Next-Gen Pilot Training: Simulation Takes the Lead

Pilot training of the future will look very different than it does today. This White Paper builds upon the ideas presented in the previous three White Papers from CAE-Emirates on the future learning ecosystem for pilot training framework which outlined the main ideas and concepts to enable the pilot training of tomorrow. Specifically, this paper provides a different idea for delivery of training, for which SET is the key enabling technology.

The Intention with Embedded Training

The intention with Embedded Training is to provide training in an operational setting when there is time available that cannot be used effectively for other purposes. This can be imagined for armed forces, police etc. for which operations may include long periods of waiting or preparation that may be difficult to use in any effective way. For the context of aviation, making use of time effectively is still important, but just as important is a focus on providing training when there is an actual need for the training content to be provided.

Here are a few examples of short training modules that could be available as Embedded Training, adapted to the type of long-haul network that Emirates operates:

• Dubai to Beijing, with Himalaya crossing, linked to a module about Himalaya crossings and drift-down procedures.
• Flight across the Atlantic Ocean, linked to a module on this and NAT tracks.
• Route over areas with risk for volcanic activity, linked to a module on volcanic ash and related procedures.
• A polar route linked to a module on Polar Operations.
• Route over Africa with known communication issues, linked to module on loss of communications and procedures for this.
• De-icing, anti-icing protocols and management.

In the previous articles, we described how SET would be useful for non-normal events, however, there are other instances where SET could be used to address normal but irregular situations. Managing cold weather operations (CWO) is perhaps, one of the most challenging operational situations. While technical advances have blended with a better understanding of the underlying physics, the dynamic coupling of weather conditions and operational demands make CWO a rich source of human error.  

A CWO SET scenario would be an ideal vehicle to both deliver CWO training while providing the operational context for pilots and freeing up the full flight simulator for its primary function.

Embedded Training and Simulation for Experiential Training

As well as being a means to develop and enhance 'cognitive readiness', the main objective for Simulation for Experiential Training is to make the training more effective, more engaging and interactive. When needing to refresh knowledge and prepare mentally for possible scenarios, using SET will be far more effective than the passive reception of information via traditional training modules.

In parallel with the previous examples, one can imagine a drift down simulation scenario for flights over the Himalayas, a volcanic ash scenario for a flight passing close to the volcanic areas of Indonesia, a diversion scenario over polar areas and a loss of communication scenario over Africa. All of these can have a brief and debrief part, but the simulation will be more effective in making the relevant information come alive and be ready for use in a situation similar to the one in the scenario.

It should also be stated that Human Factors research related to management of unexpected events has shown that crews that prepare for any unexpected scenario perform better when there is such an event, even if it is not the one they actually prepared for. In this sense, the Embedded Training will on a general level enhance Situation Awareness and prepare pilots for unexpected events the same way that pilots for long have done by playing the “what if”-game and simply talking to each other about possible in-flight risks and scenarios.

How to Start with Embedded Training

Given the sensitivities around providing training, and potential distraction, the implementation of Embedded Training would have to be done carefully. One or a few modules, with clear operational relevance would be offered initially. These could be deployed on a voluntary basis, but with clear information that the reward is that these modules done as Embedded Training will then be finished and not have to be done as part of regular recurrent training.

This way pilots may gradually see the argument of operational relevance and usefulness. Tracking of when the modules are taken can be used to follow up patterns of usage and adapt the modules and system to fit the needs of the pilots. For a trial period of one recurrent training cycle, one or two modules can be introduced and then evaluated. Over time, an increasing number of modules can then be introduced gradually with each new recurrent training cycle.

The Full System – Embedded Training Implemented

Embedded Training in full would be tracked just as other recurrent training is in most airlines today, as part of a learning management system. It would simply make use small chunks of time available in operations, in flight or on the ground, which is more closely linked to operations. The benefit for pilots would be a lower recurrent training load to handle during their own time, while for both the pilots and the airline the provision of operationally relevant information at the right time would increase Situation Awareness and decrease operational risk.

The Embedded Training component of training would be followed in the type of AI-driven system envisioned for the full EcoTraining System, i.e., one that tracks, proposes and recommends training based more on operational risk and training evidence than on regulatory requirements. Although regulatory requirements will remain necessary to fulfil, the road to do so can be traced along actual operational knowledge needs. With Embedded Training such needs can be met when they are operationally relevant. Embedded Training would have the possibility to also be used for engineers, Cabin Crew and others professional groups in aviation who have periods of waiting or other inactivity as part of their work.

Summary and Conclusions

This paper has introduced the concept of Embedded Training and how it may be deployed within Simulation for Experiential Training (SET).