MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, New River -- In a hanger lay the scattered pieces of a helicopter waiting to be put together by Marines. The helicopter pieces belong to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training which instructs Marines and Sailors in operational maintenance and repair of aeronautical equipment and systems at Marine Corps Air Station New River.
The students at CNATT learn the basics for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter over a 67 day training period. The school teaches the principles needed to repair wire connectors, counter measure systems and dual digital automatic flight control systems. They also learn how to repair communication, navigation and identification systems. Students are given instructional time in a classroom and hands on training in a helicopter.
“It’s a lot easier to learn in this type of environment. You get to go out and see the things you’re actually going to see out in the fleet. [You get] to put hands on it to see where it actually goes on the helicopter instead of doing it on a computer screen or reading it in a text book. It’s cool to get a hands on experience,” said Lance Cpl. Evan Ziska, a student at CNATT.
CNATT instructors train students to become skillful avionic technicians. They will be prepared for situations on the flight line, in the field or on deployment.
“Everything taught prepares them with knowledge they need to excel in the fleet…Without the basic understanding of the technical aspect the Marines would be unable to properly maintain the CH-53E which is vital in every day missions here and abroad,” said Sgt. David J. Dailey, lead CH-53 instructor for the avionics division at CNATT.
Although being a very technical school, the instructors create an environment that allows the students to learn at a pace comfortable to them to ensure every student’s success.
“[CNATT is] a lot more personable. Your instructors act like your mentors. They’re not trying to break you down more. [The instructors are] very committed. They do a good job and make sure they go at whatever pace they need to,” said Ziska.
The instructors pass on the lessons they’ve learned to help prevent past mistakes from happening again because they know the students are the future of avionic repair.
“The Marines we train here, they’re the ones that keep the birds in the air,” said Dailey.
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