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> Abstract of "Radio Communications Simulation and Aircrew Training"
Title: Radio Communications Simulation and Aircrew Training Abstract An increasingly congested air traffic environment emphasizes the importance of realistic radio communications simulation (RCS) in the evaluation and training of aircrews. The ability to realistically simulate air-ground radio communications in aircrew training environments is therefore paramount. However, a recent survey of U.S. airlines has revealed a remarkably low level of radio communications simulation fidelity. None of the airlines used trained air traffic controllers, but rely on instructor/evaluators (I/Es) to perform this task in addition to their instructional and evaluation duties. Most airlines do not provide the radio frequency chatter common in the operational environment nor do they provide additional staff to simulate non-ATC communications, such as dispatch and maintenance. I/Es are expected to provide most or all RCS in addition to their normal teaching and evaluation duties. The low level of RCS fidelity and the added burden of RCS on I/Es may affect the performance of both aircrews and instructors. A study was conducted to determine whether variations in RCS fidelity affect aircrew or instructor behavior in a simulated line-oriented evaluation. 12 current B747-400 aircrews were required to fly a flight scenario comparable to that they might receive in an actual training environment. The flight scenarios where flown in an FAA-certified flight simulator. Six crews were assigned to a low RCS fidelity condition comparable to the RCS level provided in training environments and six crews were assigned to a high RCS fidelity condition comparable to actual line operations. The two groups were matched for flying experience. Results indicate that crew planning behavior was reduced significantly in the high RCS fidelity condition. Crews also initiated ATC communications at a much higher frequency in the high RCS fidelity condition. I/E inter-rater reliability also increased significantly in the high RCS fidelity condition implying increased validity, as well as reliability, of instructor evaluations. Crew-system performance was also affected by RCS fidelity. High RCS fidelity led to substantially increased time for crews to execute a missed approach due to increased time spent on crew-ATC coordination and communication. These findings suggest that there is a marked influence of RCS fidelity on crew communications workload, on the reliability of I/E evaluations, and on crew and crew-ATC coordination processes. The absence of realistic RCS in current airline training facilities may be compromising crew evaluations. Recommendations for further research into the role of RCS fidelity in aircrew training environments are discussed. To purchase a copy of this article, click the Buy Now link below. An electronic (PDF) copy will be sent within 24 hours of order receipt. To avoid delivery delays, refer to the file size indicated above and check your e-mail system message and storage capacity before ordering.
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