1, PURPOSE
This
Egyptian Advisory Circular (EAC) presents information and guidance for the
design and implementation of Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT).
2. BACKGROUND
The
use of flight training devices and flight simulators has become increasingly
important in training flight crewmembers.
As the level of sophistication in simulators increased, air carriers
have come to rely on simulators for part or all of their flight training
programs. Since the mid-1970s, many operators have implemented alternative
simulator training, which is now known as LOFT, to train their
crewmembers. LOFT training occurs
in a simulator with a complete crew using representative flight segments, which
contain normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures that may be expected in line
operations. A LOFT used in
recurrent training programs is known as a "Recurrent LOFT." A LOFT used in a training program
utilizing the requirements of Appendix H is termed a "Qualification
LOFT."
LOFTS
are useful training methods because they give crewmembers the opportunity to
practice line operations (such as maneuvers, operating skills, systems
operations, and the operator's procedures) with a full crew in a realistic
environment. Crewmembers learn to
handle a variety of scripted real-time scenarios which include routine,
abnormal, and emergency situations.
They also learn and practice cockpit resource management (CRM) skills,
including crew coordination, judgment, decision-making, and communication
skills.
The overall objective of a LOFT is to improve total flight crew performance, thereby preventing incidents and accidents during operational flying.
ECAR
Part 121, Appendix H, contains guidelines for operators who choose to provide
flight crewmember training under an Advanced Simulation Plan. While Appendix H provides a detailed
description for implementing training, the specific LOFT components are not
clearly described. This EAC
presents guidelines for implementing a Qualification LOFT as required under
Appendix H or as may be used within any other approved training program.
3. DEFINITIONS
The
following terms are used throughout this EAC:
Line Qualified: Describes a flight crewmember or instructor who is
current and qualified to conduct actual flight operations in an assigned
aircraft and duty position.
Line Familiar: Describes a flight crewmember or instructor who is
familiar with a certificate holder's line operations. This person is either line qualified or otherwise qualified
by participation in an approved line observation program. (An acceptable line observation program
would include observation from the cockpit jump seat of a line crew on at least
two operational flight segments.
This should be accomplished twice annually, and the line observation program
should be included as a part of the approved training program.)
Task Familiar: Describes a flight crewmember who is familiar with and can
satisfactorily accomplish the duties of a particular cockpit duty position
though not qualified for that duty position. For example, a second in command (SIC) candidate who
performs the duties of the pilot in command (PIC) during simulator training.
Qualification LOFT: An approved flight simulator course which facilitates the transition from simulator training to operational flying. A Qualification LOFT must meet the requirements of ECAR Part 121, Appendix H.
Recurrent LOFT: An
approved flight simulator course which may be used to meet recurrent flight
training requirements
4. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A LOFT
Elements of a LOFT must be understood to ensure that its primary objective, to provide realistic line oriented training, is met. These elements apply to both Recurrent and Qualification LOFTS.
A LOFT should be performed in a line operational environment with a
complete crew. A complete crew
must always be scheduled and every effort will be made to maintain crew
integrity. During a LOFT, each crewmember
performs both as an individual and as a member of a team, as is expected during
line operations.
A LOFT should contain scenarios of realistic line situations which
progress in real-time. These
scenarios should be representative of flight segments where an entire enroute
operation is completed. In cases
of flights involving repetitive events, the enroute segments may be
compressed. However, enough time
should be allotted to allow crewmembers to become sufficiently familiar with
the scenario to ensure that if the scenario is compressed, crewmembers will be
able to resume or restart the scenario without confusion.
A LOFT is considered a "no-jeopardy" training event, that is,
the instructor does not issue a pass/fail grade to a participating
crewmember.
As a LOFT scenario progresses, it is allowed to continue without
interruption so crewmembers may learn by experiencing the results of their
decisions. Decisions which produce
unwanted results do not indicate a training failure, but serve as a learning
experience.
