Companion Trainer Aircraft: Aspects of Dual Qualification

The use of surrogate aircraft for aircrew training involves two major issues. First, what effect does flying the secondary aircraft have on primary aircraft performance? This issue was addressed in the previous paper. Second, can the crew learn to safely operate the secondary aircraft while continuing to fly the primary aircraft? This paper addresses this second aspect of dual qualification. Of interest is the acquisition of skill in the secondary aircraft. For the purpose of testing the concept of a Companion Trainer Aircraft (CTA), eight B-52 pilot/copilot teams from the 2nd Bombardment Wing, Barksdale AFB, LA, were dual qualified in the T-39. Initial training in the T-39A occurred at Scott AFB, IL, followed by the flying of B-52 style training sorties in a specially modified T-39B at Barksdale AFB, LA. Pilot/copilot performance in the T-39A was evaluated by Military Airlift Command (MAC) instructor pilots (IPs), in the T-39B performance was monitored by a 4950 Test Wing IP. The results of these evaluations suggest that: 1, approach and landing is the most difficult part of the mission to learn; and 2, certain behaviors which are appropriate in the B-52 intrude on T-39 performance, where they are inappropriate. The data also suggest that in the early phase of skill acquisition, frequent sorties are necessary to avoid degradations in performance. In the T-39B training, the frequency required appeared to be about every two weeks. Although the short duration of this study prohibits conclusions concerning long term learning effects, the results do identify some areas for concern in any future CTA type program.