Air Navigation Training At Mather Air Force Base-Synergism Between Humans and Machines

Kevin S. C. Darnell

Abstract:	Navigation training for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and many of our allied nations happens at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. Training before 1975 occurred through classroom instruction and inflight performance. With the purchase of a dedicated Honeywell computer, navigation training is now a three element system. Classroom academics introduce students to new concepts. Simulation of the Boeing T-43 (a modified 737) in the T-45 Navigation Simulator allows for in-depth instruction underreal-time conditions. The simulator allows the option of holding position to resolve training deficiencies. A syllabus of instruction in the T-43 aircraft provides students with inflight experience and a test of their physical adaptation to flight. Each training element enhances the student’s ability to make navigational judgments under varying conditions of heading, drift, speed, and equipment limitations. Additionally, training for potential fighter crew members happens in the simulator, which canfly at speeds unattainable by the T-43 or the T-37, a two-seat jettrainer. Worldwide navigation training for students going to tanker-transport-bomber aircraft also takes place in the T-45. The DOD continues to adapt to the needs of the military forces. Mather uses slides, tapes, and a Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI) program to supplement classroom work. Personal computers provide practice on radar and celestial navigation missions. Navigation training moves to Beale AFB, California in the summer of 1993. The new system’s design incorporates advances in training theory and simulator technology.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1991 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 1991 Sheraton San Marcos Hotel Phoenix, AZ
Pages:	383 - 389
Cite this article:	Darnell, Kevin S. C., "Air Navigation Training At Mather Air Force Base-Synergism Between Humans and Machines," Proceedings of the 1991 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Phoenix, AZ, January 1991, pp. 383-389.
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