Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Factors & Systems

Department

Human Factors and Systems

Committee Chair

Elizabeth L. Blickensderfer

Committee Member

Shawn Michael Doherty

Committee Member

Nickolas D. Macchiarella

Abstract

PC-based flight simulators are sometimes used as an alternative to traditional forms of instrument training. This type of training typically requires an instructor to be present with the student in order to facilitate training. Flight instructors play many important roles in aviation training, one of which is the role of mentor. The premise of this study was to examine the use of synchronous web-based instruction for instrument flight via Microsoft Flight Simulator’s (10.0) “shared-cockpit” feature, where the instructors serves as a mentor from a distance. The results indicate that web-based instruction is no more effective than practice without instruction. Although additional research is needed, the results are not encouraging for students looking to practice a specific instrument task that may not require instruction.

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