Flight Simulation through Mental Practice

Abstract : The experiment demonstrates that the use of mental practice may be an effective adjunct to any training program which normally depends completely on costly actual practice of the skill being learned. Twenty-three Ss were randomly placed in one of two groups. All Ss were student pilots and minimally experienced in the landing of the T-37 aircraft, the independent variable and skill to be learned. The experimental group (E) listened to four 12 1/2-minute tape recordings which prompted their mental practice of landing the T-37 aircraft. The control group (C) did not receive this practice. All Ss were rated by their instructor pilots on procedures and ability to land the aircraft on the training flight following the last mental practice session.