Training Effectiveness of the CH-47 Flight Simulator

The training effectiveness of the CH-47 helicopter flight simulator was evaluated in two parts: Part I used a classical two-group transfer-of- training design using aviators undergoing transition training to the CH-47 helicopter, and Part II assessed the training benefits of periodic training of operational CH-47 aviators in the CH-47 flight simulator using a pretest-train- posttest design. Cumulative transfer effectiveness ratios and learning curves are presented for 24 maneuvers taught in the simulator and the aircraft. It was concluded that the CH-47 flight simulator is an effective training device for all maneuvers tested except for those, such as hovering maneuvers, that require extensive visual group referencing at very low altitudes. The simulator was also found to be inadequate for training night operations and terrain flights.