Simulator Design and Instructional Features for Carrier Landing: A Field Transfer Study

Abstract

Abstract : A transfer-of-training experiment was conducted as part of the carrier landing behavioral research program at the Visual Technology Research Simulator (VTRS). Experimental results provide information on the design and use of simulators for training the aircraft carrier landing task and also provide input on design issues for the Navy's new T-45 training system. Two visual display variables and two simulator training variables were selected for inclusion in this experiment: scene detail (day contrasted with night); field of view (wide versus narrow); approach type (circling, modified straight-in or segmented); and number of simulator trials (20, 40, or 60). 72 student pilots were trained on the VTRS prior to going through the Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) phase of their pilot training program. Performance of these students at FCLP was contrasted with that of a group of 54 students who did not receive simulator training. Results show that students trained in the simulator performed better at FCLP than the control students. There was no transfer advantage for those trained with a daytime high-detail scene compared to those trained with a lower cost nighttime low-detail scene. There was also no transfer advantage for those trained with a wide FOV compared to those trained with the wide field of view compared to those trained with the lower cost narrow FOV scene.