Case Study on the Use of Maintenance Training Devices in Aviation Maintenance Education at University

Abstract

The aerospace industry is pivotal for national security and economic development, prompting significant investments by the South Korean government. Within this context, the study examines the role of Maintenance Training Devices in transforming aviation maintenance education from traditional lecture-based approaches to interactive, simulation-focused learning environments. The Maintenance Training Device is designed to replicate aircraft structures and system functions, enabling students to practice maintenance tasks in realistic, simulated scenarios without an actual aircraft. This approach enhances the educational experience by providing high levels of realism and comprehension, allowing students to hone their skills through repetitive practice. We designed an education using a the Maintenance Training Device to verify these effects. Six professors and instructors implemented the designed education targeting twenty college students. After the training, interviews were conducted with professors and college students, and the interview results were structured into the effects, advantages, disadvantages, improvements, and utilization of the Maintenance Training Device. The analysis results show that Maintenance Training Device enables efficient repetitive learning of defects, enhancing learning effectiveness. However, the results also highlight several areas needing improvement, such as the realism of simulations, compatibility with various aircraft models, and potential monotony due to limited screen interactions. The study evaluates these devices' effectiveness in improving educational outcomes and recommends curriculum enhancements. Results suggest that Maintenance Training Devices can significantly alleviate the practical burdens of obtaining aircraft maintenance certifications, thereby increasing educational efficiency. By addressing identified challenges, the study contributes to optimizing the adoption and effectiveness of Maintenance Training Devices, paving the way for their broader application in aviation maintenance training programs. This research provides insights into the educational potential of Maintenance Training Devices and suggests practical measures to enhance their implementation, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry. Future research should expand upon the present findings by incorporating survey-based methodologies and quantitative analyses to enable more rigorous validation of the effectiveness of MTDs.