Hands-On to Online: Customers Benefit From a
Full Array of Maintenance Training Opportunities

Aircraft engine owner/operators' maintenance training needs are a continually evolving enterprise. With a full spectrum of offerings backed by a team of technical experts in every aspect of engine line and module maintenance, GE Aviation's customer training services organization provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) training that is responsive, real-time and relevant.

This organization is a hub of activity, offering customers global support on several fronts:

• Hands-on training at any of GE's three facilities provides students irreplaceable direct contact with GE engine components and systems
• "At the Customer" field training brings OEM experts to customers' facilities for tailored training sessions
• Digitized, computer-based training (via DVDs and on the Web) at students' home base saves customers time and money without compromising value or content
• OEM subject matter experts provide around-the-clock training services, responding to field issues as they arise

"We train more than 5,500 students each year and continually evaluate our programs to ensure that all offerings are providing value to the customer," says Tim Meyers, GE's manager of Customer Training, Tooling & Facilities Support.

Global Training Sites
"One aspect that our customers tell us is an absolute value, is our hands-on training," says Meyers. "Powerplant engineers and flight crews can receive this training at one of our strategically located facilities from experts who not only deliver technical training, but also provide instruction in real-world applications."

GE's latest expansion—the GE Qatar Advanced Technology & Research Center in Doha, Qatar—is targeted to open in 2010. The facility will join the training organization's flagship, the Customer Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the joint venture Aero Engine Maintenance Training Center, located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China.

"Currently, 60% of our customers attending sessions at CTEC are stationed outside the United States," says Meyers. "The Qatar center will bring hands-on training closer to home for many of these students. It will be the equivalent of CTEC, offering a full array of training on various engine models."

Field Issues Responsiveness
To complement hands-on training, GE also offers customers new and innovative digitized solutions. Says Meyers, "Using state-of-the-art technology, we have developed an extensive catalog of digital training products—typically DVDs instructing on the 'how to's' of engine maintenance. Our next catalog will be issued early next year.

"When new needs arise, our subject matter experts can turn out a training product within 60 days," he adds. "For example, in response to a recent fleet issue, we have just released a step-by-step digital aid to train customers on a new maintenance procedure."

Customer field training is also available. This brings instructors to customers' facilities, where maintenance technicians receive expert advice on repairs, engine changes, tooling and other field-related issues specific to their engine fleets.

"Having the right fix, the right tools and the right training for OEM technology is critical to an engine's lifetime maintenance," says Meyers. "We strive to quickly respond to training needs on time and as expected—all with the end goal of improving engine reliability and strengthening our customers' maintenance operations."