Pilot decision-making in irreversible emergencies
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if a reflexive learning treatment utilizing select case studies could enhance the decision-making of pilots who encounter an irreversible emergency. Participants, who consisted of members of the subject university's professional pilot program, were divided into either a control or experimental group and completed a ground training session and scripted simulator flight. The simulator flight contained an engine failure en-route during low instrument flight conditions. The aircraft was equipped with an emergency airframe parachute, and an expert panel determined a parachute deployment to be the best outcome to the scenario. Participants' response time to the emergency was measured, and an ANCOVA analysis found no significant difference to exist between the groups. Interestingly, only nine of the 21 participants responded as expected by the expert panel and deployed the parachute. A follow-up survey was administered to provide qualitative data and offer possible explanation for this discrepancy.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Fanjoy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Educational tests & measurements|Educational psychology|Higher education
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