Training Of Civil Aircraft Pilots

Launched in 1939, the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) was one of the largest government-sponsored vocational education programs of its time. In To Fill the Skies with Pilots, Dominick A. Pisano explores the successes and failures of the program, from its conception as a hybrid civilian-military mandate in peacetime, through the war years, and into the immediate postwar period. As originally conceived, the CPTP would serve both war-preparedness goals and New Deal economic ends. Using the facilities of colleges, universities, and commercial flying schools, the CPTP was designed to provide a pool of civilian pilots for military service in the event of war. The program also sought to give an economic boost to the light-plane industry and the network of small airports and support services associated with civilian aviation. As Pisano demonstrates, the CPTP's multiple objectives ultimately contributed to its demise. Although the program did train tens of thousands of pilots who later flew during the war (mostly in noncombat missions), military leaders faulted the project for not being more in line with specific recruitment and training needs. After attempting to adjust to these needs, the CPTP then faced a difficult and ultimately unsuccessful transition back to civilian purposes in the postwar era. By charting the history of the CPTP, Pisano sheds new light on the politics of aviation during these pivotal years as well as on civil-military relations and New Deal policy making.

Launched in 1939, the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) was one of the largest government-sponsored vocational education programs of its time. In To Fill the Skies with Pilots, Dominick A. Pisano explores the successes and failures of the program, from its conception as a hybrid civilian-military mandate in peacetime, through the war years, and into the immediate postwar period. As originally conceived, the CPTP would serve both war-preparedness goals and New Deal economic ends. Using the facilities of colleges, universities, and commercial flying schools, the CPTP was designed to provide a pool of civilian pilots for military service in the event of war. The program also sought to give an economic boost to the light-plane industry and the network of small airports and support services associated with civilian aviation. As Pisano demonstrates, the CPTP's multiple objectives ultimately contributed to its demise. Although the program did train tens of thousands of pilots who later flew during the war (mostly in noncombat missions), military leaders faulted the project for not being more in line with specific recruitment and training needs. After attempting to adjust to these needs, the CPTP then faced a difficult and ultimately unsuccessful transition back to civilian purposes in the postwar era. By charting the history of the CPTP, Pisano sheds new light on the politics of aviation during these pivotal years as well as on civil-military relations and New Deal policy making.

Well structured training, based on sound theoretical principles, can transform the system in which high performance is essential and in turn, the organisation. Yet the strategic role of cost-effective training provision is often less well understood than it might be in all branches of aviation - whether civil or regional, general, business or military. This book analyzes the cycle of training design from the identification of requirement through to measurement of effectiveness. Key issues in training design and management are illustrated with examples and learning is consolidated through case studies. The book provides advice, tools, procedures and examples of best practice - both recent and well-established - to assist aviation training personnel who aim to guarantee cost-effective training. The approach is highly practical, but does not avoid covering the theory when needed. An informative guide to the process of training analysis and course design, the book examines each stage of the training design cycle in some depth. In addition, it looks at the application of quality management and of project management to training design. Each chapter contains advice and techniques, as well as examples drawn from the author's wealth of experience of training in aviation.

Includes transcript of hearings before the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce on companion bill H.R. 5093 (p. 3-67).