If the LOFT instructor identifies crewmember performance deficiencies,
additional training or instruction must be provided. This training/instruction may be in any form, including an
additional LOFT. Before the
crewmember may return to line operations, the performance deficiencies must be
corrected and the instructor must document the training as satisfactorily
completed. The
"no-jeopardy" concept allows crewmembers to use their full resources
and creativity without instructor interference. At the completion of a LOFT session and following a thorough
debriefing, the instructor certifies that the training has been completed.
LOFT scenarios run to completion without interruption by
the instructor. The effects of
crewmember decisions are permitted to accrue and influence the flight. Research indicates that crewmembers
will learn more effectively if they are allowed to learn from their experiences
rather than being interrupted and corrected by an instructor
5. LOFT PHASES
LOFT scenarios should contain the following phases:
Before the flight segment begins, the instructor should brief crewmembers
on the LOFT scenario, including the training objectives and the roles of the
instructor and crewmember. The
instructor is considered "not present," except as an Air Traffic
Controller or as another ground base entity. The flight crew is expected to perform their duties just as
they would in normal line operations.
Information concerning the routing, MEL and other special circumstances
related to the flight should also be discussed.
Preflight
Planning (Documents and Activities)
Preflight planning documents (such as weather reports and flight plans)
should be prepared in accordance with the operator's current policies and
procedures. Cockpit preflight
activities must also conform to standard operational procedures.
The flight segment includes a realistic scenario of taxiing, takeoff,
enroute, landing and appropriate communications.
The debriefing should include feedback to crewmembers on their
performance. Positive comments
regarding crew performance should be emphasized, as well as, crew
performance-needing improvement.
The debriefing involves instructor critiques of individual crewmember
performance and of the crew as a team.
Also, it is important that crewmembers be given the opportunity to
critique and analyze their own performance and review key points of the
recorded video record, if used.
6. TRAINING HOURS, RECURRENT AND QUALIFICATION LOFTs
Both Recurrent and Qualification LOFT sessions should be based on 4 hours of total crewmember-training activity in the simulator. Reasonable amounts of time should be allowed for problem solving (such as consulting minimum equipment lists and operations manuals, preparing takeoff data, as well as, other crew actions which are required by the training scenario). For a Qualification LOFT or a Recurrent LOFT, the training should include cockpit preparation, preflight activities, crew briefings, and interactions with flight dispatch and other ground agencies. All crewmembers participating in a LOFT session are credited with 4 hours of training time.
7. LOFT SCENARIOS
LOFT scenarios should adhere to the following guidelines:
Objectives: The operator should assign specific training
objectives to each scenario. These training objectives should be based on the
particular needs of the operator.
For example, if an operator is experiencing an unusual frequency of a
specific operational problem, such as, wet or icy runways, the scenarios should
be designed to include exposure to that particular operational problem. Training objectives may also be
identified by the ECAA based upon documented trends. Other specific objectives may include winter operations
training, unusual airport or runway operations, alternate operation of
automated systems, and various system malfunctions.
Constructing Scenarios: A
variety of scenarios can be constructed by choosing various combinations of
elements from the following suggested categories:
·
Origin, routing, and destination
(short vs. long routes)
·
Revised arrival procedures
(unexpected runway change)
·
Alternate operation of flight
management systems
·
Abnormal and emergency
conditions, including simple and complex malfunctions
·
Adverse weather conditions
·
Partial or full loss of
integrated flight management systems
Scenarios
should normally be representative of a flight segment appropriate to current
operations.
Timing: Scenarios should run in real-time. This may include periods of inactivity to realistically resemble actual operations.
Realism:
Scenarios should contain realistic circumstances; such as, messages from the
ATC or cabin crew interruptions.
Note:
Scenarios should be updated periodically to ensure they continue to meet
training objectives and to prevent crewmembers from learning the entire content
of the LOFT.
