Technology and Expertise: A Dual Approach to Aiding Aircrew Instructors

This Phase I SBIR project will test the feasibility of developing an Aircrew Assessment and Instruction Tool (AAIT) designed to aid instructors in delivering key elements of aircrew training. In the Phase I project, we propose to: use Cognitive Task Analysis to document the critical assessment, evaluation, and feedback processes of highly skilled instructors; identify key elements of the aircrew instructional process; and explore a range of tools and technologies to support the instructional task. We will develop system recommendations and electronic storyboards that demonstrate interface and data input elements. The storyboards will be produced in an interactive version, to provide a ook and feel We will work with skilled aircrew instructors throughout the project in order to build to the operational Users' needs and goals. The outcome of the Phase I project will be a working prototype version of the AAIT that can be examied and critiqued by potential users. The full-scale AAIT will offer a range of support for observation and data-gathering tasks, evaluation, and feedback delivery. It will also support objective, standardized, real-time evaluation of aircrew skills and performance, by providing a common framework across aircrew instructors.