Current Simulator Substitution Practices in Flight Training

Abstract : The reduction of flight hours following the introduction of new or additional simulator training was noted for 25 programs occurring during the past 10 years. These demonstrations were felt to be typical of the practices existing in the general aviation, commerical airline, and military environments. The percentage reduction of the original in-flight syllabus (effectiveness) and the ratio of simulator hours required per in-flight training hour replaced (efficiency) were computed for each demonstration. These data were examined in terms of the three environments noted above. The demonstrations were also classified according to various factors such as category of training (instruments vs. contact), student experience levels (undergraduate vs. designated aviators), simulator sophistication (use of motion and visual systems), and type airframe (helicopter, jet, or transport). The median values of effectiveness and efficiency for such classifications were computed. The limitations of current simulator substitution data were delineated.