Use of Computer Based Training for Aircraft Inspectors: Findings and Recommendations

Research in aircraft inspection and maintenance has revealed the criticality of human inspection performance in improving aviation safety. Training has been identified as the primary intervention strategy in improving the quality and reliability of aircraft inspection performance. If training is to be successful, it is clear that we need to provide aircraft inspectors with tools to help enhance their inspection skills and improve performance. In response to this need, the Clemson research team developed a high fidelity inspection-training simulator (ASSIST: Automated System of Self Instruction for Specialized Training) - a specialized inspection software focused on improving aircraft inspection performance. Following the development a detailed usability evaluation was conducted and is reported as a part of this paper.