FFS Helps University Study Human Factors

The research center at Kore University in Enna, Italy, has acquired an Axis Level D full flight simulator (FFS) to study pilot behavior, making it the first laboratory in Europe with a FFS used for research on human factors in aviation. Professors and students can study pilot behaviour including biometrical parameters, under normal and abnormal conditions, in order to analyze the pilot workload during flight activities. They can also study cabin comfort and its effect on performance by varying the ambient parameters.

The university’s research facility, the Mediterranean Aeronautics Research & Training Academy (MARTA Center) began in 2015 and hosts teaching and research activities for degree courses in Aerospace Engineering. In addition to the Axis Level D simulator, which replicates the Cessna Citation C560 XLS, the center also holds an FNPT-MCC II static simulator of the EC-135 twin engine helicopter.

The Axis FFS allows Kore University to do extensive research on the human factor in flight and allows students the opportunity to do advanced degree work in close contact with pilots and professors, studying pilot stress in an environment that is very close to the real thing. Additionally, since the Axis simulator at Kore University is not certified, Axis can use it as a test bed for software development and upgrades, without constraints from aviation authorities.

Going forward, Kore University plans to enhance its activities around the Axis simulator by joining a European research program on aviation safety.

A possible future step is also the certification of the Axis simulator in order to study pilot behavior during real training sessions.

What changes can be made to pilot training to ensure there is not a pilot shortage in the long-term? Find out in  The Importance of Investing in E-learning and Simulators.