Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Journal

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication

Articles 1 - 30 of 114

Full-Text Articles in Education

Success Of Achieving Student Learning Objectives: Compressed Vs. Traditional Courses, Irene Miller, Timm Bliss Jan 2024

Success Of Achieving Student Learning Objectives: Compressed Vs. Traditional Courses, Irene Miller, Timm Bliss

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Institutions of higher learning are offering varying course modalities to accommodate the changing needs of students. Notably, institutions of higher learning are offering an increasing number of compressed courses to meet student demand and remain competitive in higher education. The increase in the number of compressed classes presents the challenge of ensuring that similar academic rigor and breadth of knowledge are maintained in comparison to the traditional 16-week semester. The purpose of this research study was to determine if students enrolled in off-campus classes with compressed schedules are receiving a similar quality of instruction and achieving the equivalent student learning …


Career Choice Motivation For Professional Pilots, Brett Watts Ph.D., Tamilla Curtis Dba, Scott Ambrose Dba Jan 2024

Career Choice Motivation For Professional Pilots, Brett Watts Ph.D., Tamilla Curtis Dba, Scott Ambrose Dba

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study identified key motivational factors of current flight training students to better understand how individuals are motivated to pursue a career in aviation. The theoretical framework used in this study was based upon self-determination theory, as originally introduced by Deci and Ryan (2000).The research approach for this study was a semi-structured interview process where students were asked eight foundational career motivation source questions and their responses were organized into career choice motivation categories. Results showed most participants became motivated to pursue a piloting career at a very young age. This early motivation was largely due to influence from third …


Training Methods Research Opportunities For A Pilot Workforce In Transition: A Literature Review, James Birdsong Phd, Kurt L. Reesman Phd Jan 2024

Training Methods Research Opportunities For A Pilot Workforce In Transition: A Literature Review, James Birdsong Phd, Kurt L. Reesman Phd

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Over the next 15 years, 50% of the U.S. commercial air carrier workforce will retire, making way for younger pilots from Generations Y and Z. This review identifies the emerging pilot workforce and training methods, including emerging technologies and learning methods, as well as research gaps.


Addressing The Target Outcomes, Functional Objectives And Functional Skills Of Aspiring Aviators In Individualized Education Plans And Section 504 Plans, Gary C. Booker Bsc Jan 2024

Addressing The Target Outcomes, Functional Objectives And Functional Skills Of Aspiring Aviators In Individualized Education Plans And Section 504 Plans, Gary C. Booker Bsc

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has very specific requirements for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that center around the executive function abilities of individuals without the aid of ADHD medications, which are forbidden for use by the FAA. These abilities are evaluated by the FAA's medical examination process, which involve a background investigation into a person's history. K-12 Administrators and educators can assist young aspiring pilots with ADHD by placing aviation-specific functional educational goals in their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans.


Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa Aguiar Ph.D., Carolina L. Anderson Ph.D., Dothang Truong Ph.D., Gregory S. Woo Ph.D., Kenneth Byrnes Ph.D. Jan 2024

Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa Aguiar Ph.D., Carolina L. Anderson Ph.D., Dothang Truong Ph.D., Gregory S. Woo Ph.D., Kenneth Byrnes Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of the research was to create and validate a safety performance decision-making tool to transform a reactive safety model into a predictive, decision-making tool, specific to flight training organizations, to increase safety and aid in operational decision-making. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the study conducted simulation runs based on operational ranges to simulate the operating conditions with varying levels of controllable resources in terms of personnel (Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Instructor Pilots) and expenditures (active flight students and available aircraft). Four What-if Scenarios were conducted by manipulating the controllable inputs. Changes to the controllable inputs are reflected by variations …


How Intensity Impacts Success In Collegiate Flight Programs, Andrew Leonard Ph.D. Jan 2024

How Intensity Impacts Success In Collegiate Flight Programs, Andrew Leonard Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

With colleges and universities continuing to face challenges around student retention and degree completion, collegiate aviation program are attempting to find ways to improve the success rate of students enrolled in their programs. This is more important than ever as the demand for pilots in the commercial aviation industry continues to grow (Boeing, 2022). Research has shown that there is a connection between effort and success in higher education. Astin (1993) identified and measured student effort by the amount of time spent on tasks studying. He indicated a positive correlation with almost every academic outcome he tested, including grades, persistence, …


Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Satellite Ground Control Operations Education And Training, Lana Laskey, Joseph R. Keebler, Paul M. Cairns, Geovanny Lopez Jan 2024

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Satellite Ground Control Operations Education And Training, Lana Laskey, Joseph R. Keebler, Paul M. Cairns, Geovanny Lopez

