Optimisation of performance-based continuation training – Study report for ANNC Collaborative Project between NLD and NOR – NLR Report TR-2021-172

This report documents the findings of a collaborative project within the Anglo-Netherlands-Norwegian collaboration (ANNC) between the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) titled “Optimisation of Performance-Based Continuation Training”. The objective is to explore the potential of optimization of pilot training, with a training program based on competencies and proficiencies (performance-based) instead of currencies (currency-based). This is an exploratory activity, intended to provide recommendations regarding future collaboration in a potential phase 2. The current continuation training philosophy for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) and the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) is that each pilot shall complete a set of training missions within the previous 12 months in order to stay combat ready. These training missions are described in the Annual Training Program (ATP), and have been developed over the years to provide the essential skills and competencies for the average pilot. However, the ATP does not take into consideration the fact that pilots are different individuals, and that some pilots need more training in some areas, and less in other areas. If the training program could be tailored to the individual pilot needs, the pilot skill level would increase – and the hours spent performing unnecessary training missions could be reduced, increasing pilot performance, and decreasing the resources spent on pilot training. NLR is working on a competency-oriented, performance-based training (PBT) approach for defining continuation training programs. PBT allows for the training to be adapted to individual needs, but requires a flexible training system which makes it more challenging to schedule pilots to training missions. FFI has developed a simulation tool for analysis of the feasibility of executing a training program – “Training for F-35 Pilots” (TREFF). TREFF simulates the execution of a training program given a set of resources and constraints, taking stochastic events and scheduling into account. Combining the two approaches would provide a possibility for NLR and the RNLAF to test the feasibility of proposed training programs, and for FFI and RNoAF to justify the composition of the continuation training program. The report gives an introduction to the NLR and FFI training analysis approaches, and addresses some possibilities on how the FFI tools and the NLR products can be combined. In order to explore the options for interfacing products and tools, a test case is defined. We also outline a PBT concept, and provide a roadmap for the implementation of a PBT approach.