Two factors affecting aviation maintenance training should profoundly influence this segment of the industry for the next decade. The first is the shortage of mechanics and technicians, a problem currently having more impact in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. The second factor is the level of IT skills needed to maintain new-generation aircraft. For instance, Lau Hwa Peng, vice president for technical services for Singapore Airlines, cited the airline's Airbus A380 entry into service last year, which required technicians to not only attend typical familiarization classes to prepare for a seamless first commercial flight, but also to learn new complex systems and processes on the aircraft. "Understanding new architects and troubleshooting tools" requires technicians to be more IT savvy, but also mandates understanding how to handle new materials, such as GLARE, which is a fiber-metal laminate that needs special repair methods and tools, said Lau. "If technicians used tools for aluminum on GLARE, it could cause more damage" than the initial problem, he said.
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