Author Information

Kai-Hao KoFollow

Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Graduate

Project Type

individual

Campus

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Kai-Hao Ko, Graduate Student

Lead Presenter's Name

Kai-Hao Ko

Lead Presenter's College

DB College of Aviation

Faculty Mentor Name

Jennifer E. Thropp

Abstract

Introductory

An advantage of software briefing is the ability to replay flight segment details or even more specific maneuver details based on the collected flight data. However, relevant research that focuses on how debriefing software could affect or improve pilots' performance is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine if there is any significant difference in the pilots' instrument approach performance using the conventional verbal debrief compared with a verbal debrief with the addition of post-flight debrief software. The second purpose of this study is to collect qualitative data from participants to understand better the user experience of post-flight debrief software.

Approach/Methods

20 participants were assigned to two counterbalanced groups to conduct an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight with the purposive sampling method. Participants experienced verbal debriefing and software debriefing among four instrument approach procedures (IAP). The dependent variables, altitude deviation, airspeed, Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) deflection, and engine revolutions per minute (RMP) deviation, were recorded. The dependent sample t-test was used to examine the flight performance difference between two different debriefing methods.

Results and Discussion/Conclusion

The study found that conventional debriefing and software debriefing both effectively enhance lateral control performance. Debriefing with software alone leads to establishing a stabilized approach, eventually mitigating the risk of unsterilized approach situations, and preventing CFIT accidents. The study found the effect of learning theories on influence debriefing effectiveness. Software debrief may impose fear or threat to a learner, which prevents the learner from learning. Software may be considered a better choice than the conventional verbal method if a learner can learn from visual cues. Software debriefing provides better memory support by offering record and replay features and a relatively rigid structure due to its rich visualization contents and replay capability available to users.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

Yes, Spark Grant

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

Yes, Spark Grant

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WHAT EFFECT DOES POST-FLIGHT DEBRIEF SOFTWARE HAVE ON PILOTS' FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT PERFORMANCE OF NON-PRECISION APPROACHES

Introductory

An advantage of software briefing is the ability to replay flight segment details or even more specific maneuver details based on the collected flight data. However, relevant research that focuses on how debriefing software could affect or improve pilots' performance is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine if there is any significant difference in the pilots' instrument approach performance using the conventional verbal debrief compared with a verbal debrief with the addition of post-flight debrief software. The second purpose of this study is to collect qualitative data from participants to understand better the user experience of post-flight debrief software.

Approach/Methods

20 participants were assigned to two counterbalanced groups to conduct an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight with the purposive sampling method. Participants experienced verbal debriefing and software debriefing among four instrument approach procedures (IAP). The dependent variables, altitude deviation, airspeed, Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) deflection, and engine revolutions per minute (RMP) deviation, were recorded. The dependent sample t-test was used to examine the flight performance difference between two different debriefing methods.

Results and Discussion/Conclusion

The study found that conventional debriefing and software debriefing both effectively enhance lateral control performance. Debriefing with software alone leads to establishing a stabilized approach, eventually mitigating the risk of unsterilized approach situations, and preventing CFIT accidents. The study found the effect of learning theories on influence debriefing effectiveness. Software debrief may impose fear or threat to a learner, which prevents the learner from learning. Software may be considered a better choice than the conventional verbal method if a learner can learn from visual cues. Software debriefing provides better memory support by offering record and replay features and a relatively rigid structure due to its rich visualization contents and replay capability available to users.

 

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