The final training step is the Composite Maintenance Trainer (CMT), a full-scale mock-up of the CH-53K aircraft, including replicas of its three T408 engines. Training will begin at Marine Air Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. David Karcher, a Lockheed Martin senior specialist mechanic explained, “The benefit to a trainer like this is to create an environment that is somewhat realistic to a real aircraft but has safety in mind.”

Jeff Gilton, Principle Software Engineer for engine controls at GE Aviation, continues to defy seemingly insurmountable odds, both personally and professionally. He’s been through a lot of “firsts” and to Jeff, attending corporate training from his bed was no different.