Cost-Effectiveness of Flight Simulators for Military Training. Volume 1. Use and Effectiveness of Flight Simulators

Flight simulators cost less to operate than do aircraft; estimates range from 5 to 20 percent. Many studies have shown that skills learned in flight simulators can be performed successfully in aircraft, i.e., the use of flight simulators for training purposes saves flight time. The critical issue is whether the amount of flight time saved by the use of simulators is worth their cost. The cost-effectiveness of flight simulators for training has been demonstrated only in a few recent studies which report that the procurement cost of simulators can be amortized in a few years. Current R and D about flight simulators centers about the need for motion and wide angle visual display systems. Flight simulators have achieved their greatest use by the military so far in undergraduate flight training. Their greatest potential for future savings lies in transition and continuation training which account for the major costs of military flying. Consistent methods of data collection and cost estimating, not now available, are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alternative flight training programs, including the use of various types of simulators, part-task trainers, new instructional strategies, and the like. The report provides a preliminary cost model which identifies the data needed to develop cost estimates for use in cost-effectiveness analyses of flight training.