Simulator Training Improves the Estimation of Collision Parameters and the Performance of Student Pilots

Mid-air collisions are among the top ten leading causes of fatal General Aviation accidents. The separation between two aircrafts is a process which depends on multiple dynamic interactions between pilots. This study presents the design and experimental evaluation of a feedback-based training program for ab initio student pilots to anticipate collision parameters and to select appropriate avoidance manoeuvers. The new training programme was evaluated with sixteen student pilots in the flight simulator. The results show that the student pilots significantly improved the accuracy of their estimation of time to collision and their performance in selecting the collision avoidance manoeuvers.