Training Effectiveness Evaluation of Device 2F87F, P-3C Operational Flight Trainer

Abstract : This study sought to determine the training effectiveness of the newly installed Device 2F87F Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) as a substitute for the Earlier generation 2F69D OFT used in combination with the P-3 aircraft in training replacement patrol plane pilots. This study provided the opportunity to evaluate the potential of a sophisticated state-of-the-art flight simulator concurrent with its coming on-line in an operational setting. The performance of 27 recent Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) graduates trained in the new OFT was compared with performance of UPT graduates trained under the pre-2F87F curriculum. It was concluded that: The average number of flights required to qualify pilots could be reduced from six to four; Practice landings in the aircraft could be reduced by 16; and The narrow field of view visual system enhances the training capability of the new simulator and appears to meet the requirements for multiengine training.