AERO - 787 Training for Pilots and Mechanics

Believing that the new digital technology of the 787 Dreamliner required a digital training solution to maximize training effectiveness and value to customers, Boeing has developed an all-digital, Internet-based teaching system for flight and maintenance training, along with training tools that connect real-time to a virtual airplane and airplane systems. The use of personal desktop computers, interactive computer-based training, three-dimensional images, and desktop simulation make it possible to do much more efficient training. Modern flight training devices and simulators combine with these tools, digital delivery, and currency based on fleet commonality to offer significantly shorter courses than on previous Boeing training programs. These new training programs are available at subsidiary Alteon's global network of 787 training locations.

ADVANCED TRAINING TECHNIQUES RESULT IN SHORTER, MORE EFFICIENT TRAINING FOOTPRINTS.

By Capt. Al Nader, Director, 787 Training;
Jeff Haber, Manager, 787 Maintenance Training;
and Don Reiter, Manager, 787 Flight Training

In much the same way that training moved from viewfoils on the 747, 757, and 767 to electronic training for the Next-Generation 737 and the 777, the training system and new simulation devices for the 787 use technology to take learning to the next level.

But the 787 training program is more than just a training program. A strategic decision was made to build an electronic performance support system rather than a traditional training program. It is designed to be an integrated electronic environment that's available to, and easily accessible by, each trainee and structured to provide immediate, individualized access to a full range of information, from flight and maintenance technical documents to airplane troubleshooting and systems information. These programs are offered though Alteon, Boeing's training subsidiary.

This article describes Boeing's development of a new training program from the ground up that takes advantage of and complements the 787's design and technology, e-enabled and digital technology, and respect for the environment. It also outlines the guiding principles behind 787 flight and maintenance training. All training programs detailed in this article are subject to regulatory agency approval and may be modified during the approval process before they can be used to train airline pilots and mechanics.

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