Date of Award

9-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Jacob Maywald, PhD

Abstract

This study designed and tested an experimental instrument to examine how pilots respond to fuel efficiency feedback in a flight simulator. A standardized flight plan, script, and hardware setup were created using X-Plane 12 software and physical flight simulator hardware. The chosen sortie guided participants from Monterey Regional Airport to Moffett Federal Airfield using instrument flight rules (IFR). The flight script provided step-by-step guidance to ensure consistent behavior across participants. The simulator was mapped to match real cockpit controls and allowed for precise data collection including flight time, altitude, heading, and fuel use. The goal was to support a larger study on whether private or public feedback can improve pilot fuel-saving habits. Literature on human behavior, pilot motivation, and experimental design informed the research. This experimental setup allows for future research on how structured feedback in simulators can promote more efficient flying behaviors under controlled conditions.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-25-S-008

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

Approved for public release (Distribution A), distribution unlimited. PA case number 88ABW-2026-0186

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