marszalek also said that the human factors section of the training includes other fundamental skills including the ergonomics of borescoping. This helps technicians know not only how to use their equipment, but also how to minimize discomfort so they can stay fully focused on the task at hand. Being uncomfortable, he added, is a major reason why a technician will try and hurry an inspection. That often leads to missing significant discrepancies as well as increasing the risk of damaging the engine and borescope.

"Borescopes and videoscopes are sophisticated and sensitive instruments," he said. "So we stress that students develop an appreciation for that so they learn the proper way to handle them to eliminate expensive mistakes.

"One thing we've learned in the years we've been providing our Blended Training Program is that borescope technicians have a real passion for what they're doing," Marszalek said. "Unfortunately, they are just too busy to attend the training seminars they would like to enhance their skills."

To help give borescopers a place they can go to find the information, support, and training they're looking for, Aviation Learning is launching on January 1 a website dedicated to the borescoping profession, www.BorescopeLearning.com. "We felt that borescopers needed a place where they can go to find everything they need," he explained. "Here they can preview all of Aviation Learning's training programs and access specific information and tips for inspecting specific engine types. The site will also have expert reviews of new borescope equipment and a chat room where technicians can exchange information about their profession."

Marszalek hopes that the chat room feature will encourage borescopers to share their experiences and problems with others who routinely face the same challenges. "If a technician finds a unique problem with an engine or airframe, we want them to post that for others to learn from," he said. "That way knowledge is shared and every technician who uses a borescope will benefit from it."

Borescopers are not your average technicians," Marszalek continued, "they are task-oriented professionals who not only have to possess a vast amount of technical skill and knowledge about sophisticated equipment, but they also have to provide accurate reporting and that can be a huge responsibility for them.

"With the introduction of BorescopeLearning.com, we're trying to create a sense of community so borescopers from around the world will have a place to share their experiences with others," he added. "We've worked hard to create a site that these professionals deserve." -- By Dale Smith