EASA B1 online type traing
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B1 type training as per Part 66 requirements can only be delivered by a Part 147-approved MTO with an approved course for the aircraft concerned.
As such the classroom hours for the "Theory" element are prescribed by the MTOE, as are the frequency and nature of interim and final tests; and they must comply with Part 66 requirements, of course.
Europe's tectonic plates will have to shift a long way before every Member State will agree to doing all that on line. It's as much a question of attitude as of the practicability of achieving robust training and testing online.
About 5 years ago, at a Workshop on developments in engineer training, a gentleman from UK CAA gave an update of their progress towards on-line examinations for Basic Training Modules. He announced proudly that he and his team had been working on this for about 6 years, and that they were confident of arriving at a solution within another 3 - 5 years. There were a number of people in the room from different organisations, who could have told him in 30 minutes how it could be done with 100% robust reliability, but we knew it would be futile, so we just had a little laugh and moved on.
I only mention that to illustrate the obstacles that will have to be overcome. My own view is that good, well-prepared material can be used on-line to teach theory, with robust, "proctored" (ie properly supervised) testing. However, that would need to be accompanied by longer, better planned and executed Practical training and OJT than most MTO's get away with at present. After all, what counts is practical knowledge and experience, supported by good theoretical knowledge; currently we seem to have this the wrong way round.
As such the classroom hours for the "Theory" element are prescribed by the MTOE, as are the frequency and nature of interim and final tests; and they must comply with Part 66 requirements, of course.
Europe's tectonic plates will have to shift a long way before every Member State will agree to doing all that on line. It's as much a question of attitude as of the practicability of achieving robust training and testing online.
About 5 years ago, at a Workshop on developments in engineer training, a gentleman from UK CAA gave an update of their progress towards on-line examinations for Basic Training Modules. He announced proudly that he and his team had been working on this for about 6 years, and that they were confident of arriving at a solution within another 3 - 5 years. There were a number of people in the room from different organisations, who could have told him in 30 minutes how it could be done with 100% robust reliability, but we knew it would be futile, so we just had a little laugh and moved on.
I only mention that to illustrate the obstacles that will have to be overcome. My own view is that good, well-prepared material can be used on-line to teach theory, with robust, "proctored" (ie properly supervised) testing. However, that would need to be accompanied by longer, better planned and executed Practical training and OJT than most MTO's get away with at present. After all, what counts is practical knowledge and experience, supported by good theoretical knowledge; currently we seem to have this the wrong way round.
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Thanks for the reply CAPOT. There does seem to be some movement on elearning, but still it appears the goalposts are still to far away.
There are a few type 1 and 2 courses available, but that still is not what is needed, and I was speaking with a company called Pelesys that does have EASA approvals for some of their courses, and he said there seems to be some sunlight on the horizon. His company has EASA approval for the E jets, and he suggested I look for another company that may already have elearning approvals.
There are a few type 1 and 2 courses available, but that still is not what is needed, and I was speaking with a company called Pelesys that does have EASA approvals for some of their courses, and he said there seems to be some sunlight on the horizon. His company has EASA approval for the E jets, and he suggested I look for another company that may already have elearning approvals.
I would have thought that e learning for type courses was imperative. The costs of maintenance type training with some organisations, particularly the helicopter manufacturers, have risen to ludicrous levels. I doubt you will see much change out of £30,000 for a medium helicopter course. One provider charged £2000 for a 3 day conversion course.
The way forward would seem to be e learning for the theory and on site for the practical.
massive savings to be made. However what has become a cash cow for the manufacturers would evaporate so I don't expect any rush for change.
Take a current Bell 412 course 12 seats in the class about $12000 for the course spread over 4 weeks. £36, 000 dollars a week. To be fair to Bell they are probably the cheapest.
The way forward would seem to be e learning for the theory and on site for the practical.
massive savings to be made. However what has become a cash cow for the manufacturers would evaporate so I don't expect any rush for change.
Take a current Bell 412 course 12 seats in the class about $12000 for the course spread over 4 weeks. £36, 000 dollars a week. To be fair to Bell they are probably the cheapest.
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Pelesys that does have EASA approvals for some of their courses,
Pelesys say "We have the capacity and ability to provide Transport Canada, FAA, and EASA approved training on an online or Instructor Led basis." Really? Do they have a Part 147 approval? Most Part 147 MTOs are upfront with an Approval number on their websites. Are they borrowing someone else's? I'm intrigued by the weasel words "We have the capacity to....." which can mean anything.
There is a big difference between EASA's approaches to Type Training and Basic Training. With basic training candidates for a licence have a choice; the "Approved" route, or the "Unapproved route". The first involves a fully-approved 2400 hour (for B1.1) course, including Practical Training and OJT. Just like a B1 type course, except in legnth. But the Unapproved route, only requires the Module examinations to be passed; preparation for them can be on-line, home study, short courses etc. EASA doesn't care so long as the candidate passes the exams. But then the candidate must complete a much longer period of work experience, to compensate for not doing the Practical and OJT of the Approved course.
Candidates for AME level 3 Type Training do not have this second option. EASA appears to believe that the full classroom course is essential, reinforced and validated by tests/examinations. They are probably right, which is not to say that a good on-line Theory course, with robust testing systems, cannot become an alternative in the future.
His company has EASA approval for the E jets
Mind you if you're Irish, it does have a meaning.........
Update: Pelesys DOES have EASA Part 147 approval, issued by EASA itself, No 0091, for B1 and B2 Type Training on certain Embraer model/engine combinations. But if they have EASA approval to do that on-line, instead of the traditional classroom instructor-led course, I'll eat my hat.
Last edited by Capot; 13th Dec 2015 at 13:37.
