Maintenance training for Safran Landing Systems customers

A dedicated training facility

“Before, we only provided classroom training,” explains Patrick Deborde, Training Centre manager.  “But since 2014, we have also offered hands-on training in Toulouse, on real equipment so that airline mechanics are familiar with the layout. To do this, we deploy three complete shipsets, comprising both nose and main landing gear, for the Airbus A320 and A330, plus an ATR turboprop commuter.” Our dedicated training facility hosts technicians and engineers who want to learn more about the products designed and built by Safran Landing Systems.

Airline mechanics must learn how to service landing gear to ensure flight safety for all passengers. The challenge involved in this type of training is to meet customer demand, while also adapting to operational requirements. Trainees in each “class” come from several different countries, and get a real hands-on experience with these landing systems. As one of the instructors says, “Handling our products under real conditions makes this training very effective. We don’t just leave our customers alone with their instruction manual. Here they learn how to resolve different types of problems using state-of-the-art solutions.” The facility in Toulouse also provides specific training courses on wheels and carbon brakes, all the way to refurbishment of the brake disks. In 2016, Safran Landing Systems gave 47 training courses, covering landing gear, wheels and brakes. By mid-2017, another 27 “classes” had already graduated! 

Practice makes perfect

That’s the slogan of the Training Center, reminding everyone that “training” is not just another corporate buzzword! “These are very demanding operations, and there are five levels of training, in line with the ATA 104 standard,” says Patrick Deborde. “In general, each training takes three days. The first day covers theoretical aspects, while the following two days are spent in the shop, either to learn how to change the dynamic seals on the main or nose gear shock strut, or to carry out the complete disassembly of a brake or a wheel. The main objective is of course for each trainee to actually perform the operations he will have to duplicate back at his home shop, under the watchful eye of the skilled instructor.”

Some customers want these training courses to be provided on their own premises, using their own equipment. Safran Landing Systems naturally meets this request, for the greatest satisfaction of their customers.