An Innovative Instrument Flight Training Program

An innovative flight training program, its development, and initial adminstration are described. The program involves use of a commercially available training device in a twin-engine transition and instrument training course. Principal features of the training include redefinition of the flight instructor's role, an incentive award system, proficiency-based advancement, full mission training in the device, continuity of training between the device and aircraft, and use of maneuver performance records to control trainee progress. During initial administration of the program by the Army, training flight hour requirements were reduced approximately 40%. The innovative process as it was applied in the development of the described training program also is discussed.