Operating Costs of Aircraft and Flight Simulators
Abstract
This paper presents data and analyses of the operating costs of flight simulators and aircraft used in military training. The results should be useful in cost-effectiveness analyses of ongoing flight training programs. The effectiveness of flight simulators for training, however, is not addressed in this paper; hence, the findings of this study alone do not provide the basis for judgements or decisions that require both cost and effectiveness data. The average variable operating costs of 39 simulators in use in the FY 1980-1981 time period fall within a narrow range ($116 to $170 per operating-hour), despite the diversity of simulator types and associated aircraft missions (e.g., bomber, fighter, cargo), and aircraft sizes or types (i.e., fixed-wing or rotary-wing). The simulator-to-aircraft operating cost ratios were about the same in the FY 1975-1976 and FY 1980-1981 time periods (27 and 39 combinations, respectively); the median value was 8 percent. No relationship was found between the type of simulators, as categorized by the Services (e.g., Part Task Trainer, Cockpit Procedures Trainer, Weapon Systems Trainer) and its operating costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA144241
Entities
People
- Jesse Orlansky
- Joseph String
- Mark I. Knapp
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses