Evaluating Fighter Lead-In Training

Pilot candidates undergoing training to qualify to fly fighter aircraft in the Canadian Forces first proceed through a Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) course. After successful completion of the FLIT course, candidates enrol in a Basic Fighter Pilot (BFP) course. Recent changes to the FLIT training system did not permit all candidates to take the same FLIT course. Due to lack of time and capacity, fighter pilot candidates were divided into three groups and each group undertook a different FLIT course. All three groups were subsequently reunited to take the BFP course. Concerns over the possible impact of the three FLIT training streams on BFP course performance resulted in a study request to Air Operational Research. It was decided that the first action to be taken in the assessment of the impact of FLIT training would be to assess if BFP course performance was different for the three FLIT groups. Two statistical tests, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the one-way ANOVA General Linear Model procedure, were identified to evaluate the hypothesis that there are performance differences between the FLIT groups. The statistical tests were applied to mid-term BFP course results. The preliminary tests have shown that there is some evidence to support the contention that there are performance differences between the three FLIT groups. The results, however, will not be considered conclusive until the BFP course is completed. Abstract in English and French.