Conversion between control mechanisms in simulated flight: an ab initio quasi-transfer study

Skill acquisition in simulated flight was examined to identify differences between transfer effects facilitated by yoke and joystick flight control systems. Flight naiumlve participants (N = 32) twice completed 15 consecutive visual landing approach trials in a low fidelity fixed based synthetic flight trainer. Acquisition and transfer phases were completed one week apart with either the prior or alternate control. Vertical deviations from a constant three degree glideslope angle were analysed. Results revealed evidence of positive transfer. The results are discussed in relation to similarity based transfer theories and avenues for future research are proposed