Section Four
the hydraulic panel using the touch screen. A
correct response lets the program proceed. If the
pilot answers incorrectly, the system will set up
the panel correctly, and the slide device and
audio tape come on to explain why the answer
was incorrect.^69This computer-based instruction is in addition to the very
complex and expensive flight simulation training that American
Airlines conducts on 20 flight simulators. These simulators are
designed for specific aircraft, such as the Boeing models 767
and 727, McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) models MD-80,
DC-10, and the Airbus A300-600R. American’s training
operations are extensive. In a recent year, the company
expected to conduct over 100,000 pilot man-days of training at
the academy.^70
Another example of computer-based instruction is one for
training sales personnel, which builds in role-playing:
Using a video camera mounted above the
monitor, the student is filmed interacting with the
customer segments, contained on a laser disk.
The interface is an IBM Info-Window monitor
with a touch screen. The final tape merges the
student’s and customer’s responses for review.^71