Nov. 29, 2023 —
A new MH-65E “C” School course at Aviation Technical Training Center at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, provides hands-on technical training for avionics electrical technicians who work with the upgraded short range recovery helicopter. Shown are students and instructors from the first class. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard MH-65 Conversion and Sustainment Program has been upgrading the service’s short range recovery helicopter with an improved automatic flight control system, new integrated weather radar and digital cockpit architecture. Now Coast Guard acquisition, engineering/logistics and human resources teams have partnered to upgrade technical training for the avionics electrical technicians (AETs) who work with the MH-65E.
First, the device used for training AETs – called the Hot Mock Up (HMU) – was converted to the MH-65E configuration by personnel at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, making it the same as an operational aircraft.
Next the Coast Guard awarded a contract to VectorCSP to design, develop and install a Fault Isolation System (FIS) in the MH-65E HMU. The FIS allows instructors to insert a variety of electrical/avionics system faults within the training device. The faults are representative of actual issues that might routinely occur during MH-65E operations and maintenance. The system allows new faults to be added as required.
A new MH-65E “C” School course was also created to provide enhanced training opportunities to AETs that service and maintain the MH-65E fleet at air stations nationwide. The course maximizes hands-on HMU access to allow students more time to become comfortable with the aircraft and enabled instructors to teach to what individual units felt was most important. The course also provides an in-depth look into the new Common Avionics Architecture System, which help clear up misunderstandings about the functionality of the digital cockpit architecture.
Ultimately, the advances provided by the MH-65E HMU FIS and the improved “C” School course are leading to a reduction in repair time and a faster return to operational status for the aircraft.
For more information: MH-65 Short Range Recovery Helicopter Program page