One of the CT/4’s that is used for taxiing
RAAF base Wagga, located next to the town of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Australia, is the place where most technicians in the Australian armed forces start their career. The base itself was found just before World War II to house a flying training school, but already before the war ended, the flying units left and the base was turned into a maintenance depot. In 1946, the role of the airbase changed again when the Ground Training School was established. This unit was renamed School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) in 1952 and still recognised by that name. Many buildings that were built during WWII, including some of the hangars, are still in daily use today. Some 200 to 400 trainees apply for Initial Employment Training (IET) every year, of which some 25% are female. The age range is 17–45 years and the ethnic backgrounds and educational levels are very diverse. When asked about the experience, Wing Commander Dean Collins (recently succeeded by Wing Commander Sheena Stapleton) answers, “This varies significantly: some have worked in similar technical environment before joining the Defence Force, others have transferred within the ADF to train for a new mustering, and some have never used basic tools before, like a hammer or a spanner.” New trainees will first spend 10 weeks with 1 RTU (Recruit Training Unit) which is also based at RAAF Wagga, before they go to RAAFSTT. Then they start with another and spend 10 weeks with seven basic aviation trades skills: avionics technician, aircraft technician, aircraft structural fitter, surface finisher, life support fitter, armament technician, and aviation support technician. This last trade includes flightline support and marshalling. After this phase, the following route for the trainees depends on the specialisation that is assigned, and this part could last between 6 and 18 months. Although established as an RAAF school, the Army has been sending its cadets here since 1969 and with the inclusion of the Navy in 1992 the school became a tri-service installation. Since 2013, the facilities are licensed to British Aerospace who provides a ‘turnkey solution’ which is called the Defence Aero skills Training Academy (DATA). Though all facilities and infrastructure are still owned by the RAAF, only the aircraft that are used are owned by BAe, apart from two UH-1 Iroquois helicopters which are still owned by the army. These comprise no less than 18 MB.326, 8 CT/4A, 6 more modern CT/4B and 3 SA.226 Metro. Recently 6 PC-9 arrived to supplement the fleet.
One of many MB.326 that are used in various roles
MB.326s used for refuelling training and flightline servicing
About half of the staff members on site are serving military, the rest are contractors. To make things realistic, most still wear a uniform. Next to the real aircraft, simulators are used for different purposes. There are two Generic Flying Controls Trainers or Genfly simulators. They are operated by Pennant and are used to teach troubleshooting. Every button and every pedal is logged, so after a session everything can be played back. This way students can “learn without getting hurt” as SQNLDR Ron Batcheldor explains. Virtual Reality (VR) is not used yet, but will most certainly become a future asset as well.
Integrated Avionics Maintenance Trainers (IAMT) simulator
Also operated by Pennant since 2015 are two Integrated Avionics Maintenance Trainers (IAMT). These are full size cockpits which are currently equipped with a Hawk 127 layout, including a Head Up Display (HUD) and multiple Multi Functional Displays (MFD). All controls can be operated and the system responds to all input. These are used to simulate ground runs and compass swings, including all kinds of checks, with ground power and other support equipment. Next to these are two main types of simulators, numerous smaller training rigs are in use for teaching electronics, cabling, etc.
One of the few larger instructional aircraft, the SA.226 Metro
From day one, tool control is considered very important. Students get their own toolbox and are responsible for the accompanying paperwork as well. Also health and safety is an important subject obviously. Collins explains, “Trainees are placed in a Simulated Work Environment (SWE) phase in different segments of their training. The SWE is run as a typical squadron work area where the trainees are expected to comply with all normal maintenance policies and procedures. So from day one students are in an environment as close to the real world as possibly can. Apart from that, trainees are also required to use maintenance publications and apply correct technical administration during their SWE components of training.” Not only mechanics are taught at Wagga, also subjects such as parachute folding and marshalling aircraft are also a part of the training programme. For the latter six live CT/4B aircraft are used outside on the platform, but the facility also has a state of the art simulator. That makes it possible to teach how to handle unexpected events like an unauthorised crossing by a car, hot brakes or an engine fire in a safe way. Also weather scenarios and fuel leaks can be simulated. When trainees pass this phase, they go outside for the real deal, with the CT/4s.
Female trainees in front of newly arrived PC-9 during International Women’s Day (Photo by Australian Government, Department of Defence)
Two MB.326 are parked outside and are used for refuelling training and flightline servicing. These aircraft are only towed, they don’t taxi themselves. The students act fully as a maintenance crew, the staff members are more in a mode of supervising students than teaching them. When students leave, they receive a ‘statement of attainment’ from BAe and a ‘completion statement’ of the RAAF. The next phase will be training on the job, as only operational units can do the certification assessments that are needed to get the formal aircraft type certificates. And with these type of certificates, the former trainees are ready for the operational part of their career. At RAAF Wagga, they say ‘God created aircraft technicians so that aircrew could have heroes too’. And it clearly is their mission to make sure Australian aircrews do get their heroes!
Text and photos: Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink