The Development of Airline Pilot Skills through Simulated Practice

Abstract

Pilot education and training has historically been centred on knowledge of aircraft systems and flying skills. Additions to pilot training syllabi over the years have generally occurred due to advances in technology that have required new skills and knowledge to be taught. However, research into aviation accidents over the last 30 years has identified disconnects between current syllabi and pilot needs in the work place. Despite the new perspectives of required pilot skills, traditional habits within training are still embedded in modern training syllabi and, more importantly, the current practice-based methods. Changes are needed in pilot training programmes to improve areas such as team skills, decision making, and communication. These changes are likely to see an increasing use of simulators of varying levels of sophistication to allow authentic practice-based training activities for pilots. Importantly, there is also a need to improve assessment methods for practice-based activities.