Airmanship Education Research Initiative (AERI)

Dr. Bill Rhodes of Aerworthy Consulting, in conjunction with Dr. Terry von Thaden of the Aviation Human Factors Division at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently announced their research collaboration on the Airmanship Education Research Initiative (AERI). The AERI encompasses original research using active pilots while introducing a new, empirically grounded approach to teaching airmanship based on principles from professional ethics education in other fields. This foundational enterprise will assess the gaps between the mental processes of pilots who have been involved in an accident and experts who have not, thus measuring the strengths and weaknesses in the aspects of airmanship as they relate to ethical decision making and execution. This new approach to education and training will support educational interventions to produce a measurable reduction in mishap frequency. In addition, state-of-the-art flight training devices, and cockpit scenario media presentations will be employed extensively. An AERI workshop, using an experimental FTD-based curriculum, is planned for October 2008 at the University of Illinois. This invited workshop will showcase the developments in AERI training for industry and academic experts, while seeking critical input for the next phase of development. This research is currently funded by Avemco and Cirrus.

Contact
Dr. Terry L. von Thaden,
Human Factors Division
Phone: 217-244-8667
Email: vonthade@illinois.edu

More News & Events