RAF aircraft mechanic training

[Rigga]

To continue the modern training thread:
I believe that aircraft type courses are no longer in vogue now, and that courses are run on System/ATA Chapters to cut down on time away from the Line.

I personally think this is dangerous because it will invite anyone working under pressure to exceed their authorisations "just this once" or more.

I also believe that Cpl's and above are allowed on 'Snag courses' to learn the in's and out's of type specific faults and their remedies (what we used to call "defects.

[Q-RTF-X]

I am both saddened and appalled reading the outlines illustrating present training methods. I was a Boy Entrant and in our “workshops” phase we were expected to grasp many fundamentals and work to tolerances with hand tools. I was by trade an A Mech/Fitt W (i.e. Armourer) but in my days people were often presented with openings to step outside the box; I myself had a cracking spell at Akrotiri on Visiting Aircraft, I did a couple of years on Lightning first line as NCO of a composite turn-around team (usually doing Man C Armament at the same time) and when promoted to the dizzying heights of Sergeant, still on Lightning’s assumed control of a first line shift; by then I had a pretty good broad knowledge of the aircraft as a whole. At another location I had also been presented with an opportunity to have a spell in a unit operations department. Looking back, I can see how we were nurtured to broaden our horizons from an early start. Officers and SNCO’s were seemingly looking out for those with potential and ready to harness such. It needs a robust training system and active nurturing in the field. People need to be stimulated and their potential developed. My time in the Air Force as a “grunt” without question prepared me for a latter life in ground handling and also flight operations. I have come across many who followed totally different paths to mine but with the strength of a solid background behind them. I very much fear that much has been lost in the present system.

[mymatetcm]

Training 10 weeks basic at RAF Halton, then about 6 months at RAF Cosford, then about 18 months on a Sqn, then a further 12 months course to get your technician qualification back at Cosford

All jobs gone for AMM and Avionics this financial year. However if your guys are keen to apply go via the Careers website so you don't miss out on the next set of processing. all the info on there

If they want to work on Lightning 2 and A400 try ICT trade, they needs lots of ICT techys to keep them going.

[salad-dodger]

If they want to work on Lightning 2 and A400 try ICT trade, they needs lots of ICT techys to keep them going.

If they want to work on Lightning, A400 or any other aircraft, then don't choose the ICT trade, it's not an aircraft trade.

S-D

[salad-dodger]

If they want to work on Lightning 2 and A400 try ICT trade, they needs lots of ICT techys to keep them going.

If they want to work on Lightning, A400 pr any other aircraft, then don't choose the ICT trade, it's not an aircraft trade.

I bet you work in a CIO tcm

S-D

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

Mechanic Training

If I remember rightly - my Mechanics Course at St Athan in 1969/70 was;

16 x 5 day working weeks, each consisting of a 8 hour working day, this was both theory and practical.
Including 8 Hours of PT/Sport per week including Wednesday afternoons.
So that comes out at 512 Hours of trade instruction. I think!
Plus the odd Saturday morning parade!

This was followed some years later (In my case 1974) by a Further Training Course to Technician level consisting of;
A 26 x 5 day working week each consisting go a 8 hour working day, this was both theory and practical.
Including 10 weeks x 4 hours 'Education' learning various theories and such like.
Including 8 Hours of PT/Sports per week including Wednesday afternoons.
So that comes out at 792 Hours of trade instruction. I think!
Plus the odd Saturday morning parade.

Please correct me if I am mistaken.

Aaron.