Scheduling Flight Training Resources Using Discrete Event Simulation (DES)

Headnote

Abstract

This study used discrete event simulation (DES) to investigate the effect of changes in the resources scheduling on training efficiencies in Flight Training Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Historical data from the Flight Training Department was used to build and validate the model. Results showed that students who had more resources available to them during Flight Training Device (FTD) modules completed the training program 1 day earlier than those in the current system. As well, Cessna 172 and PA44 Aircraftaverage daily utilization increased while Cessna 172 S and PA44 FTD average daily utilization decreased. These results are discussed and conclusions are given at the end of this paper.

Keywords

Discrete Event Simulation, flight training, scheduling, ARENA

1. Introduction

The Flight Training Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) provides hands-on flight training to students in the four year Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science (professional pilot) program. The Flight Training Program has recently changed from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 curriculum to the Part 142 curriculum. The Part 142 Curriculum allows students to graduate as Commercial Multi-Engine pilots in a total of 140 hours. A major change is that it allows students to complete some of their training time in Flight Training Devices (FTD's), which allows students to spend less time in actual aircraft, thus reducing the cost of flight training [5].

Students in the Flight Training Program have a choice between a Single Engine Track and a Multi Engine Track. The Single Engine Track allows students to obtain the prerequisites required for the Certified Flight Instructor Course sooner, while the Multi Engine Track provides students with multi engine pilot in command flight time, making the student more marketable for airline hiring.

At the beginning of each semester, flight students register for a flight block (a block of time when they are allowed to schedule flight activities). There are 7 flight blocks available per day and students can register for blocks on either Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (Sundays are reserved for make-up activities that may have been grounded or cancelled through the week). Each student is assigned to a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and the CFI's are divided into 5 teams [3]. Each team has a separate...