The Effect of Prolonged Non-Flying Periods on Pilot Skill in Performance of a Simulated Carrier Landing Task

Abstract

An experiment was undertaken to determine if a significant loss of basic pilot skill occurs during prolonged non-flying periods. 'Current', 'one- year stagnant' and 'two-year stagnant' groups of jet qualified Naval Aviators were tested on a computer simulation of a carrier approach and landing. Performance by 'currency' groupings was then analyzed. Test subjects were subsequently re-assigned to 'experience' groups, according to total actual flight hours accrued by each pilot. 'Least experienced', 'intermediate' and 'most experienced' group performance was then compared. Significant variables and important parameters in retention of pilot skills are discussed. In light of the experimental results, some possible 'real-world' implications and suggestions are made.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0769696

Entities

People

  • Wayne B. Wilson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Analog Computers
  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Carrier Landings
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Control Simulators
  • Control Sticks
  • Control Systems
  • Flight Simulators
  • Flight Training
  • Graphics
  • Money
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Training

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design