UNITED AIRLINES HAS introduced a "virtual-reality" training tool designed to improve the troubleshooting skills of Boeing 737 maintenance technicians. Wicat Systems' Maintenance Virtual Workplace is in- tended to reduce the incidence of component removals when no fault is found.
The Virtual Workplace is a CD-ROM-based desktop training aid which provides the trainee with a virtual representation of a maintenance office. This provides the maintainer with simulated access to all the resources, tools and parts required for troubleshooting on an aircraft. The system generates a three-dimensional representation of the aircraft and applicable systems, allowing the trainee to trace and isolate reported faults.
Wicat says that its Virtual Workplace is integrated with computer-based training tutorials for the systems covered - those accounting for the majority of delays and component removals, and including auto-pilot, auxiliary power, electrics, engines, environmental control, flight controls, fuel and navigation.
The Lindon, Utah-based company says that its training tool also provides a guided-practice mode. At the end of each exercise, the system provides the trainee with its evaluation of the troubleshooting effectiveness achieved.
The 737 was chosen as the first application because it is the most widely used airliner, but Wicat says that the training can be used with virtually any aircraft.
Source: Flight International
