Eastman Aviation Solutions Lubricant Academy Now Open
Kingsport, TN, December 2, 2014 – Eastman Aviation Solutions’ Lubricant Academy is helping to keep the aviation industry's engineers and maintenance personnel at the cutting edge in the face of technological change and global skills shortages.
The aviation fluids supplier is urging commercial airlines worldwide to commit staff to skill development through training programs like its Eastman Aviation Solutions Lubricants Academy.
The push comes after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Boeing both released forecasts of an increasing demand for maintenance specialists in the coming years, with Boeing reporting the industry would need 556,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians by 2032.
Eastman Aviation Solutions Technology Director Dr. Andrew Markson said “The surge of new technologies in the aviation industry created a need for specific lubricant-related education and was the catalyst for the further development of the online lubricants academy by Eastman Aviation Solutions.”
“Engine lubrication isn’t typically an area of maintenance focus when learning to become an engineer, but it’s an important part of operating a healthy, well-functioning aircraft,” Dr. Markson continued. “The academy fills this gap in education, as it is aimed at supporting staff in all lubricant-related operations to help them get the most out of their engine fleets.”
”The training starts by introducing the technical specifications of various types of engine oil and highlighting the differences between Standard Performance Capable (SPC) and High Performance Capable (HPC) grade oils through a variety of examples, comparisons and imagery,” Dr. Markson said.
Nicholas Cleary, Eastman Aviation Solutions Global Technical Services Director added, “Stepping engineers through the key features and benefits of different oils, particularly SPC versus HPC, is important given the current technological climate, and the fact that airlines have a combination of old and new generation engines operating within their fleets.”
The unique maintenance requirements that accompany high-efficiency engines also pose a particular challenge to independent MROs who are often not trained to service new engines the way OEMs have designed them.
“Continuous professional development is one of the best ways to combat skill shortages among existing aircraft engineers and boost their competence as new engines enter the market,” Mr. Cleary concluded. “We hope as the industry continues to tackle global skill shortage issues we will begin to see more airlines recognizing the value of up-skilling their existing maintenance personnel.”
The Eastman Aviation Solutions Lubricants Academy comprises eight modules, covering key aspects of turbine oil, including oil history, composition, storage and handling, servicing, conversion and monitoring.
For more information visit www.academy.eastmanaviationsolutions.com or contact [email protected].
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2013 revenues of approximately $9.4 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
