A Sensitivity Analysis of Scheduling Changes on Flight Training Resource Utilization Using Discrete Event Simulation

Author

Melissa A. Findlay, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach

Date of Award

Spring 2009

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Factors & Systems

Department

Human Factors and Systems

Committee Chair

Dahai Liu, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Maranda McBride, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kenneth Byrnes, M.S.

Abstract

This study presented a scheduling model of the Flight Training Department at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach Campus built using ARENA 12.0. The purpose of the study was to determine if the Flight Training Department system was sensitive to changes in the resources available to students in Flight Training Device (FTD) course modules. Historical data from the Flight Training Department was used to build the model. As no significant difference was found between the actual real world system and the model for the number of active students and for the time it took students to complete the program, the model was determined to be valid for this study. On average, students who had more resources available to them during FTD modules completed the training program 1 day earlier than those in the current system. As well, Cessna 172 and PA44 Aircraft average daily utilization increased while Cessna 172 S and PA44 FTD average daily utilization decreased. These results are discussed and conclusions are given at the end of this paper.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Findlay, Melissa A., "A Sensitivity Analysis of Scheduling Changes on Flight Training Resource Utilization Using Discrete Event Simulation" (2009). Master's Theses - Daytona Beach. 59.
https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/59