8. SCENARIO APPROVALS
Scenarios
will be approved by the ECAA.
Operators may elect to submit specific LOFT or a description of a
system, which uses a menu of different flight situations, and environmental conditions,
which can be selected randomly to construct a variety of LOFT scenarios.
In
any case, scenarios, which comply with the elements provided in this EAC and
meet the operator's stated training objectives will be approved.
Note:
Detailed scripts of the scenarios need not be submitted during the approval
process.
When
updated, scenarios should conform to the same guidelines that applied to the
original approval and the ECAA must be notified.
9. LOFT AND CRM
LOFT scenarios should contain CRM skills, whereby crewmembers utilize and reinforce various concepts learned during their formalized CRM training.
10. CRITIQUE OF CREWMEMBER PERFORMANCE
Critique
of crewmembers should occur during the debriefing by the instructor. A critique should include discussion of
individual and flight crew performance by the instructor, as well as,
assessment by the crewmembers of their own performance. The critique should consider the
crewmember's judgment and the crew's interaction with all available resources
in handling various problems.
11. AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT
Recorded audiovisual feedback is very useful as a debriefing aid because it allows crewmembers to view themselves from a third person perspective. This feedback helps crewmembers better understand their performance, identify their weaknesses, and build upon their strong attributes, thereby encouraging positive changes in attitudes and behavior. Recorded audiovisual feedback should be erased at the completion of the debriefing.
12. ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Decisions, which produce unwanted results, do not indicate a training failure, but serve as a learning experience, which may indicate a need for additional instruction or modified training activities. The additional training could be any form, including an additional LOFT. In any case, required additional training shall be provided and documented as satisfactorily completed prior to the crewmember's return to line operations. Although additional training for a particular individual may be necessary, each LOFT scenario will be recorded as "complete" at the end of the debriefing stage.
13. ECAA PHILOSOPHY
The
ECAA believes that the effectiveness of LOFT training is dependent on four
important aspects. First, the use
of the highest level of simulator available. Second, ensuring that only line qualified crewmembers are
scheduled to participate in Recurrent LOFTS, and that only crewmembers who are
training for a particular duty position or line qualified crewmembers are
scheduled to participate in Qualification LOFTs. Third, those LOFT scenarios run their full, uninterrupted
course. Fourth, that a variety of
scenarios are available and periodically updated to ensure that the LOFT
experience does not become repetitive.
Any
interruption of a LOFT scenario is considered a detriment to the learning
process. LOFT scenarios should be
allowed to continue to their logical completion. Well thought out and properly developed scenarios will
prohibit situations requiring an interruption.
Training
value is diminished whenever crewmembers become too familiar with the
scenarios. Therefore, a variety of
LOFT scenarios is required to guard against crewmembers experiencing
repetitious situations. In
addition, operators are expected to regularly update LOFT scenarios, thereby
ensuring that crewmembers are exposed to new technology, procedures, and
current operational problems.
14. TYPES OF LOFTS
Recurrent LOFTS are designed to ensure that each crewmember maintains
efficiency in the type of aircraft and crewmember duty position involved. It is intended for flight crewmembers
who are presently qualified in a particular make, model and series of
aircraft. A Recurrent LOFT is best
conducted with a complete line qualified crew and instructor interruption is not
permitted.
Qualification
LOFTS are designed to prepare crewmembers, who are not yet fully qualified for
line operations and whose training has been provided in accordance with an
Advanced Simulation Plan. A
Qualification LOFT provides training that facilitates the transition from
flight simulator training to operational flying and scenarios are designed to
represent typical flight segments.
This type of LOFT is instructional in nature; therefore, when it is
essential to do so, instructors may momentarily interrupt a scenario for
instructional purposes.
15. Summary
Loft
training is an invaluable tool that further enhances the learning process and a
crewmembers competency and efficiency.
Operators should make every effort to integrate LOFT scenarios into
their current training programs.