USAF Pilot Proficiency: An Analysis of Actual and Simulated Flight Data

The purpose of this study was to determine whether USAF pilot proficiency has been reduced since the implementation of energy conservation measures (1972). These conservation measures resulted in reduced actual flying and the increased use of flight simulators. A census of total flight hours, aircraft accidents, and simulator usage data was analyzed for a defined population of pilots using direct comparison, analysis of variance, and regression analysis techniques. Pilot improficiency (inverse of proficiency) was defined as the average cost per aircraft accident per given period of time. This cost was used to quantify pilot proficiency and a prediction model was formulated to determine its level when given flight and simulator hour variables. Other variables, such as phase of flight, aircraft type, pilot-in- command/instructor pilot time, and major command assignment were examined in the tests of the research hypotheses. The conclusions given the data of the study are: (1) There has been a decrease in total flying proficiency, (2) The decrease in proficiency can be attributed to reductions in actual flight hours and to increases in the use of flight simulators as a substitute for actual flight. (Author)