Exploratory Research to Demonstrate the Feasibility of Conducting Crew Coordination Training in the OH-58 Aircraft

Authors: J. Zeller; Gary Grubb; Robert Simon; DYNAMICS RESEARCH CORP WILMINGTON MA

Abstract:

This document provides the results of exploratory research to demonstrate the feasibility of conducting crew coordination training in the OH- 58 aircraft, using the Army's Aircrew Coordination Exportable Training Course. The hands-on portion of the course, usually conducted in visual flight simulators, was conducted instead in OH-58 aircraft. Observation pilots and aerial observers from an attack helicopter battalion received the academic portion of the course in conjunction with attack crews from the unit. Two OH-58 instructor pilots (IP), a unit trainer (UT), and four aircrews were selected to conduct the hands-on portion of the course in the OH-58 aircraft. The IPs and UT trained and evaluated the four aircrews during three missions flown in the aircraft. Audio recordings of each flight, gradeslips and evaluator worksheets modified for OH-58 crews, and participant exit interviews were used to collect data. The demonstration showed that it is practicable to conduct the hands-on portion of the course in the OH-58 aircraft but did not assess the effectiveness of the training. Recommendations concerning the best type of audio recorder, number of evaluation and training flights, and use of the 2B24 non-visual Flight Simulator are provided.

Limitations:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE