The influence of air activity removal on the performance an F-5M pilot

Abstract

This scientific paper proposes to assess to what extent the time away longer than 90 days influences the performance of expert pilots of the F-5M aircraft in airborne visual combat missions. As a theoretical basis, we used the studies by Mager and Pipe (1979) on performance problems and Stillon (1999) on the skills of fighter pilots in the USAF. Thus, the skills required for the F-5M pilot in the WVR missions were identified in the research of Fórneas (2015). Later, in order to identify which skills are affected when the F-5M pilot is removed for more than 90 days from the WVR missions, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire (1932) was forwarded to 39 pilots from three F-5M FAB Squadrons that remained more than 90 days without flying this type of mission in the years of 2016 and 2017. The skill degradation was analyzed in two ways: as a set and separated by general skills and air-air (BIGELOW et al., 2003). Likewise, the pilots were analyzed in groups and separated by experience levels. The results indicated the need to establish new limits for the training frequency. Thus, the conclusions obtained by this work will serve as a basis for future decisions about the training of fighter pilots and the consequent maintenance of the skills obtained in the initial trainings, being useful even to the formulation of the F-39 - Gripen training program.