Adaptive Expertise during Simulated Flight

The present research examined pilot ability to perform simulated flight maneuvers in routine and nonroutine instrument flight situations as a function of expertise. Twenty-one pilots were asked to fly nine simulated instrument flight maneuvers using a modified version of Microsoft Flight Simulator^©. Each of the flight maneuvers involved performing routine control movements on up to three axes (airspeed, altitude, and/or heading). For the first seven trials, all instruments operated properly. During the final two trials, the attitude indicator experienced a partial vacuum failure that was either announced or unannounced. Pilot control movements, eye fixations, and flight status were recorded. Percent goal completion within specified bounds (commercial pilot standards) was calculated for each trial. Eye fixations were not analyzed. The results indicated an overall expertise effect for routine flight. However, during unannounced failure, expert performance dropped to novice levels. The results are discussed in terms of training and routine versus adaptive expertise.