Abstract
The implementation of the aviation tasks, including the preparatory ones, is a difficult, complex task requiring from the aviation personnel a high level of general, technical, and specialist knowledge and a wide range of skills, appropriate to the type of technical tools and systems being at the disposal of the aviation personnel as well as the complexity and difficulty of their tasks. Particular importance is currently attached to the development of training devices used in the basic training and in-service training of the aviation personnel. The authors have referred to the role of simulators in achieving the desired level of specialist competence by flight personnel, including, among others, such issues as aircraft simulators development, and their application in the aviation training; aircraft simulators classification in accordance with current aviation regulations; essential functions performed by aviation simulators; flight simulator is an essential tool for basic and in-service training of the aviation personnel.
TopBackground: Does Modern Aviation Need Simualtors?
Tasks carry out by human in interaction with aviation technologies require the involvement of its basic senses in order to obtain data1 and information. The relationship between data and information was interestingly presented by Daft, who says that “Information is what changes and supports understanding, while data is the input of a communication channel. The data is tangible and consists of numbers, words, phone calls or computer printouts sent or received. Data will not become information unless people use it to improve their understanding (Daft, 1992). Thus, the pilot to carry out his tasks in a particularly complex and dynamically changing task environment needs information in the sense of a “product of significant data processing” (Clare, 1987). On the other hand, the necessary condition for the process of “significant data processing” is the level of competence (knowledge and skills) and experience presented by the pilot-operator (Figure 1).
Figure 1.
The process of data processing into information
Source: Own study Key Terms in this Chapter
OFT: Operational flight trainer.
FTD: Flight training device.
RTMS: Real-time monitoring station.
MPDS: Mission planning and debriefing stations.
NVG: Night vision goggles.
Flight Simulator: A device or a computer program which simulates the aircraft operation in real flight conditions.
CBT: Computer-based training.
TMIS: Training management information system.
ILS: 1) Instrumental landing system, 2) integrated logistic support.
LVC Technology: Live virtual constructive technology.
FNPT: Flight and navigation procedures trainer.
PTT: Part task trainer.
SBT: Simulated-based training.
LMS: Learning management system.
GBTS: Ground-based training system.
HMD: Helmet mounted device.
FMS: Full mission simulator.
IMC: Instrument meteorological conditions.