Re: FMS training and learning
Lonny M. Regan (mach0_at_ibm.net)
Mon, 14 Apr 1997 12:20:32 -0700
Neil C. Krey wrote:
>
> Good Afternoon CRMers!
>
> Paul Sherman asked about the value of free-play for FMS training. From my
> intuitive standpoint, I think it is a critical part of the learning
> process. Whether the opportunity is provided in a "safe" training
> environment or after the crews are out on the line is the real issue.
> While I have not flown any true glass cockpit aircraft, the older
> generations I HAVE flown DID have fairly sophisticated automated flight
> control systems. The schools seldom did a good job of teaching them. As a
> result, I often got into the "wonder what this does" mode in flight. Not
> good, and very similar to the "what is it doing now?" mode we find today!
>
> Today's automation technology provides multiple ways to accomplish a flight
> management task. A single data entry has an effect on multiple pages.
> Anyone who has flown them or been on the jump seat has seen conversiations
> such as "let me show you a better way to do that". The training programs
> have gotten better, but tend to only teach a single procedure for each
> situation, even though there are many way to accomplish it. Crews quickly
> find the alternatives for themselves. The discussions on the FMS Bluecoat
> mailing list are an example of how this happens.
>
> The idea of "structured free-play" is probably a contradiction of terms,
> but it seems that Paul may be talking about such a situation. As a
> trainer, I am concerned with how we keep the free-play both safe and
> productive.
>
> Best regards,
> Neil Krey
> neilkrey_at_why.net
> http://users.why.net/neilkrey/
Hi Neal & thanks for your post regarding free-play for FMS training. At
Delta, we have a C.A.P.T. for our MD-11 pilots in training to use on
their own time should they wish. An instructor spends one hour
introducing this training aid on the afternoon of day one & after that,
it will only be used by a trainee on their time if they wish.
This device has 2 MCDU's but only one FMC. It is excellent for a simple
task such as loading a flight plan. Since the C.A.P.T. really is not
designed to "fly", a trainee will usually use it the first few days of
training to load the next days flight plan and this helps them to get
comfortable with the equipment as opposed to no practice during their off
time until the next sim period.
On occasion, a pilot has told me that they were able to get the C.A.P.T.
airborne and "flew a profile". The systems of this device really don't
operate reliably like the sim., so they are forced to skip over many
areas of the checklist. This has generated many questions that really are
specific to this training aid only, and has sometimes created confusion
regarding the operation of the aircraft.
I STRONGLY urge trainees to use the device to load flight plans, and make
changes as they see fit, based on the training they have received & NOT
to try to get the device airborne and then perform FMS exercises,
however, many trainees see that as a challenge and press on. While they
generate negative training at times, the device seems to get them more
comfortable than an individual who does not use our C.A.P.T.
Regards-
Lonny