AEROENG Course Refocus Trial
FGOFF Andrew Mockford
SGT Ken Thompson gives trainee AC Nichy Shearer advice. (WB-08-0052-08).
Commander Training Group (CTRGG) approved a trial to be run on the 08/01 AEROENG course that amends aspects of its practical training and assessment. The focus of the amendments is the delivery of two particular subjects; Aeronautical Engineering Tools (AET), and Fit & Remove Components (FRC).
The current delivery of AEROENG training (previously Basic Engineering) has remained largely unchanged for some time. Although it has served the Air Force’s requirements, there are some aspects that are in need of updating in response to changes in society - in particular, the shift in the skill-set of trainees before they begin the AEROENG course.
Twenty years ago (or more) it was quite normal for technically-minded children to fix their toys and bikes and help Dad fix the car or work on the house. This was necessary because these items were expensive and replacement may not have been an option. This meant technical trainees joined the Air Force with a basic understanding of tools and how to use them, even if they didn’t have a lot of experience. Due to societal changes such as the growth in computer games and the Internet, the 'disposable' nature of a lot of cheap consumer items, and the general improvement in disposable income, this is no longer the case. The end result is difficulty bridging the skill gap with current training methods and higher rates of trainee failure. AEROENG training needed to adapt in order to more effectively produce the required standard of graduates within the current course length.
The Machine Vice has been replaced with the Step Block and the G Clamp. (WB-08-0052-19).
During the AET theory phases, the trainee learns about hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and how they are used. The delivery of AET has been enhanced with the addition of an increased level of practical training prior to the AET theory assessment. This is a two-day exercise designed to consolidate the identification and use of hand tools. The trainees pull apart and put back together a small assembly containing various types of fasteners. During this exercise, they also carry out some precision measuring.
The fact that the exercise is carried out using a motor mower engine, an item most people are familiar with, adds interest and motivation to the task. This particular assembly was chosen because of its cost, simplicity, size (easy storage and handling), and sustainability into the future. This exercise is completed prior to the trainees sitting their AET theory phase test.
The FRC assessment has been revised with less emphasis being placed on the manufacture of components. All technical personnel who have previously completed a Basic or AEROENG course will be very familiar with the vice. The vice is made up of 8 assessed parts; 2 Progress and 6 Phase. The Screw is manufactured in the machine shop using a lathe, and is assessed as a Phase test as well. In total, 104 training periods of 45 minutes each were allocated to the manufacture of the vice. It has now been replaced with the Step Block and the G-Clamp. The screw thread from the vice remains as it is used with the G-Clamp. The Step Block is made from mild steel (the same material as the vice) and is assessed in two parts.
AC Kyle Meyer checking dimensions on his Step Block. (WB-08-0052-15).
First the basic step block is manufactured and treated as a progress assessment. It is then worked on further by cutting and filing two steps in the block, and drilling and tapping two holes. This is assessed as a phase. The trainees then hack saw, stitch drill, and file their way to produce a G-Clamp made from a single piece of aluminium. It incorporates all the hand-manufacturing techniques used with the vice, and some extras. The G-Clamp is also assessed as a phase. There are a number of advantages to replacing the vice with the Step Block and G-Clamp.
Firstly, it gives the trainee experience of working with a material common to aircraft, aluminium. Secondly, it gives a saving of 43 training periods, although some of these are used for the new AET practical exercise, and some are used to increase time in the machine shop, as the old vice screw has been redesigned slightly which created further training needs. Finally, we hope it will result in less failures.
It should be re-stated that this is a trial. On completion of the 08/1 AEROENG course an assessment will take place to gauge whether these changes have indeed delivered the results we have hoped for. It should be noted that so far, the course is proving to be more successful than previous courses, although SIAEROENG and FCBTF might jokingly dispute this.