"Early fixed wing research demonstrated that potential cost and training benefits could be derived from simulation-augmented primary flight training. Unfortunately, more recent research in this area has been the exception, not the rule. This is especially true in the case of rotary wing (helicopter) aircrew training research. The present report reviewed the research literature on military aviation transfer of training (TOT) research, and examined the current U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) Program of Instruction. An in-depth review was also conducted on the recent IERW simulation research performed by the Army Research Institute (ARI) Rotary Wing Aviation Research Unit (RWARU). Review of the IERW TOT research showed that a combination of synthetic flight simulation and criterion-based training had the potential for saving training time and costs in the aircraft. Adaptive training aids such as the ARI RWARU Intelligent Flight Trainer, also showed promise. A research program, focusing on revising the current IERW program to optimize the use of simulation, was proposed. This program would include (a) criterion-based instructional strategies, (b) low cost simulation, and (c) investigation of different combinations of simulator vs. aircraft training events, in order to determine the optimal simulator/aircraft training mix."--DTIC.

The Army Research Institute (ARI) has developed and demonstrated the UH-1 Training Research Simulator (TRS), and shown it to be effective in providing low-cost, effective simulator-based basic training of initial-entry rotary wing (IERW) maneuvers. The system integrates technologies of distributed computational processing and computer image generators in a configuration that has the potential for minimizing dependence on a dedicated instructor pilot. Six empirical studies have demonstrated the system's effectiveness in delivering positive transfer-of-training to the UH-1 helicopter, and further studies are planned to expand the evaluation effort's scope. A need has existed, however, to improve the instructional portions of the system by incorporating instructor pilot (IP) domain knowledge, and by providing the student pilot (SP) with appropriate tutorial feedback regarding proficiency progress. By doing so significant savings in IP hours could be realized to complement the savings already achieved through the low-cost hardware configuration. Of perhaps greater significance was the potential of demonstrating how intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) could be hybridized with flight training simulators to support the development of a new generation of low-cost intelligent flight trainers (IFTs). The potential thus existed far beyond the UH-1 TRS, and may have significant impact on several other existing and planned flight trainers.

This book covers the application of psychological principles and techniques to situations and problems of aviation. It offers an overview of the role psychology plays in aviation, system design, selection and training of pilots, characteristics of pilots, safety, and passenger behavior. It covers concepts of psychological research and data analysis and shows how these tools are used in the development of new psychological knowledge. The new edition offers material on physiological effects on pilot performance, a new chapter on aviation physiology, more material on fatigue, safety culture, mental health and safety, as well as practical examples and exercises after each chapter.