Date

1-14-2026

Department

School of Aeronautics

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation (PhD)

Chair

Anton W. Cihak II

Keywords

task management, workload, flight performance, flight training, mixed ANOVA, transition training, military aviation, NASA-TLX

Disciplines

Aviation

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative longitudinal research study of aircrew undergoing transition training was to examine the relationships between progressive syllabus events and aircrew performance, and progressive syllabus events and workload. In military aviation, the transition from one platform to another can present significant challenges to aircrew, especially regarding task saturation and performance. Previous research has suggested methods for improving the practice of flight training but has not investigated the emerging OA-1K mission and platform. The OA-1K is a modified Air Tractor AT-802U, a rugged, single-engine turboprop aircraft that is intended for use flying light attack and reconnaissance missions. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design to capture the flight performance and workload of 14 previously qualified pilots transitioning to the OA-1K. Data was collected via responses to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index after completing each flying event. A mixed-design ANOVA was used to analyze performance and workload through the course of 18 syllabus events. Three of the five research hypotheses were supported in relation to the impacts of progression through the transition training syllabus on individual performance and workload, while the two research hypotheses regarding the influence of experience on syllabus progression were rejected. Significant within-subjects contrasts suggested that performance and workload values had 3–4 turning points throughout the progression of the training syllabus, aligned with key events in the training program.

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