PSA Airlines implements ETHOS Systems Knowledge Suite to gain a Flexible and Robust Solution

With an outdated training computer lab, PSA was looking for a major makeover when it came to their new training solution. The Aerosim ETHOS Systems Knowledge Suite for the CRJ 700/900 was the solution they had been seeking and more.

Challenges

Prior to the Aerosim ETHOS Systems Knowledge Suite, PSA employed a desktop computer based training program that was 15 years old.  PSA Pilots were required to spend at least 20 hours on-site at the training facility’s computer lab to complete the training.  This training had known errors and was extremely difficult and time consuming to update, and work around.

PSA was also looking to deploy iPads into its training footprint and needed a solution that would be compatible with that platform. They understood the value of the pilots being able access the content outside of the classroom in a learning environment most conducive for them. As well as the importance of providing the opportunity for the pilots to go through the training at their own pace and review the content as necessary.

With the tremendous growth that PSA had undergone, it has also increased the amount of training conducted. PSA needed to incorporate a scalable solution that would not only improve the quality of training, but make it more efficient.

The Solution

With the incorporation of ETHOS, PSA was able to overcome their challenges and meet its desired needs. PSA chose some additional options that included the fully free-play Flight Management Systems Trainer (FMST) and a customized ACARS Trainer.

“This product was a multifaceted solution for PSA because of the suite of applications.  The Systems Training, FMS and ACARS Trainer and the Cockpit Familiarization tool all have significant positive impacts on how our pilots study and train. The FMS free-play program gives pilots the opportunity to practice FMS programming, allowing them the extra practice needed to become proficient with this  critical skill.”

– Lucas Bowden, PSA Ground Training Supervisor

Since the legacy training product was so difficult to update, it was important that a new solution could overcome this with simple and easy updates. ETHOS provides PSA the ability to push new updates to each device when they become available which reduces the burden on the training department and ensures that the pilots are accessing the most current, up-to-date content.

ETHOS content is deployed both online and via an application on the iPad. Pilots can access ETHOS via the iPad with or without Wi-Fi while still enabling their progress to be tracked via the Aerosim Learning Management System.

“The ETHOS Systems Knowledge Suite has allowed PSA pilots the flexibility to study and review aircraft systems at their own pace, when and where they want.  With the mobile platform, pilots can study virtually anywhere they feel comfortable.”

– Lucas Bowden, PSA Ground Training Supervisor

Outcome

Since the implementation of ETHOS , PSA has seen a benefit from the FMST offering that they had not previously expected.  Because the FMST is offered on the iPad, it has now become invaluable to them. With increased amount of training that PSA now conducts, the time with FMS trainers is limited as the physical FMS CDUs are very expensive. Pilots can practice FMS programming at any time within the ETHOS application on their company issued iPads. Due to the positive feedback from pilots, PSA is currently reviewing additional Aerosim solutions to implement.

The ETHOS Training Suite allows me to study away from the training center and allows me to better manage my study habits.

– Jim, PSA Pilot

In addition, after training, pilots can continue to access the Aerosim ETHOS Systems Knowledge Suite to continue to review the training content, either on an iPad or online.  Due to the positive feedback from pilots who have used ETHOS and the resulting more efficient and effective training footprint, PSA is currently reviewing additional Aerosim solutions to implement.

The ETHOS System is broken into logical modules and is much easier to retain.

– Dean, PSA Pilot

About PSA Airlines

PSA Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and operates an all-jet fleet consisting of exclusively Bombardier regional jet aircraft. The company’s more than 2,400 employees operate nearly 600 daily flights to nearly 90 destinations. As of year-end 2015, PSA operates 35 Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft, 26 Bombardier CRJ 700 Aircraft and 36 Bombardier CRJ 900 NextGen Aircraft.

About Aerosim Technologies, Inc

Aerosim delivers leading edge training services and technologies that provide value through customized training solutions. The company is dedicated to innovation that is supported by a strong foundation of simulation-based training products in use with commercial air carriers and training organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Burnsville, MN, Aerosim has three major focus areas that include: Primary Pilot Training through Certified Flight Instructor at Aerosim Flight Academy, type rating services for initial and recurrent training through Aerosim Training Solutions and simulation-based technologies provided by Aerosim Technologies, which supports pilot training curriculums.