Being proficient in a skill generally means performing tasks with expert accuracy and efficiency. The training industry also acknowledges that many of our operational task skills are perishable and need regular review and practice to remain prepared. This is especially important in search-and-rescue or other life-threatening situations, where the skills and capabilities of a good TCO or other responding units can significantly influence the outcome of an emergency.

NOT AN OVER RELIANCE OF AUTOMATION.....THIS IS ONLY OPPERTUNITY TO PRACTICE RISK-FREE

One of the biggest challenges our operational crews face in maintaining proficiency is the limited number of hands-on practice opportunities compared to the number of operationally rated members needing practice and review. So, in the fall of 2021, when AuxAir crews began exploring additional training methods to prepare for the upcoming Ice Patrol season, the SPG reached out to private industry in identifying any reasonably affordable, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) training aids suitable for assisting Auxiliary flight crews in reacquiring and maintaining their skills, competencies, and proficiencies in a ready-state condition between actual flight assignments.

These search efforts led to an evaluation of a recently installed flight simulator at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Evaluations that identified multiple ways this device could be repurposed as an advanced Crew Procedure Trainer (CPT) for previously trained and experienced crews.

In early 2022, that same model simulator was located at the more convenient Westchester County Airport (HPN), where it had been donated to the local Civil Air Patrol unit for its Cadet Aerospace Educational Program.

When the SPG was informed that the CAP was making its flight simulator available, during periods of non-use, to a research and development foundation for training studies, the SPG arranged to become an active research participant, which has enabled the SPG to conduct some Proof-of-Concept research of its own.

Currently, the SPG’s research is exploring whether this simulation technology would be useful to our Opreational crews in maintaining their skills and proficiencies.

Especially the logistics......wx...room medical...what began as a simple hudson river ice patrol..