A Step Toward Early PC-Based Training That Reduces Risk: The Effects of Practicing an “Instrument Referenced” Skill Pattern on “Visually Referenced” Performance of Beginning Flight Students

Abstract

A matched pairs design was used to evaluate the effects of instrument referenced skill pattern practice on a Personal Computer-Based Aviation Training Device (PCATD) on beginning flight student performance in the field (N= 28). Approximately three hours of experimental training was administered by a certified flight instructor between students' first and ninth flight hours, with each student completing six skill pattern trials. The treatment group (n = 14) performed better than the control group (n = 13) on every dependent measure, with a mean effect size of .35. Statistical tests on mean differences were inconclusive, but the favorable effect sizes and absence of negative transfer should encourage scientists and practitioners to expand the use of PCATDs to improve learning and safety among beginning flight students.

Authors

• Olson, Ryan Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Austin, John Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University