The captive helicopter as a training device: Experimental evaluation of a concept.

Abstract

Abstract : The research objective was to determine the effectiveness of a new device concept for helicopter contact flight training and the usefulness of such a device for predicting performance during subsequent flight training. The device was a commercially available captive helicopter attached to a ground effects machine. Two experimental groups of trainees received 3 1/4 or 7 1/4 hours of device training prior to primary helicopter training. In comparison with control groups, both device trained groups (a) were significantly less likely to be eliminated from subsequent flight training for reasons of flying deficiency; (b) required less flight training to attain the proficiency required to solo the helicopter; and (c) received higher grades during early training. Trainees who performed well on the training device tended to perform well during subsequent flight training. Instructors using devices such as this one need not be proficient in the helicopter used for subsequent flight training. (Author)