Flight Simulators and the Effectiveness of Transfer of Training in Aviation

Abstract

This project involved a review of existing research on flight simulators and transfer-of-training success. Flight simulators are often used in airline training and can also be a valuable tool during earlier stages of training, including instrument training. Simulators provide training for dangerous situations, such as spins, without any risk to pilots. However, to be useful, the skills acquired through simulator training must carry over to actual aircraft. Dozens of direct and related studies indicate that simulators confer a strong transfer-of-training benefit across the board. Some studies have suggested that specific tasks and skills translate better from simulators to real-world situations, while others have shown a more general application. Overall, adverse effects of simulators were not evident. Although motion in simulation is widely perceived as being more effective than simulation without motion, most research does not support this perception. Therefore, both no-motion and motion simulators are suitable for training purposes, and motion is unnecessary, consistent with the hypothesis. Further transfer-of-training research is recommended, especially quasi-experimental research on early flight training, which can lower training costs, facilitate training in recovery skills, and increase safety in training without diminishing any of the benefits. KEYWORDS: flight simulators, aviation simulators, transfer-of-training, fidelity, simulators, high-fidelity simulation, low-fidelity simulation, simulator fidelity, simulation fidelity, motion simulators, no-motion versus motion simulators, simulator transfer of training, simulation transfer of training, aviation simulation