Simulation & Research

Cirrus SR20 Flight Training Device

Current Research Project: The current study is examining both technical sequential flight skills & observable pilot behavior using the Cirrus SR20 FTD in both normal and high instrument workload environments. We will be positioning 2-3 digital video cameras within the cockpit to record behaviors of all participants. This will ensure both remote observation and periodic inter-rater reliability checks.

The view from the rear of the Cirrus SR20 FTD. Instructor and data collection station is to the right. The FTD has wrap around visual projection.

The primary flight display (PFD) on the left and the multi-functional display (MFD) showing the digital checklist in the center of the panel. (lots of finger prints on the glass!)

Instructional panel of the Cirrus SR20 FTD

C-172 R PC-ATD

Past Research Project: A study of technical sequential flight skills & observable pilot behavior using PC-ATD with OnTop version 8 software.

Observation Room

Simultaneous observations and recordings of participants front and back using web cameras on computer monitors 1 & 2. Computer 3 monitor mirrors the display of instrument panel seen by the participant during the flight. Computer 4 outputs observational feedback graphs. All equipment is located in the BCA Hanger at the Battle Creek, MI airport.

(The rudder pedals under the table are not a part of the experiment)

PC-ATD Flight Instrument Display

Located in the room adjacent to the observation room.

PC-ATD from Rear Camera View Point

In order to observe the complete behavior, cameras view both front and back of the participants. Notice the front viewing camera on the top of the computer monitor. Rear view camera is the blurred image in the left hand corner of photo.

Research Contributors

Ron Van Houton Ph.D. Psychology, Dissertation Committee Chair

Brad Huitema Ph.D. Psychology, Dissertation Committee

Alan Poling Ph.D. Psychology, Dissertation Committee

Vladimir Rishukin Ph.D. Aeronautical Engineering, Dissertation Committee

Alyce Dickinson Ph.D. Psychology

Gil Sinclair M.A. Career and Technical Education

Bryan Hilton, Aviation Student, Research Assistant, Psychology Graduate Student

Jared Neterer, Aviation Student-Lee Honors College

Alex Paran, Aviation Student-Lee Honors College

Alex Merk, Aviation Student Graduate

Brandon Jones, Aviation Student Graduate

Graham Downing, Aviation Student

Brett, Goss, Aviation Student

Axel Anderson, B.S. Aviation Student Graduate