Proposals

Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: Using Microsoft Flight Simulator X to Develop Decision-Making Skills in the Classroom

Name: Wendy Beckman

Audience: Faculty

Length: One Hour

Abstract: In the Aerospace Department at Middle Tennessee State University, Microsoft Flight Simulator X is being utilized to develop the cognitive skills future professional pilots will need. The utilization of this inexpensive software to create realistic scenarios for teaching aeronautical decision making will be discussed. A variety of examples of the real time, participatory scenarios employed will be demonstrated to encourage participants to consider ways of incorporating electronic games into their educational settings.

Description: Many people are familiar with the PC game Microsoft Flight Simulator X (MFSX), but may not have considered how the software can be utilized for educational purposes. To safely pilot an aircraft there are obviously physical skills that students must learn, but there are also many mental skills that must be developed. MFSX can be used in class to expose students to situations they will eventually encounter in flight. Students view either pre-recorded segments of a virtual flight, or participate in real time decision-making as a virtual flight segment is "flown"; by the instructor. In either case, students see an aircraft instrument panel and the view outside the windscreen, as they would in flight. The emphasis of each scenario exercise is making appropriate flight management decisions given various circumstances.

One of the first topics covered in class is aircraft systems. MFSX allows students to experience exactly what the cockpit will look like when a particular instrument or system fails. For example, students can experience a scenario in which an aircraft is making a night flight and suffers an alternator failure. The aircraft systems that have been lost are identified, and the students are able to experience the ramifications of the decisions they make to handle this situation. Failures of primary flight instruments and landing gear are also explored.

Another scenario experienced is flight into deteriorating weather. Using MFSX, a scenario is presented to demonstrate the appearance of visibilities ranging from 20 miles to ½ mile in both day and night conditions. Students invariably are surprised at how little they can see with even "good"; (5 to 7 miles) visibility. The distinct advantage of this exercise is how quickly students can view these various visibility scenarios. It would take many actual flights to experience this range of visibilities, but with MFSX it can be done in 10 minutes. During this scenario, the class discusses appropriate pre-flight planning and analysis of weather information.

Other scenarios used include learning how to navigate on the ground at a large airport by "taxiing"; from a terminal area to a runway, as a method of having students become familiar with airport signs and markings. Another scenario involves viewing and deciphering airport lighting at night. Yet another involves a flight into a busy airport and the required communications with Air Traffic Control to operate in such airspace. Finally, several practice scenarios are presented to assist students in learning how to navigate on cross country flights.

In summary, MFSX has brought a new, interactive method of learning into the classroom for students involved in flight training. Working through scenarios on the ground prior to experiencing them in flight seems to be both effective and well enjoyed by the students. Many of these students have grown up playing MFSX as a game. But when used in a different manner, MFSX is valuable for bringing "real life"; to the classroom. This adaptation can enhance the development of the flight management skills our future pilots will need.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

On-Site Equipment Requirements: Hook-up for laptop PC and projection capability

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Wendy Beckman, Middle Tennessee State University
wbeckman@mtsu.edu
MTSU PO Box 67
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
615-494-8755