Readiness Assessment and Training Evaluation System (RATES) for Aviation Maintenance

Poor availability of training equipment for aviation maintenance training centers due to mock up malfunctions or out-of-date equipment can compromise Naval readiness. The purpose of this project is to devise an assessment methodology. The objective is toprovide an assessment system and process that measures training technologies such as hardware, simulation, advanced distance learning, advanced technology approaches, etc. as they relate to aviation maintenance Naval training requirements and high-leveltraining and readiness goals. A second objective of this project is to investigate the process of continually assessing all training technology implementation as an effective means of delivering training to the sailor while ashore or afloat. The processof establishing an assessment framework for aviation training technologies will prove effective. The assessment is based on a framework of Navy readiness and training goals. The entire assessment framework will be available to Naval trainingdecision-makers on an interactive Web site in a client/server format that allows distributed and asynchronous assessment visualization into the future. Fundamental payoffs for training system performance measurement, that is using RATES, will be realizedfrom quantifying impact to aviation maintenance readiness from training equipment non-availability or out-of-configuration status and assessment results that define levels of impact to readiness based on categories of training equipment, i.e. trainingdevices for aviation electronic technicians, aviation ordnanceman, aviation boatswain's mate, etc. In addition RATES will Identify an effective training approaches, such as, the trade off of use of Technical Training Equipment (TTE) hardware versesadvanced technology-based approaches to training aviation maintenance sailors. This will include an Instructional Media Matrix that cross-references the different training in terms of types of equipment, devices, and documents. Also, documented andperhaps most importantly, assessment that can be used as justification for funding of training devices development, spare parts, hardware/software updates and adequate levels of maintenance on these devices and the ability to prioritize scarce resourcesbased on readiness contribution.