Team training: Role of computers in the aircraft maintenance environment

Research on civil aircraft inspection and maintenance has shown the importance of teamwork in the aircraft maintenance environment. In addition, training has been identified as one of the primary intervention strategies in improving team performance. With improvements in technology-based training devices, it may be possible to provide aircraft maintenance technicians with training tools to help enhance their team skills and improve performance with the aircraft maintenance environment. This research examines the effectiveness and applicability of computer-based multimedia team training for aircraft maintenance technicians. Using a computer-based multimedia training tool – the Aircraft Maintenance Team Training software – a controlled study was conducted to: (1) evaluate the use of computers in acquiring knowledge on team skills, (2) determine the ease of use of a computer-based multimedia tool, and (3) determine if computer-based training was as effective as traditional instructor-based training. The results are reported as part of this paper.