Above-real-time training (ARTT) improves transfer to a simulated flight control task

Area of Science:

• Aviation psychology
• Human-computer interaction
• Simulation-based training

Background:

• Above-real-time-training (ARTT) has demonstrated potential in enhancing skill transfer in military simulations.
• This study investigated ARTT speed and screen resolution for air mission simulator development.
• Research was sponsored by Defence Research and Development Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of ARTT speed and screen resolution on simulated flight control performance.
• To optimize training parameters for enhanced transfer to criterion tasks in aviation simulations.

Main Methods:

• 54 participants engaged in a PC-based flight simulation task, controlling an F-18A fighter jet.
• Training involved varying screen resolution and ARTT speed across sessions.
• Performance was assessed using pretest and posttest trials at high resolution and criterion speed.

Main Results:

• Higher screen resolution during training led to improved posttest performance.
• A training regimen combining one ARTT session followed by a criterion speed session yielded the best results.
• These findings suggest an optimal training sequence for simulated flight tasks.

Conclusions:

• ARTT followed by criterion speed training significantly boosts performance in visual-motor coordination tasks.
• ARTT appears to enhance transfer by increasing task similarity and contextual interference.
• Recommendations include using high screen resolution and a specific ARTT-criterion speed training order for mission simulations.