Long-Term Retention of Flying Skills: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Results of the review suggest that basic flight skills can be retained fairly well for extended periods of non-flying, but some decrement of concern does occur, particularly for instrument and procedural skills. Retraining of basic flying skills is judged not to be a major USAF problem, and much of the proficiency maintenance/retraining requirements can be met through the use of training devices and simulators. The review suggests, however, that little is known about the retention, maintenance, and retraining of higher level pilot skills that characterize the professional USAF pilot in tactical units. It is retention and retraining of these higher level skills that is the major concern in establishing manpower management policies with reference to USAF rated supplement pilots. Literature dealing with the nature of these higher level pilot skills is discussed. Conclusions are drawn with reference to flight skills maintenance and retraining, and with reference to management of the rated force. It is concluded that the general state of knowledge is inadequate to USAF current and future needs and that a better base of data on which to develop policies is needed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA036077

Entities

People

  • Wallace W. Prophet

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Combat Readiness
  • Commercial Pilots
  • Employment
  • Flight Simulators
  • Flight Training
  • Information Processing
  • Literature Surveys
  • Military Pilots
  • Military Research
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.