Tim Brady

High fidelity flight training devices in the training of ab initio flight students

The ever-increasing power of computers and the associated decrease in acquisition costs is now enabling the application of high fidelity simulation for the training of ab initio flight students. A two-year study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is examining a nonmotion flight training device with a wide field of view visual display, slow flight aerodynamic modeling and simulation of the slow flight envelope for use as the principle training medium for students earning a private pilots certificate. A curriculum comprised of 60% simulated flight and 40% real flight is central to this study. The goal is to examine the degree of transfer effectiveness from flight training in state-of-the-art flight training devices to real aircraft.

Emerging tools for evaluating safety management systems effectiveness

Safety Management Systems (SMS) have become prevalent in a host of industries, including aviation, for managing safety, but little research has been performed to-date on measuring the effectiveness of SMS. This research examined the independent application of two related concepts to assess effectiveness: IO/SMS, an Input-Output economics concept applied to SMS, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Input-Output (IO) is a method for systematically determining the inter-relationships among elements in a system. To determine if IO could be applied to SMS, it was necessary to calculate the relative importance to the system of the four components of SMS. Five SMS experts participated and, through a series of exercises, determined values for the 24 discrete SMS parts. Using IO matrix math, these values were then calculated for a 24×24 matrix. The results produced a matrix that could be used to predict the impact on the system by changing either a total input value such as an aggregate score on a survey, or by changing a single value. DEA is a multi-factor, mathematical programming technique that is used to determine the boundary of an efficient frontier. Using inputs and outputs, a ratio is calculated, which measures the relative efficiency, or effectiveness, of each decision making unit (DMU). In this research, inputs and outputs were determined for each of the four components of SMS via surveys conducted by subject matter experts. DEA models were developed and tested, and efficiency scores were developed for each DMU. DEA modeling also revealed the specific areas that could be addressed to improve efficiency scores. IO/SMS and DEA appear to be powerful tools to measure SMS effectiveness. A next step in the research may be to examine techniques that combine the benefits of both methods.

Marbles: The Application of Input-Output Concepts to Safety Management Systems

The goal of this research was to apply the economic concept titled Input-Output Analysis to an aviation safety concept titled Safety Management Systems (SMS). Input-Output (IO) is based upon the interrelationships of various components of an economic system and what happens to the system when one or more of those components changes. Since SMS is, by definition, a system with definable components, the research sought to determine if the interrelationships between those components could be determined and quantified. The term ‘‘marbles’’ was used to describe the

The impact on educational technology of a fatal airline accident: a case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study of how a virtual technology burden was created that impacted the professional pilot college student and various colleges/universities that offer professional pilot degree programs. A cascading set of events began as a result of US congressional reaction to a tragic airline accident. The resulting legislation forced the Federal Aviation Administration to publish new rules for first officer qualifications that were unmindful of the recommendations of professional pilot groups for simulation-based training. Ultimately, this placed a financial burden on both the college/university training curriculum and on the professional pilot student. Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts a case study approach. Findings – Because of US congressional over-reaction, a collegiate system which produced excellent first officer candidates who had below 500 flight hours and who had been demonstrated scientifically to be efficient, skilled, and safe, was upended. The flight hour requirements were increased fivefold with little regard to its impact on the pilot pool. Congressional legislation forced the FAA to create and publish new rules that were unmindful of the simulation recommendations of professional pilot groups and required virtual simulation technology new to the college/university training environment. Originality/value – Traces the effect of government interference into a previously stable continuum of college-prepared airline pilots who are safe and effective.