Navigating the Skies : Enhancing Military Helicopter Pilot Training through Learning Analytics

Abstract

Ensuring safety and proficiency in aviation requires effective training and maintenance of pilot skills. Pilots must maintain currency, implying regular flight, though some critical elements (e.g. emergency procedures) are rarely prac-ticed in-flight. Simulator sessions are employed for safe practice and training. Simulators provide more opportunities for pilots to experience sophisticated training without safety risks and dependencies on for example weather and logis-tics. While human assessors currently evaluate pilot performance, a simulator can provide rich data for assessments, utilizing learning analytics for individual in-sights. Simulator data (and potentially aircraft data) is not regularly used yet in training to gain insights in performance. Furthermore, current training planning lacks consideration for individual needs, relying on fixed intervals and syllabi. This study aims to investigate how simulator data can be used to assess perfor-mance and if it provides valid statements about pilot performance. Thereafter, the data is used to develop a skill retention model accommodating personal differ-ences. The research involves Chinook helicopter pilots from the Royal Nether-lands Air Force, using simulator data to create tailored performance metrics for maneuvers. The ongoing study investigates the integration of simulator data into training assessments and aims to contribute valuable insights into pilot perfor-mance and skill retention. This paper presents the preliminary findings in the de-velopment of learning analytics within this context.