Everyone is talking about the current pilot shortage as operators are scrambling to fill open pilot slots. The new hire pilot total time required hasn’t necessarily changed, but the type of experience they require definitely has. Some new hires are reporting for training with limited experience in turbine aircraft. Many of these pilots have experience in single engine with little or no digital cockpit time. Additionally they have almost no instrument time beyond what was necessary to get the rating. Then there are some pilots coming back to rotorcraft after flying for the airlines. They understand the technology but have limited experience with the devices and tools in the new-model helicopters.

The challenge is how to adapt training programs to fit the variety of experience. To start with, the old-school model consisting of training in a few hours to the make and model of aircraft is history. Training should now be more specialized to include make, model, avionics, mission requirements and special equipment. This requires more training time than previously allowed when switching aircraft. The extra time is critical when training to proficiency.

Understanding equipment takes time

The technology in the aircraft is officially designed to make the job of flying easier, more efficient and safer, with less chance of error. This is only truly accurate if the pilot understands and operates the equipment as designed. It is the familiarization with the aircraft flight deck and an understanding of the equipment that requires training to a ‘comfort level’ to be proficient. The operation of the equipment requires practice in a training environment. This takes significantly more time than in the old days of learning the numbers, emergency procedures and the checklist. Training to a standard is vital. Training to meet regulatory requirements is not the same as training to proficiency. Training to check a box on the training record does not train to proficiency.

There has been a limited in-depth look at the hands-on avionics and digital functions

The technically advanced aircraft used today require practice and training on multi-function displays, autopilot, and navigation systems. Then if we throw in night vision goggles (NVG), satellite tracking and flight data monitoring, there is a lot for the pilot to understand. Most of the ground school material that has been passed down through the years and adapted for current aircraft models seems to fall into a basic template including an overview of the aircraft followed by chapters on individual systems. Each chapter or presentation slide covers an aircraft system in the normal, abnormal and emergency mode. There has been a limited in-depth look at the hands-on avionics and digital functions. This old-school approach is acceptable if there is enough time built into the training program for actual ‘muscle memory’ learning of the electronics as designed in the aircraft or simulator. But, most often, there is not enough time in the training program to build that muscle memory comfort level.

Hands-on training and its alternatives

So how do we change the training programs to accomplish effective training and still keep it efficient? The ideal environment for training hands-on is in a simulator. However, simulator availability may be a challenge. As a result, a touchscreen desktop-type avionics trainer is very helpful. This is a computer designed to teach the cockpit procedures, including starts as well as system monitoring and navigation systems. Using a computer training program like this can cut down on the amount of time needed in the simulator; and allows the pilot to review procedures and functions until there is a proficient comfort level in using the equipment.

Another viable option is to adapt the training programs with more visual effects. Sometimes if hands-on is not always available, a video that can be reviewed numerous times is helpful. We have all searched online for a video to assist us in learning or repairing something – there is a video for almost anything. It is not expensive to video a procedure or process; it can be done semi-professionally even with a phone. The key to making this work is to ensure the video is accurate and complete. Therefore any video should be reviewed by several subject matter experts to be sure that it is complete and accurate. A video training module can be done on anything from a walk-around inspection to the pages on a multi-function display.

A video training module can be done on anything from a walk-around inspection to the pages on a multi-function display

The videos can also be used in between scheduled training sessions as a refresher for the pilot. This is especially helpful in reviewing activities that are not a common occurrence and could be deemed as perishable skills. Videos can also be used prior to a training event in a simulator as a reminder of the procedures that will be reviewed and graded in the simulator.

It is important that all training sessions cover the relevant operations of the aircraft as used in a specific mission. The mission could be as simple as flying from airport to airport or as complex as landing at an emergency scene or fighting fires. Any additional equipment such as NVG should be added to the training program when the pilot is proficient with the aircraft in a normal environment.