Bridging New Technology with Andragogy: Adult Learners in Aviation - Essay Example

Bridging New Technology with Andragogy: Adult Learners in Aviation After the first flight made by the Wright brothers in 1903, landing facilities were constructed to service the growing need for air travel. This need was bolstered during World War I for the base, repair and refueling of warplanes, and the mail route after the war. Laws were earlier passed to promote air transport and later to regulate the commercialized industry. Safety must be maintained despite the ground traffic and movement increase in the airports.

Existing literature revealed that runway incursions, as well as injuries, and ramp accidents and incidents continually occur. These occurrences can be attributed to training deficiency, human error or violation of procedures and directives due to some factors (e.g. supervisor instruction, time pressure, insufficient staff). Safety in the movement area is a prime consideration of regulatory agencies and airport operators; however, the non-movement area is likewise an area where injuries and incidents occur.

This study will address the dearth in data on the relationship of the training (computer simulated versus on-the-job) given to drivers in the non-movement area and the promotion of safety and reduction of incursions and incidents. It will also determine the effectiveness of existing driver training programs in the promotion of ramp safety. Moreover, problems associated with the use of technologically advanced computerized programs for driver simulated training will be identified. A quantitative research design through survey questionnaire modified from Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program ACRP Synthesis 15 is utilized in determining the type of training, mode of imparting knowledge, and safety awareness of drivers in non-movement areas in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

“Quantity?” ground vehicle operators participated in the survey. Through this study, effective educational tools that could improve airport safety will be identified, and which would be valuable to airport vehicle operators, trainers, educators, and regulators in the pursuit of such goal.