A Study On The Potential Cost Savings Associated With Implementing Airline Pilot Training Curricula Into The Future P 8 Mma Fleet Replacement Squadron

This thesis discusses potential cost savings associated with implementing airline pilot training curricula into the future P-8 Multimission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). These curricula rely primarily on high-technology flight simulators and do not require any flight time in an actual aircraft. This thesis also provides an approach for estimating future P-8 FRS cost savings. The results of this thesis indicate that significant savings will likely accrue in the areas of fuel, Aviation Depot Level Repairables (AVDLR) and training expendable stores costs if airline pilot training curricula are implemented into the P-8 FRS in FY 2014. Further research is needed in many other cost areas before additional cost savings estimations can be made. Finally, this thesis discusses many additional considerations that should be taken into account before a future airline pilot training curricula implementation decision is made.

The report covers an evaluation of current P-3 pilot training programs at the replacement squadron level. It contains detailed discussions concerning training hardware and software that have been supplied. A detailed examination is made of the curriculum and the simulation capabilities and utilization of P-3 operational flight trainers. Concurrent with the evaluation, a survey of airline pilot training practices was undertaken to determine the potential applicability of air carrier training techniques to P-3 pilot training. Special emphasis was given to the use of sophisticated flight simulators in pilot training applications. (Modified author abstract).

This thesis presents a two-part analysis of excellence criteria for fleet combat replacement squadrons. Part one focuses on the qualitative issues and management techniques identified in outstanding fleet combat replacement squadrons. Part two develops and presents a regression model for predicting a fleet replacement squadron pilot's carrier qualification grade. The model was derived using standard linear regression techniques and the SPSSx software package of the Naval Postgraduate School. CNO (OP-59) sponsored the quantitative portion of the analysis. Approximately 1,300 student aviator training records from fiscal 1986 through 1987 were surveyed to generate the data base for the study. Eleven independent variables were used to predict expected student carrier qualification scores. Two additional models for predicting fleet combat replacement carrier qualification grades and advanced jet training command carrier qualification grades are presented. Functions of the model for a directed detailing capacity were given and additional research topics were recommended. Keywords: Pilot training; Strike aviation training; Predicting carrier qualification success; Excellence; Aviation training; Fleet combat replacement squadron; Carrier qualification.

This thesis presents a two-part analysis of excellence criteria for fleet combat replacement squadrons. Part one focuses on the qualitative issues and management techniques identified in outstanding fleet combat replacement squadrons. Part two develops and presents a regression model for predicting a fleet replacement squadron pilot's carrier qualification grade. The model was derived using standard linear regression techniques and the SPSSx software package of the Naval Postgraduate School. CNO (OP-59) sponsored the quantitative portion of the analysis. Approximately 1,300 student aviator training records from fiscal 1986 through 1987 were surveyed to generate the data base for the study. Eleven independent variables were used to predict expected student carrier qualification scores. Two additional models for predicting fleet combat replacement carrier qualification grades and advanced jet training command carrier qualification grades are presented. Functions of the model for a directed detailing capacity were given and additional research topics were recommended. Keywords: Pilot training; Strike aviation training; Predicting carrier qualification success; Excellence; Aviation training; Fleet combat replacement squadron; Carrier qualification.

In 1979, a P-3 aircrew training program, designed using the Instructional Systems Development process, was implemented in the two P-3 Fleet Replacement Squadrons. One squadron adopted workbooks recommended by ISD, One continued with lectures. This thesis compares the cost differences arising from two different methods of instruction now in use in P-3 training programs. A conceptual model is developed to compare the opportunity costs associated with the selection of one training method over another. The results indicate that the lecture method of instruction is least costly.

The report covers an evaluation of current P-3 pilot training programs at the replacement squadron level. It contains detailed discussions concerning training hardware and software that have been supplied. A detailed examination is made of the curriculum and the simulation capabilities and utilization of P-3 operational flight trainers. Concurrent with the evaluation, a survey of airline pilot training practices was undertaken to determine the potential applicability of air carrier training techniques to P-3 pilot training. Special emphasis was given to the use of sophisticated flight simulators in pilot training applications. (Modified author abstract).

The consolidation of Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) represents one method of achieving planned force reductions. This thesis utilizes the Cost of Base Realignment Actions (COBRA) cost model to develop cost estimates for determination of the cost effective site location. The A-6 FRS consolidation is used as a case study. Data were compiled using completed Functional Wing studies as well as local information sources. A comparison between the cost estimates provided by the COBRA cost model for the alternate site locations is provided. Conclusions on the utilization of the COBRA cost model for the consideration of FRS consolidations and directions for future research are listed in the final chapter.

The Department of Defense is fielding the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in the Marine Corps and Air Force. Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204) in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is the sole Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for initial V-22 training, and planners must develop pilot training schedules that support service goals without exceeding VMMT-204 resources. Currently, planners manually create FRS training schedules with monthly fidelity, guided by past analysis and personal experience. However, manual methods are cumbersome and provide few measures of resource utilization. Marine planners need a decision support tool to automate V-22 FRS scheduling, given transition guidance. This thesis introduces an optimization model that takes as input Marine Corps operational requirements, Air Force and Marine annual training goals, ERS training syllabus requirements and resources available, and a prioritization scheme to resolve conflicts between competing goals. The output is a schedule of training classes identified by unit, FRS syllabus and follow-on training, and class convening date (with half-month fidelity) over a ten-year planning horizon. The model uses Microsoft Excel to input data and automate output reports for training goals, resource utilization, and training possibilities with unscheduled resources. A ten-year training plan can be completed in about 10 minutes.

It is only recently that the military has accepted training in the flight simulator as a substitute for training in the aircraft. A most compelling reason for this acceptance has been the fuel crisis. The emphasis on fuel economy as reflected in a United States Department of Defense planning goal, callling for a 25 percent reduction in hours flown by FY 1981, has intensified the interest in the cost savings associated with simulator substitution practices.