ASOG Article of the Month | October 2024
Source | Patrick Ryan
With over 30 years of flying experience, I can confidently say that chair flying has been an indispensable tool throughout my career. This mental rehearsal technique has proven invaluable, whether for sharpening skills, mastering emergency procedures, or simply staying prepared for any mission.
While chair flying is often associated with pilots, it also offers tremendous benefits for ASOs and non-rated aircrew. Here's why chair flying is an effective preparation method and how to incorporate it into your training routine.
Why Chair Flying is Important
Mental Rehearsal for Muscle Memory
Airborne sensor operations involve complex, time-sensitive tasks that require precision and focus. Chair flying enables sensor operators and non-rated aircrews to mentally rehearse these tasks, reinforcing the actions they must take in critical situations. This repetition builds mental muscle memory, so when the moment comes, the operator's mind is trained to act decisively and smoothly.
Improving Situational Awareness
One of the most essential aspects of airborne operations is maintaining situational awareness—understanding where you are, what's happening around you, and what actions are required. Chair flying allows aircrews to simulate scenarios where they monitor multiple variables, prioritize tasks, and respond to unexpected developments. It helps develop the habit of thinking several steps ahead, a critical skill for safety and mission success.
Practicing Emergency Procedures
Chair flying is an excellent method for rehearsing emergency protocols. Whether it's a sensor malfunction, loss of communication, or an inflight system failure, mentally walking through the steps of handling an emergency helps to ingrain responses that will be automatic when they're needed the most. Repeatedly running through emergency procedures in a stress-free environment prepares aircrew to remain calm and collected during real-world crises.
Familiarization with Equipment and Checklists
Many aircrew roles involve extensive use of checklists and complex systems. Chair flying helps reinforce familiarity with these resources, allowing aircrew to practice using them under various simulated conditions. This constant reinforcement helps reduce mistakes when operating actual equipment in dynamic situations, where time pressure and stress can lead to oversight or miscommunication.
How to Chair Fly
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you start using chair flying as a training tool.
Create a Realistic Environment
Find a quiet, distraction-free area to practice chair flying. If possible, set up a workstation resembling your sensor operator or aircrew station. This includes having physical references to controls, instruments, or checklists. Using a chair that mimics your actual seating posture is beneficial, as it helps make the experience more realistic.
Visualize the Scenario
Choose a scenario to rehearse, such as a standard mission flight, a complex mission task, or an emergency procedure. Start by visualizing the aircraft, your role, and the flight environment. Imagine the sounds, communications, and physical conditions you would experience. Think through every action you must take, whether adjusting a sensor, operating communications equipment, or monitoring for situational threats.
Follow Procedures and Checklists
Go through the exact steps you would take in real-time. For example, imagine the data coming through your equipment if you're practicing a sensor scan and mentally walk through how you'd interpret it. Practice calling out or imagining critical communications that need to happen, such as check-ins with other crew members, making reports to the pilot, or coordinating with external teams.
If the scenario involves an emergency, mentally pull up the relevant procedures and step through each methodically. Doing this over and over makes these procedures second nature.
Incorporate Stressors
To get the most out of chair flying, simulate stressful conditions. For instance, imagine how you'd respond if communications cut out during a critical mission phase or if you lost power to specific systems. Envision how you'd maintain composure, troubleshoot issues, and continue executing your role. Stressing your mental processes in this way helps prepare you for the high-pressure environment you'll face in the air.
Repeat and Refine
Chair flying is most effective when done regularly. Repetition helps refine your mental procedures and decision-making. It also lets you notice areas where you might need more real-world training or additional practice.
Conclusion
Chair flying is a simple but powerful method that can significantly enhance airborne sensor operators' and non-rated aircrew's skills and readiness. By mentally practicing operational scenarios, procedures, and emergency responses, you can strengthen your proficiency and confidence, making you a more capable member of the aircrew team. Regular chair flying sessions prepare you for the unexpected and ensure your reactions are sharp and well-practiced when it counts the most.
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