Participant Assessments of Aviation Safety Inspector Training for Technically Advanced Aircraft

Technically advanced “glass cockpit” aircraft are making their way into general aviation. Aside from technical challenges presented by learning any new system, pilots report some difficulty in acquiring a conceptual understanding of the functions offered by the avionics, developing system monitoring skills and habits, developing mode management and awareness skills, understanding when and when not to use automation, and maintaining manual flying skills. Operating aircraft with advanced avionics requires an additional set of knowledge elements and skills. Currently, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspectors are required to inspect technically advanced aircraft, check certified flight instructors, and conduct surveillance of designated pilot examiners who are certifying pilots operating technically advanced aircraft. Therefore, the FAA collaborated with researchers from National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to develop and implement training for aviation safety inspectors on technically advanced aircraft. This paper reports initial participant evaluations of the course.