Global Ground Support LLC has developed a new interactive training tool for deicing operations
March 2003
Deicing, by its very definition, does not immediately suggest a pleasant activity or experience. Global Ground Support LLC of Olathe, Kansas, knows this and therefore is an advocate for proper training on equipment and procedures to lessen the stresses involved with deicing aircraft. They have developed a series of training programs for deicing operations and most recently, have launched a new training track, which involves an interactive CD.
"Our main product (aircraft deicers) are used only on a seasonal basis and only in the worst of weather conditions," says William Dempsey, President of Global Ground Support. "Typically, the worst storms will come at night or on the weekends, when the most experienced staff are not working. Also, especially with the military, there is a constant turnover of experienced staff."
It was with the military in mind that led Global Ground Support to develop a training program that includes an interactive CD to offer flexibility for the student. The program covers all aspects of the training, includes a quiz at the end of each section, complete hydraulic and electrical schematics and a quick self-help guide. The student can follow the course material, or concentrate on a particular subject.
While initially, the United States Air Force (USAF) has been the launch customer, the company has also held training classes for the Navy. Global Ground Support plans to tailor this same program for its commercial customers.
Busy Season
Dempsey explains that Global Ground Support offers an average of 30 to 40 classes
per year, and are especially busy in late summer and fall, just prior to the
deicing season.
"We have held 49 training classes at 43 different locations for the USAF and are currently scheduled for 15 more throughout this year," he says. "Commercial training classes are scheduled for August through November at our facility. There is also the option for our trainer to go to the customer's facility if there is a large number of individuals that need to be trained."
Gene Niedholdt is the company's full-time trainer and has a military background. He also has spent over 15 years with a major commercial airline and writes the majority of the training manuals for Global Ground Support.
A typical training program (including the military courses) is four days in length and covers classroom and "hands-on" sessions. A test and certificate of completion is provided.
"The majority of our classes are held at customer locations, which is more efficient and less costly for our customers," Dempsey explains. "We will adjust our schedule to train day and night shifts if required. Alternately, we also hold classes at our factory where we invite our suppliers (truck manufacturer for example) to come in and teach a mini course on their portion of the deicer."
TRAINING FOR EFFICIENCIES
"We offer specific guidelines on the most effective deicing and anti-icing practice, especially with the newest and most efficient method of deicing wherein large volumes of forced air at low pressure are used to reduce or in some cases completely eliminate the need for deicing fluid." says William Dempsey of Global Ground Support LLC.
"In conventional methods deicing fluid may be sprayed at an average of 60 gallons per minute. At a cost of approximately $5.00 per gallon, conventional deicing could cost as much as $300 per minute. Figure anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per aircraft with 2 to 4 deicers per plane and the cost becomes a significant factor. The proper use of forced air can reduce consumption by as much as 70 percent. Especially in today's environment when the airlines are looking for ways to reduce costs, we see our methodology training as a significant cost reduction tool."
Online Professors
Global Ground Support's new interactive training CD covers all aspects of the Global Ultimate Deicer and allows students to take an entire training course without the costs of attending an actual training class. It can also be used as a troubleshooting or refresher tool by simply selecting the system or component
in question. The CD is equipped with a search engine, quizzes after each chapter,
and a complete set of electronic schematics.
The training CD covers both the general maintenance and operation of the equipment, but does not detail the methodology. Dempsey credits Global Ground Support's Marketing Manager, Deandria Sullivan, with coordinating and creating this CD training tool and explains,"We are looking to move towards the CD as the main training tool rather than the manuals, but we currently utilize both."
Also in the works, Global Ground Support is developing a training page that will list some of this information along with a five-minute sampling of the CD that the reader can view. A short video takes the viewer through a demonstration of the CD's capabilities.
Recurrent Training
The CD-based training program is ideal for recurrent training, after the instructor leaves and for special trouble shooting. For example, if a mechanic is having problems adjusting the speed of the boom, a quick reference to that particular section offers specific guidance. The interactive, self-help is faster and easier than referencing a 300-page technical manual.
"Recurrent training is a necessity," advises Dempsey. "We view training as our way to increase performance of our equipment. It is a direct reflection on us as a company. So we really encourage training. This is why we made the investment of our CD-based training program. Something we are just moving into is what we refer to as 'methodology training,' wherein we not only teach an operator or mechanic how to use or service the equipment, but how to attain a more efficient operation."
Resource:
Global Ground Support, LLC
540 East Highway 56
Olathe, Kansas, USA 66061-4640
Phone: (913) 780-0300
Fax: (913) 780-0829
email: [email protected]
www.global-llc.com
