The Current Status of Advanced Cockpit Technology (ACT) Education within Collegiate Aviation: A Preliminary Outlook

Abstract

Several studies in the past have examined the preparedness of collegiate aviation to meet the demands for the upcoming NextGen (i.e., automated) cockpit. Such research revealed a conflict as to the current prominence of advanced cockpit technology education. The purpose of the study was to explore current tendencies in the education of advanced cockpit technology (ACT) within collegiate aviation by analyzing present-day course catalogs and/or program descriptions located in their university websites. The results for both aviation accredited universities and regular aviation programs indicate a noticeable increase in the teaching of ACT. Using unobtrusive research methods, the study found that 90% of aviation programs show clear evidence of either acquiring a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) or having a specific course with theoretical and/or practical applications of advanced cockpit technology. These conclusions support the idea that collegiate general aviation (GA) training is undergoing the required technological transition that larger air carriers and corporate pilots underwent years ago.