Learning system dynamics: Transfer of training in a helicopter hover simulator

Transfer of training between the simulation of an inert and an agile helicopter dynamic was assessed involving a quasi-transfer design. The focus of this study was to test the ability of flight-naïve subjects to successfully acquire and transfer the skills required to perform lateral sidestep hover maneuvers in a helicopter simulation. The experiments were performed using the MPI Motion Simulator with its ability to realize a highly realistic 1:1 motion representation of a simulated helicopter maneuver. As a result, the amount of training needed to stabilize either an agile or an inert helicopter dynamic did not differ. A clear positive transfer effect was found for the acquired skills from the agile to the inert dynamics but not from the inert to the agile dynamics.