EFFECTIVENESS OF NAVAL INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT EVALUATION (NIFE)

The naval aviation training pipeline was modified in 2020 so that the first training phase is now the Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE). Designed to reduce attrition and improve performance in the next phase of flight training, Primary, NIFE replaces the previous initial training phases, Introductory Flight Screening and Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination. This research conducts statistical analysis on data from over 4,500 students to assess NIFE’s effectiveness and verify whether it is reducing attrition and improving performance in Primary. The results indicate that NIFE largely accomplished its program goals. The Chief of Naval Air Training should retain NIFE in its current form. Further analyses into NIFE’s impacts should account for the potential training decay effects and time-varying confounding. Additionally, a future cost benefit analysis of NIFE will provide further context to the results of this study and help decision makers assess the value of the NIFE program.Ensign, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited