For our fleets that are under the AQP continuing qualification, we will be using
a variation of segmented LOFT called SPOT for 1997. Both of these delivery
methodologies are highlighted in the Draft Advisory Circular 120-35C. Since we
have fleets that are in AQP Continuing Qualification operations and others that
are still making progress toward their AQP development, we are currently playing
under two different Line Operational Simulation (LOS) rulebooks.
There are some LOFT-related traps for folks whos fleets are under an AQP single
visit training exemption (SVTE) or under FAR part 121. The latest reading I
got on this topic is that traditional LOFT is still required for FAR Part 121
fleets and SVTE fleets. The attribute that apparently separates traditional
LOFT from a segmented LOFT is that segmented LOFT give the designer the ability
to start and stop event sets at points that are most conducive to achieving CRM
training objectives (not necessarily starting at the gate and stopping after
landing). Traditional LOFT requires a start-to-finish uninterrupted scenario.
It would be wise to ask your POI and/or AFS-230 what the minimum time
requirement is for a LOFT under Part 121 or SVTE fleets. For discussion
purposes, if your airline dedicates two hours to LOFT and the FAA requires a
minimum of 60 minutes to be dedicated to LOFT, you could do one start-to-finish
LOFT in 60 minutes and have 60 minutes left to do SPOT or Segmented LOFT.
There are a whole host of issues surrounding the design and delivery of
segmented LOFTs or SPOTs to maximize instructional effectiveness. I think that
some of these issues would be worthy of group discussion. I would eventually
like to see a document that highlights design and delivery tips for
SPOT/Segmented LOFT to emerge from our listserv discussions. Is there anyone
interested?
Any comments or thoughts from the group?
Vince