Relating Flying-Hour Activity to the Performance of Aircrews

Abstract : This paper assesses the feasibility of developing quantitative relationships between the capability of aviation units to perform their assigned missions and the level of resources available for aircrew training on aircrew performance. The relatively sparse literature that develops statistical links between aircrew performance and flying hours is reviewed. Quantitative evidence of the magnitude of these links is discussed, and a model for relating flying- hour activity to aircrew performance is developed. The model posits that additional flying enhances proficiency in two ways: through the short-run honing of skills and through the long-run development of mastery. Available data on aircrew performance and on training histories are described. The paper finds that statistical analysis of historical information can successfully quantify the effects of training and experience on aircrew proficiency and safety. Additional analyses of the data that exist to support such quantification are proceeding.