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

There is increased global demand for satellite amenities such as navigation, communications, weather reporting, disaster management, agricultural operations, or humanitarian assistance. The growing demand for satellite technology amplifies the need for highly trained satellite operators. Traditional simulation training methods typically utilize two-dimensional computer displays. However, training approaches involving game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality have shown benefits when integrated with complex disciplines and may provide an advanced training alternative for satellite operators. Game-based instruction enhances user motivation and cognitive engagement, while immersive virtual reality promotes user presence and prolonged cognitive engagement. The combination of these two training methods, noted as …


A Quantitative Analysis Of Seaplane Accidents From 1982-2021, David C. Ison Jan 2024

A Quantitative Analysis Of Seaplane Accidents From 1982-2021, David C. Ison

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This study aimed to assess and analyze all historical National Transportation Safety Board accident reports since 1982. For analysis, reports were bisected into seaplane (float, amphibian, and hull) and non-seaplane groups. Findings showed that there is a deficiency in the level of available detail on the seaplane fleet and cadre of seaplane pilots in the U.S. During the most recent ten years of complete data (2012-2021) showed a negative trend in all accidents and fatal accidents, although only the latter being statistically convincing. During this timeframe, seaplane accident pilots had significantly higher total time and age than other groups (non-seaplane …


Exploring The Implementations Of Hidden Disability Assistance Program In Australian Airports, Aliyu Mohammed Tata, Dr Matthew Ebbatson, Prof Christopher Fluke Jan 2024

Exploring The Implementations Of Hidden Disability Assistance Program In Australian Airports, Aliyu Mohammed Tata, Dr Matthew Ebbatson, Prof Christopher Fluke

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

A small but increasing number of airports have implemented a hidden disability assistance program (HDAP) and issued sunflower lanyards to allow airport staff to recognize their travelers who have a hidden disability (HD) and may require special needs transiting through airport terminals. Airports employees are required to become aware of the challenges that travelers with an HD may face to provide appropriate support to meet their needs. A vital part of the overall program is the provision of training to airport ground staff so they may render appropriate and effective assistance. Several studies have investigated the challenges airline travelers with …


Future Directions Of Space Education, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., Andy Aldrin, Keith Wilson, Jim P. Solti Jan 2023

Future Directions Of Space Education, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., Andy Aldrin, Keith Wilson, Jim P. Solti

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The future of space operations graduate education is reliant on industry leaders’ contributions to help forecast the needs of the industry. The aim of the current study is to build consensus on the future direction of the space industry and generate new knowledge on what the industry expects to occur in the future of space studies education. This study documents the responses of 14 industry experts who currently or previously held highly visible senior leadership positions in a company or organization within the government or the commercial space industry and have extensive experience in a variety of management and leadership …


Testing Backward Chaining Ab-Initio Flight Instruction, Samuel M. Vance, Kat Gardner-Vandy Phd, Brendan A. Pearce Jan 2023

Testing Backward Chaining Ab-Initio Flight Instruction, Samuel M. Vance, Kat Gardner-Vandy Phd, Brendan A. Pearce

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This conceptual/exploratory research updates that previously published in the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research (JAAER) Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Spring 2021) which asked if backward chaining, ab-initio pilot training decrease time to first solo? The specific focus of the research was the viability of landings instruction as the first ab-initio lesson. The research compared a total of eight respondents in a backward-chained flight instruction methodology against four respondents in a forward-chained flight instruction methodology. All 12 respondents were recruited without previous flight instruction or Pilot-in-Command logged flight time. Ground instruction preceded simulator instruction which was followed by instruction in …


Historical Research And The Case For A Fifth Component Of Sms, Paul A. Craig Jan 2023

Historical Research And The Case For A Fifth Component Of Sms, Paul A. Craig

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Abstract

Three tragic events from aviation history were examined using a Historical Research and Case Study Method. The events explored were the disasters of the Airship R101 (1930), the Space Shuttle Challenger (1986) and the Boeing 737 Max 8 (2018). From the research, several closely related commonalities, or themes, were discovered across the three events. In each case, fatal decisions were made by upper-level managers, who allowed non-safety related motivations to influence their decision making. Each case also involved employees who discovered safety concerns and reported those concerns within their organizations, only to have those alerts be ignored, downplayed, rationalized …


Collegiate Aviation Students’ Perceptions Towards The Integration Of Diversity And Inclusion Training: A Qualitative Case Study, Jorge L. D. Albelo Ph.D., Nicola M. O'Toole M.S., Eugene Kim B.S. Jan 2023

