Utility of a Personal Computer Aviation Training Device for Helicopter Flight Training
Abstract
Personal Computer Aviation Training Devices (PCATDs) have recently been shown to support beginning flight training both in the private sector and the military. These positive results are for fixed-wing aircraft only. The purpose of this research was to investigate which tasks from Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training could be supported by a PCATD. A utility evaluation was performed Sixteen aviators, representing both highly experienced and student helicopter pilots, evaluated the ability of a commercial PCATD to support IERW. Seventy-one tasks were selected from Primary and instrument Flight Training. Aviators performed each task one or more times in the PCATD before rating it on a four-point scale. Additional data were also collected. Results showed remarkable agreement between the experienced aviators and the students. The device was judged as best able to support Instrument Right Training, especially tasks involving radio navigation. Tasks from Primary Right Training, especially tasks requiring hovering, were judged as less well supported The most frequently stated positive comment was that the device would be of value in supporting the training of instrument procedures. The three most frequently cited criticisms of the device concerned narrow field of view, poor visual cues to depth, and inability to hover.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400580
Entities
People
- David M Johnson
- John E. Stewart Ii
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences