A350 practical training in Paris
From January 6th to January 13th, several LMI colleagues had the opportunity to do their A350 practice in Paris! We asked two colleagues about their experience... Are you as curious as we are? Then read on quickly!
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role in the company?
My name is Iskandar, and I am a ground engineer in Singapore.
What was the purpose of the training you attended in Paris?
I was in CDG for the practical portion of my A350 type training.
What were the most important takeaways from the training?
I feel that AF managed to impart beneficial knowledge to us as they have been exposed to the A350 for a while now. Therefore, they knew the tips and tricks of this nifty aircraft, which could be handy when the time comes for me to handle the aircraft, especially for a person like me who is very used to Boeing aircrafts.
Did you have the opportunity to explore Paris during your stay? What cultural experiences did you enjoy the most?
Yes, I did! I was lucky enough to get a whole weekend during our time there, so a bunch of us managed to explore the city center. Paris is a beautiful city with amazing architecture. Even though the Metro is quite efficient and affordable, the best way to explore is via your foot. This way you can relay embrace this beautiful city.
How did this training contribute to your personal and professional growth?
AF made me understand the aircraft better by sharing their expertise on the aircraft. It made me more confident on handling the aircraft.
What advice would you give to colleagues who might be attending a similar training?
Be sure to hit the gym if you are there because the AF canteen has a wide variety of food and its fantastic! Lekker!
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role in the company? Hi! My name is Xavier Urriola, I was born and raised at Panama City. I've been working with KLM E&M for almost 9 years as Senior Ground Engineer. What was the purpose of the training you attended in Paris?
The purpose was to complete the A350 type training practical part at Air France Industries Technical Training Center.
What was the most memorable part of the training for you?
During explanations in the aircraft, the instructors used to ask some questions about the aircraft systems and each of the five members of the team individually answer all the questions done. We did it as a team serveral times.
In the same way, meet all and get a lunch or dinner all together with the instructors and get good talking about the aircraft, previous experiences solving issues in the airplane, and other random topics. Everybody learned something about each other in a very good admosphere. Strong relationships not only as a partners but also a friend we created.
Did you have any standout experiences or interactions with the trainers or other participants?
There was many of them, for sure! All started with the group itselft, because it's a batch of engineers not only from differents areas (Hangar maintenance, maintenance instructors, cargo business, line maintenance, etc.), but also with a lot of experience on aviation kindly looking to learn more about the new aircraft and other collegues experiences. Friendship grew up by meeting new people, and by seeing again collegues already known from previous workplaces, trainings, etc.
It's needed to highlight the kind group of maintenance instructors from Air France Formation: Mr. Brice (Avionics), Mr. Sthephane (Airframe), and Mr. Alexandre (powerplant). All three guys always wanted to shrare them knowledge with all the trainees not only giving more than the required syllabus but also high level of pedagogy, creating a friendshid admosphere since the beginning. remarkable the explanations of Mr. Alexandre giving all the group the chance to go to the A350 flight simulator to give more explanations regarding the aircraft systems and engines. It was a great time as well.
What were some of your favorite places to visit in Paris?
Notre-Dame Cathedral and Basilica of Sacré Coeur, because of the spiritual meaning, location and architecture details of them. All the city is full on details and historical topics everywhere. The museum of Louvre is awesome too!
What new perspectives or ideas did you bring back with you?
To visit Air France Industries facilities was a good way to know a different organizational culture, other colleagues and contacts, which is helpful as a professional oriented to customer service. In addition, this is a good chance to share all the learned information with my station colleagues, specially when we are specting to receive several A350 from different customers.