Collegiate Aviation Students’ Perceptions Towards The Integration Of Diversity And Inclusion Training: A Qualitative Case Study, Jorge L. D. Albelo Ph.D., Nicola M. O'Toole M.S., Eugene Kim B.S.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Multiple industries have become more supportive and engaging places to work by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within their institutional processes. Institutions of higher education have seen the educational benefits of integrating diversity and inclusion principles within their program outcomes. Notably, the aviation industry has seen an increase in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to attract more customers and increase the number of potential applicants. Yet, there is scant literature on how aviation students at collegiate flight institutions perceive the integration of diversity and inclusion training within the airline industry as part of their career development. This study aimed to …


Universal Design For Learning (Udl): A Contemporary Approach To Professional Flight Instruction, Denise K. Whitford Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii, Bernard W. Wulle Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii/Atp, Nicoletta Fala Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii Jan 2023

Universal Design For Learning (Udl): A Contemporary Approach To Professional Flight Instruction, Denise K. Whitford Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii, Bernard W. Wulle Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii/Atp, Nicoletta Fala Ph.D., Cfi/Cfii

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

In the United States, an increasing number of aspiring commercial airline pilots are teaching as Certificated Flight Instructors, presumably to reach the minimum required flight hours and move into airline flight operations. High-quality training is the foundation of a high-quality globalized aviation workforce, yet there has been a persistent lack of systemic in-depth guidance surrounding how instructors are taught how to teach aviation subject matter, justifying the need for incorporating the use of evidence-based and promising practices from education fields into flight instruction. In this conceptual article, we outline the integral components and the research basis of the universal design …


Evaluating System Usability, Workload Suitability, And User Experience Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Spaceflight Education And Training, Lana Laskey , M.S., Joseph R. Keebler , Ph.D. Jan 2023

Evaluating System Usability, Workload Suitability, And User Experience Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Spaceflight Education And Training, Lana Laskey , M.S., Joseph R. Keebler , Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality are enhanced pedagogical methods beneficial in training environments involving complex disciplines, ranging from medical applications to construction engineering technology. This study investigated the use of game-based virtual reality (GBVR) when applied to the complex field of spaceflight education and training. As modern society places increasing demand on space-based amenities, the need for proficient satellite operators will also increase, requiring more accessible and advanced training options. Satellite ground control training scenarios, immersed in the GBVR environment, were developed and deployed to university student participants. Multiple validated scales were employed to measure the GBVR system regarding …


Accuracy Assessment Of The Ebee Using Rtk And Ppk Corrections Methods As A Function Of Distance To A Gnss Base Station, Joseph Cerreta, David Thirtyacre, Peter Miller, Scott S. Burgess, William J. Austin Jan 2023

Accuracy Assessment Of The Ebee Using Rtk And Ppk Corrections Methods As A Function Of Distance To A Gnss Base Station, Joseph Cerreta, David Thirtyacre, Peter Miller, Scott S. Burgess, William J. Austin

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The use of unmanned aircraft systems to collect data for photogrammetry models has grown significantly in recent years. The accuracy of a photogrammetric model can depend on image georeferencing. The distance from a reference base station can affect the accuracy of the results. Positioning corrections data relies on precise timing measurements of satellite signals. The signals travel through the Earth's atmosphere, which introduces errors due to ionospheric and tropospheric delays. The aim of this research was to examine the eBee X and its global GNSS accuracy by comparing the RTK and PPK methods at different base station distances in photogrammetry …


Native Language Effects On Flight Training Performance, Robert Fowler Jr, Daniel Siao Jan 2022

Native Language Effects On Flight Training Performance, Robert Fowler Jr, Daniel Siao

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Several high-profile commercial aviation accidents in the past that were caused in part by inadequate English language proficiency confirmed the importance of clear and concise communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. Although the connection between English language proficiency and aviation safety has been well established, there has been very little research concerning the relationship between English language proficiency and flight training performance. Thousands of international students who are not native speakers of the English language come to the United States and Canada for ab initio flight training every year. While the ability to communicate with air traffic controllers is …


Medium Altitude Long Endurance Rpa Training: Evaluating Blended Learning, Zachary Waller, Robert Stupnisky Jan 2022

Medium Altitude Long Endurance Rpa Training: Evaluating Blended Learning, Zachary Waller, Robert Stupnisky

