Sheller, S. L. and Ruffner, J. W. (2003, April). "Computer-based (and web-based) training solutions for meeting cockpit avionics training needs." Proceedings the 12th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, April 21-22, 2003.
Contact
Information:
DCS POC: John Ruffner jruffner@dcscorp.com
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number:
(571) 227-6111 FAX number: (571) 227-6004
Address:
DCS Corporation, 1330 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Abstract:
Operating and maintaining cockpit avionics systems requires a high level of knowledge and operational skill. Skill acquisition and sustainment, as well as the likelihood of system acceptance, can be enhanced by a training strategy that combines (1) free-play simulation with operational controls and displays, (2) structured tutorials in the opera-tional environment, and (3) on-line reference to relevant documentation and manuals. Interactive computer-based trainers (CBTs) allow self-paced, multimedia, interactive training on complex cockpit avionics systems, and inte-grate a high-fidelity simulation of the avionics system environment with Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC)-compliant instructional design and methodologies. CBT can help mitigate the shortcomings of complementary technologies such as the requirement for qualified avionics instructors, large class sizes, infrequent learning oppor-tunities, and a lack of available cockpit simulators and operational systems for hands-on training. The benefits of CBT to military program offices and aircraft manufacturers include cost-effectively boosting acceptance and profi-ciency, effectively communicating complex system capabilities, and bridging gaps between deployment and the availability of full simulation systems. Benefits to operational organizations include rapidly training for newly de-ployed components or systems, rapidly training a large number of students, and establishing initial training or re-fresher programs as devices evolve. In this paper, we discuss our experience developing CBTs for cockpit avionics systems used in a variety of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. These include the control display navigation unit (CDNU), the ARC-210 radio, the embedded global positioning system/inertial navi-gation system (EGI), and the CYZ-10 data transfer device (DTD). We provide examples from CBTs that we have completed and delivered. We also discuss the requirements for extending existing avionics computer-based training to web-based training (WBT). Finally, we discuss the implications of our work for providing CBT/WBT solutions for commercial and general aviation cockpit avionics systems training needs.