Multiple unrelated Non-Normals in simulator training
Talked to a colleague who flew 737's with a German operator about 20 years ago. That particular operator would always have multiple non-normals in each simulator session as part of box ticking. These non-normals did not necessarily have any correlation with the previous one. Thus a two hour session could include engine failure at VR, asymmetric flap, loss of both engine driven generators, emergency descent, one engine inoperative go-around, unreliable airspeed, engine fire and evacuation. Not in any specific order. At the end of each session there could be a two hour debrief. There was a high failure rate.
Now this is not new and even today multiple un-related non-normals are considered "normal" as part of most simulator sessions. Indeed these may become necessary to get through a type rating syllabus within allotted time frames. Pilots frequently end the session tired and grim faced to await the inevitable barrage of criticism by the simulator instructor or check pilot. It has happened to all of us in our career.
It turned out that a visiting Boeing representative to that airline was horrified by what he observed. He said that Boeing never dreamed that any operator would throw in multiple unrelated non-normals to fill in a simulator session. It certainly wouldn't happen in the real aircraft. Boeing (his words - not mine) would recommend not more than two non-normals per pilot per simulator training session. Introducing multiple other "events" such as a medical emergency aboard coupled with decision as to diversion coupled with dodgy weather at destination can lead to serious over-loading of the pilot who may be undergoing command upgrade, and is another example of bad training.
We all know it is about money. Reduce costs by packing in as many sequences as possible into a simulator session. But does that make a better pilot? Of course not. What it can lead to is an intense dislike of simulator training; especially since security of employment may be perceived to be threatened
Last edited by Centaurus; 12th October 2019 at 14:17.