Part-147 DLS –Distance Learning Synchronous Training

It is said that necessity is the mother of invention, and in these current times with untold millions confined to their homes, convention has to be examined and alternatives to the tried-and-tested methods of training have to be allowed.

With the multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions, traveling to and from training locations (not always easy at the best of times) has been made impossible for trainees and instructors alike.

EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, have responded and referred their Part-147 training organisations to guidance material, originally created to align the old ‘chalk and talk’ method of lessons with the new ‘i’ generation of interactivity, touch screens, voice recognition and virtual or augmented reality.

This is not a blanket approval; organisations must apply and outline their new procedures before being permitted to deliver training at distance.

EASA are referencing MTOs (Maintenance Training Organisations) to: Annex IV to ED Decision 2020/002/R, link to AMC:

•  https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/acceptable-means-of-compliance-and-guidance-materials/amc-and-gm-part-147-%E2%80%94-issue-2

What it is and what it isn’t

DLS –Distance Learning Synchronous Training is not e-learning; it is not logging onto YouTube and watching countless videos or completing (sometimes) patronising cartoon online training with ‘Super Safety Man!’ (If you work for the major airline that uses this, you will get the joke!)

It is two-way interactive training, with the ability to see and hear the instructor and for the instructor to see and hear you (including asking and being asked questions!)

The Downside

It follows the normal 6-hour training day (with breaks) and the technology the student possesses must be suitable (forget about completing the entire course on your phone). This includes the internet connection you have, so if you are struggling to maintain a good connection at the moment, be careful, this would count towards your ‘attendance time’ and may mean you won’t get a certificate!

Also there are the time difference considerations, you may be asked to be studying hard at unnatural times for your circadian rhythm (Human Factors training anyone?)

Also working at home can be distracting, my three year-old considers the office as a natural extension of her imaginary play world (and I am one of the lucky few to have an office!). Being banished to a bedroom for 6-hours a day for many weeks would probably test anyone’s concentration. The trainee's location must be suitable. This is not a holiday!

With the cost, there is a belief (or hope) within the student community that this will start a budget training revolution. Sadly this probably won’t be the case as the physical training location is often the cheapest part of the overall cost. This will probably be offset by the need for additional spending on IT software and hardware (for the training organisations and the trainees).

The biggest issue (which is also buried in the small print of the DLS advertising) is the examinations; they still need to be performed in person at an approved site. Anyone on a 6-week course who then needs to sit 6 phase exams back-to-back (consecutively) needs a round of applause!

The Future

The response to this has been quick (take a bow Mr EASA and the other CAAs) but they aren’t stupid. This is a temporary solution that will probably change. Options are:

1. Removed – once travel restrictions are removed, it is back to in-person training.
2. Additional requirements – This could include:

• Ratio training E.g. for every 10-days online, it is supplemented by a day face-to-face.
• Specific interactive assessments. E.g. Virtual or augmented reality troubleshooting.
• Heavy auditing – recording of entire courses and comments.

Summary

This is a great solution for the current situation and for future training (travel and accommodation costs are the largest expenditure of any training programme). Considering the commuting time for attending any training location, DLS will save more time than travelling supersonically!

However, this isn’t quite as easy as people imagine. Be prepared to work and don't be surprised when trainees start blaming their inability to stay focussed at home, on the ‘limitations’ of technology.

Remember what the training is for, and why you need it. Safety.

When the captain asks you about an ECAM or EICAS message on departure, the answer “Sorry, my broadband cut-out during my course” is not an acceptable entry in the tech log!

Stay safe everyone.