Avionics maintenance training using equipment simulation

Abstract

For tasks that involve diagnostic troubleshooting and the use of sophisticated equipment items the use of equipment simulation techniques for training offers many advantages over the use of actual equipment. Furthermore, the development of simulation technologies has provided affordable options for implementing simulator-based training. The F-16 Avionics Intermediate Shop (AIS) is an expensive and extremely complicated device combining aircraft components under test with an array of electronic test equipment and sophisticated software diagnostic tools. As the hardware and software configuration of the aircraft changes, it impacts the test equipment and the procedures for troubleshooting and maintenance of aircraft components. The AIS Maintenance Procedures Trainer provides an excellent example of the application of state-of-the-art simulation techniques to training. The AIS-MPT provides a desktop simulation of the AIS equipment, along with the tools required for avionics maintenance experts to update and maintain existing training exercises, and to provide new training exercises without changing the simulation software of the trainer.<>