Assessing the usability of a desktop simulator for training Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures

Abstract

The aviation industry has used simulator training devices as an inexpensive and safe alternative to flight training for decades. Many different simulation types have been developed, with varying quality levels in fidelity and realism. The study aim is to evaluate the usability of the RedBird JAY desktop simulator for training Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures. Spradley's (2016) domain analysis is used to identify common themes in the participant's responses. Twelve pilots, holding an FAA private pilot certificate and instrument rating as a minimum and with mixed prior simulator experience, operated a Redbird JAY flight simulator configured with the Cessna 172 using standard analog instruments with a separate horizontal situation indicator (HIS) and Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system. Each participant was given three scenarios, consisting of approximately five minutes of flying in identical conditions for all participants. The results and future research areas are discussed in this paper.