The “Aviation Corrosion Challenge” app, offering Sailors and Marines an interactive, score-based gaming scenario for identifying corrosion, became available in app stores Feb. 8.
Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) and the U.S. Navy Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) partnered to launch the app through the Navy AppLocker; Google Play for Android users; and iTunes for iOS users.
“CNATT and PMW 240 have been efforting this for six months, and to see this come to fruition represents a move toward the technology-based learning we’re embracing,” said Mark Tinetti, CNATT instructional systems specialist. “Students today have information at their fingertips and putting out material in a format to which they’re accustomed is keeping in line with CNATT’s modernized learning model.”
The app will not replace or substitute existing corrosion training, according to Tinetti, but is designed to augment it through visual identification of corrosion; methods for removing and treating corrosion; and materials used in corrosion prevention. Using photographs and text, the game randomly generates elements associated with corrosion control, including types, effects on alloys, aircraft cleaning, preventative compounds and sealants. Game users answer questions within a set amount of time while earning points.
“The game format of this app is something we felt could be more appealing to users,” said Tinetti. “Individuals spend a lot of time on their phones and having a resource such as this immediately accessible is something we felt could effectively complement required training.”
Tinetti added that the game allows a review of questions at the end of each challenge and includes an achievement section, which unlocks trophies for points and levels earned.
Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Roger Nelson, a subject matter expert at CNATT, oversaw the content portion of the app’s development and said the game-based training aid is something supervisors can employ as part of regularly scheduled training.
“Corrosion is one of the biggest challenges service members at squadrons, fleet readiness centers and other facilities face on a daily basis,” said Nelson. “Incorporating this visual aid as something to augment training is something we’re hoping division officers and chiefs can stress to Sailors and Marines who deal with corrosion.”
The app offers public content and does not require authentication or authorization to access.
CNATT Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Simon said CNATT is moving toward electronic training.
“Using technologies that can assist us in providing better training to our Sailors and Marines is critical to support the naval aviation mission and keep us at the forefront of training,” said Simon. “The CNATT staff is always looking for methods to improve the way we train, and these sorts of applications should prove to be beneficial to the young men and women who are keeping our planes in the air and equipment operating safely.”
The app is available through the iTunes App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aviation-corrosion-challenge/id1337279306?mt=8; the Google Play Store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mil.navy.corrosion; and the Navy AppLocker at
https://www.applocker.navy.mil/#!/apps/F94B24A4-2D18-49E0-AF47-89764E4EE248
CNATT is the technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE), an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost under Naval Education and Training Command.