Advancements in technology that could improve MRO training are becoming available to help with the growing demand for a technically trained aviation workforce. Virtual Reality is taking the world by storm – but it can be used in many ways far beyond the entertainment industry.
VR can be used throughout MRO training, saving time and creating life-like situations and problems for the aspiring technicians to learn from and solve. ‘Tools like these [VR] need to be incorporated now,’ says Jonathan Berger, vice president of ICF International. ‘The technology is available and it will really disrupt the whole training industry.’
ICF estimated that it takes 5-6 years of experience and classes to become a fully qualified and competent mechanic capable of assessing aircrafts independently, such as an A350 or a 777. With the implementation of VR into MRO training, this time period could be shortened. With the experience of interacting with an aircraft virtually, a mechanic can become fully competent within 3-4 years.