Dr. Maxine Lubner, chair of the aviation and management department, attended the  2013 International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP) in May to present research findings compiled by a group of Vaughn colleagues.  The presentation on the second day of the conference occurred during a session on the effectiveness of simulator-based training. Lubner addressed the audience with results from a paper entitled “Preliminary Examination of Simulator-Based Training Effectiveness,” co-authored by herself and Vaughn College colleagues Emerson Allen and Deb Henneberry, adjunct professors, Senior Vice President Dr. Sharon DeVivo and Dr. Andrew Dattel, a Vaughn College adjunct who also teaches at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa.

The study, which included a preliminary examination of the effectiveness of a simulator-based training program for thirteen student pilots, found that a combination of intensive classroom, simulator and traditional in-aircraft instruction was successful in helping students achieve pilot and instrument certificates with fewer flight hours than the US average.

Six students completed their FAA Private Pilot certificates in an average of five weeks, while five completed within four weeks. They completed instrument ratings within three or four weeks.

“Camaraderie and shared learning experiences were considered important to successful completion of the students’ flight training,” said Lubner. “While further research is needed on this training approach, including implications for instructional techniques and students’ depth and continuity of learning, early indications of success are very encouraging.”

Additional research on “Canada Geese and Aircraft in the Greater New York Area:  A Descriptive Study,” co-authored by Vaughn College alum Kevin Gillen and Lubner, was presented during Wednesday’s poster session. Gillen graduated in 2012 with a master’s degree in airport management and is currently an adjunct instructor at Vaughn who also works at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.