Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) must obtain new levels of job task skill and knowledge to effectively work with modern computer-based avionics and advanced composite materials. Traditional methods of training, such as on-the-job training (OJT), may not have potential to fulfill the training requirements to meet future trends in aviation maintenance. A new instruction delivery system could assist AMTs with job task training and job tasks. The purpose of this research is to analyze the use of an augmented reality (AR) system as a training medium for novice AMTs. An AR system has the potential to enable job task training and job task guidance for the novice technician in a real world environment. An AR system could reduce the cost for training and retraining of AMTs by complementing human information processing and assisting with performance of job tasks. An AR system could eliminate the need to leave the aircraft for the retrieval of information from maintenance manuals for inspection and repair procedures. AR has the potential to supply rapid and accurate feedback to an AMT with any information that he/she needs to successfully complete a job task. New technologies that promote smaller computer-based systems make the application of a mobile AR system possible in the near future.
Decreases in simulation costs and increases in aircraft training costs led to the need for further investigation into the application of simulation-based training. Researchers conducted an eighteen-month study using ab initio student pilots as participants. This study applied a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, Part 142, flight-training curriculum that included 60% flight training device (FTD) use. Researchers identified five causal factors that warranted further investigation. The causal factors identified were visual fidelity, procedural similarity, dynamic flight environment, difficulty of task, and visual scanning and response. These causal factors have the potential to affect transfer of training (ToT) from simulated flight to aircraft flight. Steps are being taken to optimize training while considering the causal factors.
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