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The Heads Down Display (HDD) Menu Trainer – a stand-alone software trainer – was developed to familiarize students in Remotely Piloted Aircraft training with the layout and manipulation of the HDD menus for either the MQ-1 or MQ-9. Preliminary work by Waller et al. (2016) established the efficacy of the HDD Menu Trainer in improving student performance from pretest to posttest scores across several modalities (i.e. traditional, blended, and distance). Recognizing that students holding pilot certification scored higher in some aspects of the HDD Menu Trainer, this study sampled students across a curriculum to assess whether performance with the HDD …


Fatigue In Aircraft Maintenance Technician Schools, Natalie Zimmermann, Peng Hao Wang, Keegan Pullen Jan 2022

Fatigue In Aircraft Maintenance Technician Schools, Natalie Zimmermann, Peng Hao Wang, Keegan Pullen

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Fatigue has long been identified as a human factor in aviation. Subsequently, a series of studies have highlighted fatigue-related elements within the context of the aviation industry, focusing on the flight deck – with some extension to flight students – and aviation maintenance activities. However, the latter has not been as deeply examined as its flight crew-centered counterpart. Similarly – if not more significantly – fatigue experienced by aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) students is scarcely explored, especially in comparison to the research conducted to understand fatigue in flight schools. AMT students are subject to comparable, but not the same, experiences …


Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Simulations For Civilian, Ab Initio Pilot Training, Michelle P. Hight, Stephanie G. Fussell, Martin A. Kurkchubasche, Ian J. Hummell Jan 2022

Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Simulations For Civilian, Ab Initio Pilot Training, Michelle P. Hight, Stephanie G. Fussell, Martin A. Kurkchubasche, Ian J. Hummell

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Aviation training in the immersive Virtual Reality (VR) world has the power to overcome physical constraints, presenting cues and stimuli that would not be available in flight, nor in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. This gives VR powerful potential as a simulation tool for learning complex skills and maneuvers in the cockpit. This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR simulations as compared to traditional 2D desktop simulations in teaching maneuvers and skills to ab initio (inexperienced) civilian pilot trainees. This quasi-experimental project involved 17 freshman pilot students in an experimental college course at a private university campus in the fall semester …


Plain Language Or Anything But?, Jennifer F. Drayton, Averil Coxhead Jan 2022

Plain Language Or Anything But?, Jennifer F. Drayton, Averil Coxhead

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This paper focuses on what language needs to be used in emergencies by air traffic controllers based on an investigation of plain language definitions and descriptions in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) publications and in the beliefs of nine air traffic controllers in the United Arab Emirates. The aim of the study is pedagogical, in that it is important to establish what language trainee air traffic controllers need to use during emergencies, but there is little in the way of course books or materials that can inform course development. Findings suggest there are contradictions in the ICAO documentation, and differences …


“You’Ll Never Really Be One Of Us”: Women’S Underrepresentation In The Aviation Workforce, Rebecca K. Lutte Ph.D., Shannon M. Morrison Ph.D. Jan 2022

“You’Ll Never Really Be One Of Us”: Women’S Underrepresentation In The Aviation Workforce, Rebecca K. Lutte Ph.D., Shannon M. Morrison Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Women are underrepresented in many aviation occupations despite outreach and recruitment efforts from multiple organizations. Attracting women into aviation is a necessity not only to address workforce demand but also to achieve the benefits of a more diverse workforce to include enhanced profitability, safety, and innovation. To address the gender gap, the research presented here attempts to inform recruitment/retention strategies by identifying both the positive and negative factors that influence a woman’s decision to pursue a career in aviation and the decision to persist. Additionally, factors such as participation in youth outreach programs, role of mentors, influencers who support or …


An Analysis Of The Effect Of Self-Efficacy Of Female Students In Collegiate Flight Programs, Stefanie Horton M.S., Mallory K. Casebolt Ed.D. Jan 2022

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Self-Efficacy Of Female Students In Collegiate Flight Programs, Stefanie Horton M.S., Mallory K. Casebolt Ed.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of self-efficacy of male and female students in collegiate flight programs to identify if a relationship exists between self-efficacy responses and gender representation in aviation. Self-efficacy, an element of social cognitive career theory’s (SCCT) behavioral factors, deals with an individual’s belief in his/her capacity to address a certain set of circumstances. No studies have been found addressing self-efficacy of students enrolled in collegiate aviation programs, specifically addressing differences between male and female students. The population for this study consisted of students enrolled in four-year collegiate aviation programs, as found through …


Fly By Night, Patrick J. Sherman May 2021

Fly By Night, Patrick J. Sherman

Night Flight Journal

A new member of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Campus Department of Flight participates in a night-time UAS operation, both to study the use of drones in responding to active shooter incidents by law enforcement, but also as a demonstration of proficiency to conduct future operations under the institution's daylight waiver, granted by the Federal Aviation Administration. While attempting an intricate maneuver, the newcomer finds that he has placed is aircraft in immediate peril and must make a difficult choice: confess his error in front of his new colleagues and seek help, or attempt to escape on his own and …


