Line-service (fuel) training is essential for fuel workers. 14 CFR part 139.321(e)(2) requires all workers who handle fuel to undergo initial on-the-job training and recurrent instruction after every 24 consecutive months. The training must adhere to the guidance provided in part 139.321(e)(1). The training is critical for ensuring safety in the handling of fuel. For instance, it trains the trainees on misfueling prevention as well as teaches them on proper fueling. It also equips the trainees with the knowledge and expertise in supervising fueling activities. Last, it equips trainees with safety and security know-how. Workers can get the training from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
When one is in charge of Line-service training it is necessary to choose an appropriate training organization and training modality. National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is one of the best organizations the provide safety training to workers. This makes it the primary choice for line-service (fuel) training services. NATA primarily focuses on safety in the aviation industry and is thus best suited for training workers that hand fueling services in the aviation industry. NATA provides line-service (fuel) training through an online training program. NATA teamed up with Phillips 66 to develop and provide NATA safety 1 st online training to Branded Phillips 66 FBOs at specialized rates (Safety 1 st , 2008a). The training program is eligible for co-op reimbursement following the completion of the training. The choice of NATA course is based on the fact that it is comprehensive and thus very practical.
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This course is available online and therefore trainees can access and learn from any location at any time. They can learn it without having to interfere with their working schedules. NATA’s course comprises of 8 modules that learner must take. The modules include Introduction and grounding servicing, safety, general fuel servicing, general towing procedures, fuel farm management, customer services, fire safety, and aviation security (Safety 1 st , 2008b). Each module covers several sub-topics comprehensively designed to enhance the workers' aptitude. In addition, NATA provides manuals that provide a learning framework and guide learners and trainers on how to use various training materials such as texts and audiovisual medium.
The various courses provided by NATA have different costs. The Professional Line Service Training (PLST) that Meets CFR Part 139.321 (e)(2) cost $310 / $620 per seat at normal NATA retailing pricing. Under subsidized pricing offer in through the partnership between NATA and Phillips 66, the cost is $50 / $75 per seat (Safety 1 st , 2008a). Taking the course under a partnership arrangement makes it more affordable than taking it through NATA’s normal retailing arrangement.
Taking the course from NATA has several pros and cons. The primary advantage of taking the course from NATA, which the organization has been around for long and thus, has the ability to develop training courses that are well structured and detailed or the needs of the industry. NATA over time has accumulated valuable information regarding safety in dealing with fuel and is thus best suited to develop and teach the course. As a result, the trainees taking this course from NATA are assured of quality. Second, taking the course ensures that the trainees meet the requirements of CFR Part 139.321 (e)(1) and (e)(2) which ensures that they meet the criteria for continuing with their employment. Third, by the employee taking this course, the employers can be sure of improved safety in the work environment. Since the course is offered online, the trainees enjoy flexibility in the learning schedule and they can learn from any place at any time. This makes taking the course convenient to even the busiest of the workers.
In addition to ensuring that the course is comprehensive, NATA also trains trainers and supervisors in different techniques and approaches to line service training. According to NATA trainers (supervisors) have the responsibility of developing good line service specialists (NATA, 2012). The approach the trainer employee’s influence’s the line specialists’ future performance at work. It is, for this reason, the NATA train trainers and supervisors, and also equips them with materials for training new line specialists (NATA, 2012). Therefore, trainees taking the NATA courses benefit from the tutelage of highly qualified and experienced trainers. According to NATA, a trainer is a coach, a demonstrator, supporter coordinator, listener and teller. He/she extends these services to workers or trainees thus enabling them to acquire the skill they do not have as well as improve the one they already have (NATA, 2012).
Furthermore, NATA provides additional guidelines on who can undergo training and when they should undergo training. This guide both the learners and training on what to train, how to train it and when to train it. Trainer primarily trains based on the perceived understanding of the trainees. New employees attending such training for the first time may require a different approach from those that have undergone a similar training before (NATA, 2012). Also, training can only take place when the trainee is ready. For instance, readiness for learning a particular topic or module only comes after the trainee has mastered a certain skill or set of skills that are a prerequisite the current topic or lesson. It the same manner, NATA ensures that trainer only starts trainee when they are ready to do so (NATA, 2012). This means that trainers should be thoroughly prepared and develop comprehensive lesson plans before they start training a new skill to trainees.
There are also disadvantages associated with taking the course that NATA. First, taking the course through NATA’s normal arrangements is quite expensive than taking it through partnership arrangements. In this regard, if trainees organization has no partnership with NATA and the trainees fail to access the training through a partnership arrangement, the will pay high fees to undergo the training. Second, since the course is offered online, the trainees miss out the kind of attention they would have received while training in a traditional training environment. They may miss hands-on approach they would have received through a traditional learning environment, and this may affect the practicability of the knowledge they acquire from the training.
In conclusion, line-service (fuel) training is an important employment and the legal requirement that workers involved in fuel transfer must undergo every 24 consecutive months. The training may take different approaches based on the institution or company teaching it. NATA is one of the best safety training institutions and can provide training to workers to enable them to meet the legal requirement for line-service training. Through online courses, learners can receive training through and 8 module course at any time. The 14 CFR part 139.321(e)(2) base training is comprehensive and equips the learners with the necessary skills to ensure safe operation of fixed base operators' refuelling activities. The employee involved in the transfer of fuel need the skills for safe transfer of the fuel, prevention of errors such as misfueling and facilitation of quick recovery in case of an error. The NATA online training has several advantages and disadvantage. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and it remains the best line-service (fuel) training program for all individuals involved in a transfer of fuel.
References
National Air Transport Association (NATA). (2012). Line Service Supervision and Training Management Guide . Alexandria, VA: NATA Safety 1st
Safety 1 st . (2008a). NATA's Safety 1st Online Training . Retrieved from http://www.phillips66aviation-nataplst.com/
Safety 1 st . (2008b). Professional Line Service Training (PLST Online) Modules and Topics . Retrieved from http://www.phillips66aviation-nataplst.com/plst_curriculum_p66.html
