Human Factors of CC-130 Operations. Volume 4: Training Systems Knowledge

In January 1994, the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine DCIEM was tasked by Air Command AIRCOM to study human factors issues in CC-130 Hercules operations within what was then Air Transport Group ATG- now a component of 1 Canadian Air Division. This tasking reflected a perception that the accident record within the Canadian Forces CF fleet was significantly worse than the record of other fleets involved in similar operations. In response to this tasking, a joint DCIEM ATG team was formed. The activities of this study group were funded by the Chief of Research and Development CRAD.The following recommendation, served as the impetus to the work. Raise the overall level of systems knowledge among ATG aircrew by developing teaching aids and courses to accelerate the acquisition of knowledge and to compensate for lowered fleet experience levels through advances in training program delivery. In this Volume, systems knowledge training is first placed within a general risk management scheme as an overall causal framework for securing safer and more effective operations within the CC-130 community of 1 Canadian Air Division 1 CAD. Current systems knowledge training practices within the organisation are reviewed next, including past assessments of the need for modernisation of training. It is concluded that while current training practices are sound, thorough, and professional in execution, there remains room for improvement because downsizing and experience loss have impeded the ability of 8 Wing, Trenton, to achieve training modernisation .A selected review of best training concepts and practices is presented. The key areas covered include the importance of life-long learning a just-in-time knowledge-to-skill training model problem-based i.e., case-based, self-directed learning effective use of interactive multi-media for training at the Operational Training Unit OTU, for on-the-job training OJT and