Observational Learning in Ab Initio Pilot Training

Abstract

Abstract: New learning and teaching techniques are required to reduce the length and costs of flight training while increasing its quality, such as observational learning, also known as backseating in aviation training. This study investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with backseating in an aircraft when another student is learning to fly. An ethnographic study of a flight school in Australia was conducted via observation and in-depth interviews. The results show opportunities such as learning from common mistakes, recognizing patterns, and reinforcing struggling areas in a stress-free environment, without any extra costs. The reported concerns included weight limits and regulatory issues, student nervousness when observed, and insufficient time to backseat flights. For backseating to be adopted, regulatory ambiguities should be addressed.