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Embry-Riddle Selected by FAA to Lead Pilot Training Curriculum Development Team


Daytona Beach, Fla., Sept. 5, 1997 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will lead a team selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop innovative methods for training pilots in a manner which substantially reduces training time without compromising safety. Dr. Steven Hampton, professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle, will serve as the principle investigator. Other team members include Advanced Creations, Inc., Dayton, Ohio; Cessna Aircraft Company, Wichita, Kansas; Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Fla.; Jeppesen Sanderson, Englewood, Colo.; and Raytheon Aircraft, Wichita, Kansas.

This Curriculum Development Team (CDT) was formed to address the training needs of the Advanced General Aviation Transportation Experiment (AGATE) Alliance. AGATE supports the vision of NASA and the FAA for a small aircraft transportation system which brings safe, affordable, and convenient personal air transportation to a wide range of America's population.

The CDT will seek out revolutionary ways to take a pilot from zero-time through an instrument rating, while reducing costs by 25% and increasing the ease of learning. As an initial step in this effort, a unified, one-step-to-instrument curriculum will combine the traditional private certificate and separate instrument rating. Technology-based training techniques will be integrated into another special curriculum in a carefully controlled manner so the results can be documented.

In addition to the specialized curricula, the CDT will develop learning modules for glass cockpit multi-function displays and a single-lever power control system. These progressive new displays and systems are being developed and tested by other groups within AGATE and will play a key part in making the NASA/FAA transportation vision a reality. The CDT will evaluate the best way to train pilots in the use of these new technologies. As the AGATE project continues, training modules will be added on Icing, Embedded Training, and Free Flight.

Project costs will be evenly split between government and industry. NASA is funding the government's $1.5M share the first year, while the FAA plans to fund the government's share thereafter.

The world's largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace, Embry-Riddle has campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., and over 100 education centers in the U.S. and Europe. Its curriculum covers the operation, engineering, research, manufacturing, management, and marketing of modern aircraft and the systems that support them.