Simulator platform motion -- the need revisited

DOCJournalFlight simulatorsTraining simulatorsAircraft pilotageAirline pilotsMotionMotion perceptionPerformance evaluationsHuman factorsFlight trainingUnited StatesBurki-Cohen, Judith S.Soja, Nancy N.Longridge, ThomasJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Federal Aviation AdministrationNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human FactorsNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Human FactorsVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterThe need to provide increased access to flight simulator training for U.S. regional airlines, which historically have been limited by cost considerations in the use of such equipment for pilot recurrent training, is discussed. In light of that need, the issue of whether more affordable fixed-base simulators, identical to full flight simulators in all respects except for absence of platform motion, might provide an equivalent level of safety when employed for recurrent training, is examined. Pertinent literature from the past two decades is reviewed. The paper observes that no definitive conclusion can be drawn that would warrant modification of current qualification requirements for platform motion in full flight simulators. The article concludes that this situation will remain unchanged unless new research is undertaken, which takes into account the lessons learned from past research, and the opportunities engendered by new technology. Broad guidelines for an appropriate research design are discussed