By: Keith Kueh & Ee Yong Hua (Malaysia Airlines Engineering Training Centre (METC)
Joyful moments with Mr. Au, Mr. Edward and Ms. Swee Yim
A common scenario that majority of us have experienced while walking down the street is we will be surprised to realize there are many pairs of eyes staring closely at us. A small Malaysia Airlines’ logo is sewn onto the top right corner of our pure white-coloured uniform is undoubtedly very attractive and cool. Why? Not too long after, a man tags us in high intensity of curiousness, asking us a million dollar question, “Are you a pilot?” Sadly to say, we will probably raise our eyebrows in disappointment and reply, “No, we are Trainee for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (TAME).” The fact that people just cannot stop relating a pilot with an airline is still rooting firmly in the society; needless to say, this field of study is still new and fresh in Malaysia’s industry development. No doubt, our name may not be as glamorous as pilot, but, we are still the frontline fences of an airline. As a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAE), our main responsibility is to carry out maintenance of the aircraft from head to tail according to the airworthiness requirements, and then, by the end of day, dispatch the aircraft into safety and orderly operation.
Ee Yong Hua and Keith Kueh
Throughout the years, it has been an exuberant tradition for Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to invest heavily in training of LAE. Located in the heart of quiet Subang Airport, it stands tall an organization which shares the similar vision alongside MAS in producing qualified LAE. Painted in the navy-blue colored, it can house up to three hundreds over trainees who come from different races, cultures and backgrounds. “Second to None” has been the flamboyant call by every trainee to embark their dream in becoming a successful LAE. Haji Khairuddin and his team of men have been our anchors in the ferocious sea of obstacles, and, presenting, this is Malaysia Airlines Engineering Training Centre (METC).
The METC Batch 06’ Avionics (TAME 69)
Beginning from zero and scratch, METC has progressively developed into an Approved Training Organization (ATO) recognized by Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCA). Regarded as the first ATO in the region to offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineer programme as per EASA Part 66: Certifying Staff Requirement, METC has been the subject of speculation in fulfilling its promises. Nevertheless, it remains strong and dedicated, and now, fruit is ripping and we silence the critics as METC Trainees are absorbed in stages as part of MAS Engineering and Maintenance (E&M) workforce.
Being a fully-sponsored MAS trainee for Category B Aircraft Maintenance Engineer programme in METC is indeed full of flavors, be it sweet, sour or bitter. Three years of theoretical classes in METC plus another two years of On-Job Training (OJT) in MAS E&M; with a total of five years courses can merely just signify a figure to others, but, for us, it means numerous impact; it is a journey of maturity with continuously learning process at the same time equipping ourselves with all the precious technical skill and knowledge. We recalled, when we first arrived, we were no different with the normal college students with empty knowledge in aviation, but bravo to the panel of instructors who are so enthusiastic and full of passion in grooming us to become a true LAE. Despite their growing age, they show no signs of weariness, yet, still going tough in high spirit. Gracious to all our instructors!
Training programme commenced since day one in METC, beginning with Category A – EASA Programme. A total of twelve technical modules were covered in solid eight months duration. In between, Intensive English Lesson (IEL) is never short from our schedules. Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking have been the focal point by METC English Department in order to solidify and enhance our English’s background. The IEL Teaching and Learning has been a huge success, as this has given us a boost of creativity and confidence especially in answering our technical essays examinations. Five days a week, eight hours daily of technical classes have been our routine in METC; however, there is one thing that wins it all. On every Saturday, we will be having a get-together activities among our trainees; ranging from military drills, sports and games, community services, motivation talks to educational visits. You will be asking, why Military Drills? Simple. METC aims to instill high level of discipline and the spirit of co-de-ops among the trainees. Apart from all these, METC caters for our lunch meal in the iconic Café 147. Strange but true, we think about aviation everyday; sleep with aircraft, eat with aircraft and we love aircraft! (147 signifies the EASA Part 147: Approved Training Organization requirement).
Lesson Module 14 Propulsion
Master Parade, Military drill
Having our lunch in Cafe 147
Stepping into the second year, we were segregated into two trades for Category B programme. They are the Mechanical and Avionics. Each trade will have their own area of work scopes, whereby three Mechanical groups will cover the Airframe, Engine and Electrical systems of an aircraft while the one and only special Avionics group will be overlooking the maintenance of aircraft’s Electrical, Instrument and Radio systems. Life in Category B is a total opposite to Category A; it is far more demanding, challenging and bumpy, at which lessons should not be solely dependent on instructors alone, but more towards to self-initiative to do research and group discussion with the availability of Computer-Based Training (CBT) and Technical Resources Centre. After completing each module, we are exposed to practical tasks on aircraft related to the subjects being taught in class. With the purchase of Fokker-27 and two Cessna-172 aircrafts by METC, ample of practical tasks have been designed under the Hangar Simulation (HS) approach to supplement our experience in aircraft’s maintenance practices. Of course, we can never escape any examination and assessment session in METC. It is only through these ways, we are able to gauge our understanding in every subject. All these come with sweat-out hard work, yet, the smile on our face and the joy of satisfaction for the skill, knowledge and experience we have gained are priceless!
We are second to none, we are the best
In the month of October 2009, we bid farewell to our beloved Training Manager, Mr. Au Ting Ling. He has been one of the best instructors in METC; favourite among the trainees for his skillful drawing of aircraft model. He has taught us whole-heartedly, making sure all his trainees understand the contents of each lesson. He puts enormous effort in making the lesson as fun as possible with his jokes and laughter. Indeed, we are enjoying every moment of Airframe Modules with Mr. Au; hydraulics, landing gears and aircraft’s structure have been fantastic with Mr. Au around. His advice for us before he left was something that we will never forget. Again, being a typical “Mr. Au”, he reminded us to strive harder to obtain our “three golden bars” over our shoulders. (Three golden bars are the epaulets put over our uniform to indicate our position as LAE) His message touches deep into our hearts; his words of wisdom will remain ringing in our ears. Without realizing, warm tears dripped down from our cheeks as we waved goodbye to Mr. Au on his last day of duty. Here, we take this opportunity to wish him all the best in his future undertaking. Take care always, Sir. We will miss you …
Friends forever!
Time flies in the split of seconds. Three years of training in METC is drawing to a conclusion. We had sailed through the sea of modules steadily without stumbling; our aim remains intact – To establish as a qualified LAE by the year 2011. Our next stop will be heading towards to MAS E&M for our two years of OJT. Being the pioneer batch from METC, we shoulder heavy responsibility to live up to the expectation, so as to raise the standards and quality of aircraft maintenance engineering. We foresee a new chapter of life in front of the road ahead, but, this will not deter us from cruising forward with strong grip of perseverance and endurance. Together, we unite, survive and win! Voila METC trainees …
Batch 06, TAME 69 |