Moving FITS Training from the Laboratory to the Flight Line

Abstract

In 2004, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) first conducted training on an experimental basis using a FAA-Industry Training Standards (FITS) accepted Private/Instrument curriculum. Based on the results of that and subsequent studies, the decision was made to move to full-scale implementation of this Private/Instrument curriculum beginning in January 2007. Before this course of action was chosen, a number of issues were resolved including flight school preparation, development of a Commercial FITS approved syllabus, aircraft scheduling and training time considerations, and changes to the original syllabus. Since implementation as the standard MTSU flight school curriculum, 16 students have completed the course. The mean flight times and number of setbacks experienced by students during training continue to compare favorably to traditional training methods.