Interactive Modules For Flight Training: A Review, Stephanie G. Fussell Ph.D., Robert Thomas Ph.D. Jan 2021

Interactive Modules For Flight Training: A Review, Stephanie G. Fussell Ph.D., Robert Thomas Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The use of animation and video, combined with auditory and text components, to teach complex subjects can be beneficial to deepen understanding. A review of the literature was conducted to better understand how interactive learning modules can give flight students tools to enhance the learning process outside of traditional instruction. Instructional theories and educational environments were considered through the lens of designing course content for flight students. Several research questions were asked to guide the course of the research, all focused on how students learn a complex subject matter using interactive material. Guidelines and principles are discussed to ensure the …


The Constructivist Approach Towards Identifying The Challenges Of Esp Teachers: The Case Of Aviation English, Gökhan Demirdöken Mr. Jan 2021

The Constructivist Approach Towards Identifying The Challenges Of Esp Teachers: The Case Of Aviation English, Gökhan Demirdöken Mr.

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Continuous growth of aviation industry necessitates developing a better understanding of English for Specific Purposes teaching settings to improve the quality teaching and in turn, to serve best for the needs of ESP students. Therefore, role of ESP teachers and their experiences in these teaching settings need to be closely monitored for improved professional development opportunities. Taking this into account the present study focused on ESP teachers working and giving Aviation English courses in a tertiary level institution in Turkey. The constructivist approach was adopted to uncover the challenges encountered by ESP teachers in the target setting. Five ESP teachers …


Structural And Technological Complex Of Methods For Processing Satellite Images, Rasul Zairovich Shamsiev, Zair Ziyaevich Shamsiev Jan 2021

Structural And Technological Complex Of Methods For Processing Satellite Images, Rasul Zairovich Shamsiev, Zair Ziyaevich Shamsiev

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Decoding satellite images involves hundreds of automated methods. These methods are included in the modules of many well-known software tools for processing satellite images. To solve specific problems of identifying individual natural or man-made objects, there is a problem of choosing a method and means of data processing. The choice of methods depends on the scope of their application, different data are selected, for example, high-and low-resolution images, corresponding cartographic or other types of data.

To solve this problem, a structural and technological complex processing method is proposed. Since the initial processing of images is followed by thematic processing by …


Methodology For Convergence Of The Training Program With The Professional Activities Of Aviation Specialists, Zair Ziyaevich Shamsiev Jan 2021

Methodology For Convergence Of The Training Program With The Professional Activities Of Aviation Specialists, Zair Ziyaevich Shamsiev

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The method of developing curricula for training aviation specialists for civil aviation of the Republic of Uzbekistan is analyzed. It is substantiated that it does not sufficiently take into account the labor market requirements for the composition and content of academic disciplines. An overview of foreign experience in bridging the gap between educational programs and the workplace is given. A method based on a statistical analysis of civil aviation regulations is recommended.


Implementing Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Into Advanced Qualification Programs, Jennifer R. Herr Jan 2021

Implementing Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Into Advanced Qualification Programs, Jennifer R. Herr

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Since its start, the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) has encouraged new and innovative strategies for training airline crewmembers. The foundation of AQP is to train crew the way they fly and to find new and innovative ways to increase safety through training. By using data collected through the AQP process, training methods can be refined and improved. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can make data analysis and training more effective and efficient. This paper will explore these concepts and how AI and machine learning could be implemented in the AQP process to make training more …


Can Backward-Chained, Ab-Initio Pilot Training Decrease Time To First Solo?, Samuel M. Vance Ph.D., Kat Gardner-Vandy Ph.D., Jared Alan Freihoefer Jan 2021

Can Backward-Chained, Ab-Initio Pilot Training Decrease Time To First Solo?, Samuel M. Vance Ph.D., Kat Gardner-Vandy Ph.D., Jared Alan Freihoefer

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Flight simulation has made progressively significant inroads into pilot training at all levels of a pilot’s career – typically starting with training for the Instrument rating in light aircraft and concluding with Type Certification in transport category jetliners. This research was designed to explore if significant training inroads could also be offered to ab-initio pilots, those with no prior flight experience. An experimental group of four pilot trainees, without prior flight experience, were exposed to flight in a backwards-chained simulation starting from 4’ AGL (Above Ground Level). Graduated, exponential increments of both altitude and distance from landing were successively added …