The Avionics Electrical Technician (AET) School recently obtained a decommissioned, legacy 1500 series C-130 aircraft that will be used for hands-on avionics training at the fixed wing training facility at the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC), Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
ATTC will use the now-grounded C-130 to equip new technicians with the avionics troubleshooting skills required for fixed wing operations. With this aircraft, instructors now have the opportunity to train students on maintenance procedures that are common to fixed wing platforms throughout the Coast Guard, such as Traffic Collision and Avoidance Systems, aircraft transponder systems, and communication and navigation systems.
“Thanks to the coordination between our AET School Chief, our Training Delivery Branch, and our partners at the Aviation Logistics Center, we were able to save this aircraft from demolition and repurpose it as a valuable training aid,” said Capt. Brian P. Hopkins, ATTC commanding officer.
AETs are required to inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair avionics systems that perform communications, navigation, target acquisition, and automatic flight-control functions for the fleet.
“This C-130 breathes new life into our program, providing our students and instructors with a more relevant training experience that will translate into readiness once they return to their units. I credit the staff who demonstrated the vision and drive required to make this concept a reality,” Hopkins said.