Global Maintenance Training Leaders Unite to Tackle Industry's Persistent Challenges

Following a highly engaging World Aviation Training Summit (WATS), Halldale brought together the maintenance stream moderators from its three flagship events to discuss the critical conversations that spanned the Orlando conference and will continue to evolve at the upcoming Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium (APATS) and European Aviation Training Summit (EATS).

Stuart Membrey (APATS Maintenance Moderator), Buck Gaines (WATS Maintenance Moderator), and Claudio Marturano (EATS Maintenance Moderator) reflected on the discussions held in Orlando, underscoring the vital continuity in aviation maintenance training challenges and solutions worldwide.

Buck Gaines highlighted several pivotal topics addressed at WATS, beginning with a frank, day one discussion on the persistent industry challenge of failure to follow procedures.

Day two opened with crucial industry updates, followed by an in-depth session on Competency-Based Training (CBTA). Experts from Airbus and Boeing, among others, shared insights on how to effectively incorporate CBTA into traditional maintenance training programmes, demonstrating practical approaches that organisations can implement immediately.

A key takeaway from their discussion was the commitment to continuity across all three events. Stuart Membrey confirmed that the critical topic of failure to follow procedures will be a central theme at APATS, whilst Claudio Marturano reiterated that EATS would also carry this discussion forward. This ensures that attendees at any of Halldale's major events will be part of a consistent and evolving global dialogue on vital maintenance training issues.

Looking ahead, APATS is set to build on the WATS discussions with continued exploration of failure to follow procedures, alongside further insights into competency-based training with presentations from Airbus and Boeing. The Singapore event will feature dedicated workshops and presentations on trainer development, including how to "baseline" instructors for consistent team performance.

Particular attention will be paid to training On-the-Job Training (OJT) trainers, an area that sparked significant passion at WATS and remains a critical gap in many organisations' training programmes. The focus on developing those who train others reflects the industry's recognition that effective maintenance training requires skilled instructors at every level.

Whilst the specific EATS agenda is still being coordinated, the moderators confirmed its role in continuing these vital conversations from a European perspective, ensuring that regional insights and regulatory considerations are fully integrated into the global discussion.

The moderators extended a warm invitation to join the global aviation training community at APATS 2025 on 26th and 27th August in Singapore, and EATS 2025 from 4th to 6th November in Cascais, Portugal.