Assessment of Resource Scheduling Changes on Flight Training Effectiveness Using Discrete Event Simulation

This study presented a resource scheduling model of the Flight Training Department at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach Campus built using Discrete Event Simulation, to assess the effect of changes in the resources available to students in Flight Training Device (FTD) course modules on Flight Training effectiveness. Historical data from the Flight Training Department was used to build and validate the model. Results showed that, on average, students who had more resources available to them during FTD modules completed the training program 1 day earlier than those in the current system. As well, Cessna 172 and PA44 Aircraft average daily utilization increased whereas Cessna 172 S and PA44 FTD average daily utilization decreased. These results are discussed and conclusions are given at the end of this paper. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.