Didn't we take a ERAU distant clas together? Guess you must be one of Hank's pupils now!
>I am currently working on a research paper regarding the topic of
>situational awareness. I would greatly appreciate any insight about >this.
>Some of the questions I am trying to answer in this study are...
>1.) Are we born with it, or can it be learned?
That's impossible to answer. It's sort of like common sense. Mostly acquired I'd say, though som people seem to find it easier to acquire than others.
>2.) If it can be learned, how can we best teach it to new pilots?
Mostly through seeing others use it. As a F/O you seethe "good" Captains excerscising it every day, Those that are capable of articulating the thought process taught me a lot about it. In an ideal world, such people would be instructors. In reality, i know a lot checkers who couldn't spell it!
>3.) How does automation affect SA?
Gives you a lot more time to think, while the A/P flies the airplane.
>4.) What are some effective ways of maintaining SA?
Fight complacency, keep thinking I guess. thsi applies to all things in aviation though.
>5.) How are airlines appoaching this issue?
Mine doesn't even try. It's almost impossible to quantify, so how do you account for SA (or the lack of it) in training? Hopefully, you learn it holistically at the feet of an experienced Captain. maybe that approach wouldn't work in ome cultures, I don't know!
BTW if you're in touch with Dr. Lehere, tell him that the red socks are on their way to Columbus. He'll figure it out.
<bigger><bigger>Suren R.
</bigger></bigger>
PO Box 92,
Dubai,
UAE.
Suren_Ratwatte_at_compuserve.com