The Relationship between Flight Simulator Motion and Training Requirements

Abstract

Flight simulator motion has been demonstrated to affect performance in the simulator, but recent transfer of training studies have failed to demonstrate an effect upon in-flight performance. However, these transfer studies examined the effects of motion in experimental designs that did not permit a dependency relationship to be established between the characteristics of the motion simulated and the training objectives or the performance measured. Another investigator has suggested that motion cues which occur in flight can be dichotomized as maneuver and disturbance cues, i.e., as resulting from pilot control action or from external forces. This paper examines each type cue and relates it analytically to training requirements. The need to establish such relationships in simulator design is emphasized. Future transfer studies should examine specific training objectives that can be expected to be effected by motion.