Avionics News - September 2023 - 42

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, KITCO
provides fiber optic training to
military and commercial aircraft
operators as well as maritime
and land-based users.
KITCO FIBER OPTICS
Continued from page 41
" When I came through the Navy, it was about three days of
training, " Wilson said. " In the wire connector repair course,
we didn't build any fiber or even test it. They said, this is
fiber, this is what it does, try to keep it clean. When we had
an issue, we had to figure it out on our own. At KITCO, we
spend an entire class day going over the theory and history of
fiber. We build a lot of connectors and talk about the different
types of fiber and anything that you may see in your aircraft. "
KITCO's courses are designed to meet stringent NAVAIR
01-1A-505-4 for fiber optic installation and testing on naval
aircraft; ARINC 805 test procedures for commercial aircraft;
MIL-STD-1678 requirements for fiber design, installation,
maintenance and measurements on military ships and aircraft;
and NAVSEA requirements for training and backfit and
overhaul operations for fiber optic cabling and components.
" When we set up these military courses, we work hard to
hit every mark on those charts, " Wilson said. " I teach from
their manual because I know they'll always have access
to it. On the shipboard side, NAVSEA is really strict about
their training. We've mimicked NAVSEA's program on the
aviation side to help them get into accordance with MILSTD-1678's
required training.
" I was in the military for 20 years; I didn't even know the
publication (MIL-STD-1678) existed. I think a lot of other
people don't realize either because fiber optics is so new to
the aviation community. The F-14 I worked on didn't have
fiber optics. We transitioned to the F-18 in 2006, and it had
one or two fiber cables. Now, some aircraft have four or five.
You can have a C-130 that doesn't have any fiber, or you
could have a C-130 that's loaded with fiber, depending on its
mission and modifications on board. Aircraft with systems on
board that process a lot of information quickly will have a lot
of fiber. On the commercial side, that's web connectivity and
in-flight entertainment. "
KITCO's training typically lasts five days. At the end of
the course, attendees can take an Electronics Technicians
Association fiber optic technician exam, which is akin to a
commercial certification, according to Wilson.
" When you're trying to keep an aircraft in the air and it's
using more and more fiber, you have to have a certain skill set
to maintain those systems, " Barks said.
Continuously Innovating
KITCO continues to evolve its training programs to
keep up with the latest aircraft and systems. In addition to
developing new courses, Barks invests in additional tools
for existing classes as he did this season when he added four
42 avionics news * september 2023
VIAVI OLP-82/82P Optical Power Meters. In July, KITCO's
instructors were factory trained on how to use them.
" I added the video inspection probes because Boeing requires
it to inspect MTP/MPO connectors, " said Barks, who served 20
years in the U.S. Navy maintaining close-in weapon systems
and leading microminiature repair training. " Plus, the Joint
Strike Fighter is also starting to implement those connector
types onto that airframe. We have to be innovative in this
business. We have to keep evolving as the industry evolves. "
Along with evolving the curriculum, KITCO continues to
innovate its toolkits. The company operates a large research
and development department. Using 3D printers for proof of
concept, it designs and builds specialized tools to reach fiber
optics cables and connectors - tools that ease installation,
inspection, cleaning, building, testing and troubleshooting.
Over the years, KITCO has developed dozens of tools to
help technicians.
Barks also credits the company's ability to solve specific
problems for customers for its continued growth, especially
on the aviation side.
" For one customer, we built circuit card extenders with test
points on the front making it easy for technicians to test the
system, see the signals and troubleshoot, " Barks said.
With demand growing for training, Barks plans to hire
an additional fiber optic instructor. Those with military
experience like Barks and Wilson make great candidates.
The company is Virginia Values Veterans certified, providing
employment assistance to transitioning service members,
veterans and military spouses.
It also participates in the DOD SkillBridge Program, which
connects service members with civilian partners in real-world
training and employment during the last 180 days of service.
" Through this partnership, we can train exiting active-duty
military members and give them civilian experience, between
four and 20 weeks, while their benefits and pay remain the
same through the military, " said Sheryl Correia, human
resources manager for KITCO. " The internship can even lead
to permanent employment. "
" We have brilliant people here, " Barks said. " They amaze
me at how they think. It's fun to see what they come up with
next. " q
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