DATA. THE FUTURE OF TRAINING
With the decline in training demand, this year has allowed us to focus more heavily on our leading programmes to embed data as a key driver in pilot training.
L3Harris has invested considerably into the utilisation of data in pilot training over the last few years. Following the integration of Flight Data Services (FDS), the world’s largest provider of flight data analysis services, into the L3Harris portfolio our focus has been on combining the skills and resources to improve our training technologies and services.
Our vision for how data will be used in training requires and supports a change in direction from the instructors, trainees, airlines and regulators. We see that many new pilots are joining the industry with a more progressive view of the value of data monitoring and expected use of their performance data. This new direction enables training providers to support pilots with a more bespoke and efficient training experience from recruitment and throughout their career.
A common misperception is that data in training will reduce the need for trainers and technology but, I believe this is far from the case. The future role of data will be to support the trainer to understand and assess individual trainee’s competencies and behaviours through the use of new and existing training technologies such as full flight simulators, flight training devices and computer-based training tools. The data input, processing and analysis should be present throughout all stages of the training identifying strengths and areas for focus and highlighting trends over time.
As the industry goes through the stages of recovery, we expect in the short to medium-term future to see more airlines becoming engaged and adopting evidence-based training. As more pilots come back on the line, it will be important to ensure there is no detriment due to varying periods out of line flying. This could help see a jump start for the use of data in training.
Moving forwards we are going to see more modern fleets consisting mostly of generation four aircraft. This means pilots cannot just be trained based on tasks, we must equip them with competency and behaviour competencies. The modern pilot must be trained to ensure they are better equipped in all the nine competencies to deal with the modern aviation environment, which could look very different post-recovery compared to 2019. Data is the tool to ensure that is done effectively and efficiently.
2021 presents a new and exciting year where we look forward to moving closer to our data in training vision. We are excited to be releasing new tools that will support instructors to collect and analyse data which can then be used to deliver a more effective and personalised training experience for the pilot.
While not a positive year in many ways, 2020 could be the springboard year to achieving a truly data-driven training model.