Chapter 8 - Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT).: The Intersection of Technical and Human Factor Crew Resource Management (CRM) Team Skills

Abstract

This chapter describes the development of line oriented flight training (LOFT) and line operational evaluation (LOE) in the airline industry and the use of this training tool to train, reinforce, and assess the CRM skills of airline pilots. The use of full mission or line operations simulation in pilot training programs is a technique that has evolved over many years. NASA involvement and interest in LOFT stems largely from some early work conducted under a Human Factors in Aviation Safety Program. The study reflects many of the characteristics of LOFT that distinguish it from other forms of simulator training. In LOFT and CRM there were critical issues that had to be addressed. In particular it was moving CRM from a didactic lecture of knowledge to an integrated performance-based assessment where the LOFT is used as the vehicle for this assessment. This LOFT vehicle became known as the LOE and was a critical component of the AQP philosophy. Team knowledge competencies are defined as the principles and concepts that underlie a team's effective task performance. An integral tool in this process has been the growth of the LOFT/LOE to meet the learning needs of today's pilots. This growth will continue with the challenges of training, very small jets, advanced automation in the flight deck, and changes in how the skies will be navigated in the future.