The Use of Personal Computer-Based Training Devices in Teaching Instrument Flying: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The in-flight performance of aviation students trained on PC-Based Training (TDs), using “Elite” and “IFT” software packages, was compared to the in—flight performance of students trained in a FAA approved generic training device (the Frasca 141). Seventy-nine students enrolled in a Instrument Flight Training Course were trained on one of the three TDs and then flew in a Mooney 20J. Instructors/ evaluators used a form, based on criteria specified in FAA's Performance Test Standards (PTS) for an Instrument Rating, to evaluate student performance on six maneuvers and two categories of general flight skills. Student performance was evaluated by course instructors and independent “Stage Check Pilots” during both the ground-based and in-flight portion of the course.

For the factors evaluated, no significant difference was noted among those studnets taught in any of the TDs in either the number of trials per task or hours to instrument flight proficiency in the aircraft. However, compared to students trained on the Frasca, students trained on the PC-Based TDs required significantly fewer hours and trials per task, to reach the overall PTSs in the TDs. Additionally, training received in the PC-Based TD cost 46% less than training received in the Frasca. Finally, the cost of the PC-Based TDs, associated hardware and Software was 7.6% of the $60,000 cost of the Frasca. The authors recommend that steps be initiated to qualify PC-Based TDs as Flight Training Devices, in which instrument rating training credit can be accrued.