Nine artisans from the F402 Engine Repair and Test Shop and Rotor and Balancing Shop were recognized recently for completing training on engine familiarization, test, and performance. Joseph Blancato, Jess Condon, Robert Day, Kenneth Dugan, Glenn Greene, Leon Jones, Ken Knight, Ross Riley, and Carl Schaefer received certificates of completion for their achievement. During his recent visit to review process, equipment, and training improvements to the F402 engine program, Col Thomas White (PMA 257) helped Howard Germroth, 6.2.2 Division Director; Maj. Paul Thornton, Logistics, Research and Engineering 6.0; and Rolls-Royce representatives John Morris and Mike Harrison present the certificates to artisans.

Rolls-Royce instructor Bill Ward presented the two 32-hour courses. In the Engine Familiarization class, the employees received comprehensive instruction in the identification, function, and operation of the RR-F402-408 engine and components. The course subject areas also included engine history, design, and performance; and engine-to-airframe interface. The Engine Performance and Test class is a follow-on course tailored to the engine test operators. This included instruction in the engine management system and engine acceptance test procedures.

The two classes are part of the Exceptional Training Certification Program (ETCP) that has been implemented for the F402 engine program. The ETCP recognizes that certain tasks require a large amount of formal training and a vast amount of experience. It consists of comprehensive training courses tailored to the job functions of the artisans assigned to the F402 engine program. An artisan who completes the requirements of the ETCP is recognized as a “Pegasus Professional.”

Photo Caption: Front row, from left: Ross Riley, Robert Day, Col Thomas White, John Morris, Kenneth Dugan, and Ken Knight. Back row, from left: Maj Paul Thornton, Carl Schaefer, Joseph Blancato, Jess Condon, Glenn Greene, Leon Jones, Howard Germroth, and Mike Harrison. (Photo by Larry Conley)