Ingenieur Vol.81 January-March 2020 | Page 67

... professional development of an individual ultimately results in a safer, stronger and more effective workforce with strong compliance to a CoC. COMPETENCY FOCUS OF CAAM GE PAE i. Competency A – Sound Theoretical Knowledge of the Area of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Knowledge is assessed in the subject covered by aircraft engineering and aircraft maintenance as stipulated by regulatory requirements. The fundamentals of aircraft maintenance engineering in terms of construction and systems with relevant scientific knowledge and the basic laws of physics are required. With the foundation, one maintains and extends a sound theoretical approach in enabling the introduction and exploitation of new and advancing technology. ii. Competency B Application of knowledge in the field of aircraft maintenance engineering. Strong application can be observed when a graduate engineer is strong in aircraft system diagnostics with strong analytical skills. With this competency, a LAME has the ability to dissect aircraft system deficiencies and recommend best solutions and conclude if the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft is affected by the system discrepancies within the scope of a LAME. The inquisitive mind has the ability to investigate system fault symptoms through a well-grounded theoretical knowledge with valid and accurate interpretation of aircraft system behaviour. Penetrating deep into the systems operational components provides a solid conclusion as far as aircraft and public safety is concerned. The basic ability to develop maintenance operational support processes should be considered as an application of knowledge. For example, when a new aircraft is inducted into the system, there are the maintenance operation processes or workflow processes that have to be developed without contradicting the OEM or authority requirements. iii. Competency C A good demonstration of technical and commercial leadership in the field of aircraft maintenance engineering. iv. Competency D A good demonstration of effective interpersonal skills in the field of aircraft maintenance engineering. v. Competency E A good demonstration of personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment. DISCUSSION Based on the study above, it is important that CAAM AML holders registered at BEM who are considered as experts under the aeronautical engineering discipline in the area of aircraft maintenance engineering be encouraged to become P.Eng. Without a professional development pathway for CAAM AML holders registered at BEM, there may be a lack of motivation for continuous professional development and improvement to enhance their overall competencies and instead only focus on technical skills and knowledge. Non-professional behaviour may lead to poor relationships, improper communications, exploitation, selfishness, breach of confidentiality or the code of conduct. With a professional pathway, a CAAM AML GE is able to develop from the expert level to the P.Eng level. This is important because professional development of an individual ultimately results in a safer, stronger and more effective workforce with strong compliance to a CoC. This echoes the 11 th Malaysian plan in enhancing human capital development in Malaysia. Even more importantly, the elevation of this profession may bring the 65