Galaxy Aviation Offers Unique Tow Operator Safety Training Program

(July 2003) - Galaxy Aviation has taken their commitment to line service safety training to the next level with the creation of their unique Certified Tow Operator Safety Training Program, based on National Air Transportation Association guidelines.

In order to become a Galaxy Aviation Certified Tow Operator, technicians must first complete the extensive NATA Safety 1st training required of all Galaxy Aviation line service employees. Certified Tow Operator candidates are then nominated by management to undergo further instruction in towing, including additional classroom training and the requirement to retake the NATA Safety 1st written test on towing. Only Certified Tow Operators who have met Galaxy Aviation's exacting standards are authorized to tow aircraft at the company's bases.

In addition to establishing their own Certified Tow Operator program, Galaxy Aviation has been a voluntarily participant in the NATA Safety 1st training program- widely recognized as the premier program for line service training and continuing education-since 2001. According to Ken Bray, Galaxy Aviation's Safety/Training Manager, the company's participation in the program is part of an ongoing commitment to provide all employees with the most relevant, up-to-date training available.

"One of Galaxy Aviation's goals is always to provide professional and safety-conscious support to our customers," Bray said. "Our choice to use the Safety 1st program is a reflection of that. It is the most recognized program in the industry. Most aviators know the NATA training program, and when they see the Safety 1st logo at our bases, they know that we're using the top-notch training program for line service."

As a supplement to new employee orientation, all Galaxy Aviation line service employees are required to complete the NATA Safety 1st program, including the required written exams-graded at NATA headquarters in Alexandria, Va.-as well as 37 mandatory practical exams which are evaluated by designated trainers at each base. Each practical exam requires line service to perform skills-including ground servicing, ramp safety, refueling piston aircraft, refueling turboprop aircraft, refueling jet aircraft, fuel farm management, towing, customer service and fire safety-with 100 percent accuracy in order to pass. Line service technicians who do not pass these practical exams on the first try are required to undergo personal hands-on training with their base trainer until they can achieve a perfect score. Individual line service technicians must be retested biannually for the company to remain in the Safety 1st Program.