Can Flight Training Take Lessons from our Astronaut Training Program?

Flight training can take lessons from the astronaut training program. Specifically: (1) each phase of flight training - initial, instrument, upgrading, and requalification - will henefit from using the same instructor in all areas of instruction including academics, simulation, and flight, (2) extensive use of high fidelity simulation devices (either airborne or ground) is highly desirable to provide the pilot with the knowledge necessary for understanding and solving the problems of flight in more than a procedural sense, (3) emphasis in any phase of flight training must be placed upon the development of a “ think for yourself” capability rather than a reliance upon memorized procedures, ground management or a “ school solution” approach.

Application of these training procedures, along with an emphasis on general knowledge (as opposed to specific answers to test questions) can be a step toward airplane pilot performance comparable to that of the astronauts.