Available online at http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jate Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering 3:1 (2013) 24–36 Flight Energy Management Training: Promoting Safety and Efficiency Juan R. Merkt Davis Aviation Center, Jacksonville University Abstract Poor aircraft energy management can lead to unsafe and inefficient operations. Despite their impact on safety and economy, energy management skills are not adequately taught or evaluated in civilian pilot training. This paper 1) addresses the need for better energy management training, 2) provides a conceptual and pedagogical framework for later curriculum development, and 3) suggests key attributes of an effective training program. To make the case, the study uses energy management to link safety and efficiency. It then synthesizes energy principles across disciplines and illustrates how such principles, once simplified, become powerful instructional tools. Finally, it suggests that an integrated, energy-centered, top-down training approach will lead to a better mental model of how the airplane works and, in doing so, to enhanced energy management and decision-making skills for safe and efficient operations. Keywords: aircraft performance, controlled flight into terrain, energy efficiency management, energy balance, energy flow, energy gradient, energy height, energy maneuverability, energy safety management, energy state, flight control, flight energy management, kinetic energy, loss of control in flight, law of energy conservation, potential energy, specific excess power, runway excursion, total energy control system Introduction Aviation is a high-risk industry tasked with transporting people and goods safely and efficiently. Unsafe and inefficient operations pose a threat to public safety and confidence, and can cause significant financial losses to the aviation industry (BTRE, 2006). The incidence of in-flight energy crises leading to aircraft accidents (Airbus, 2005; Boeing, 2012; Jacobson, 2010) as well as the impact of wasted energy on increased operating costs (Airbus, 2004; Berglund, 2008; Boeing, 2004) suggest a need for better energy management training for pilots. About the Author Juan R. Merkt is director of the Davis Aviation Center at Jacksonville University. He has been involved in programs that educate and train aspiring airline pilots since 1994. His research interests involve aircraft and human performance limitations in extreme flight environments. His credentials include a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University and FAA Commercial Pilot and Gold Seal Flight Instructor certificates. Merkt is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and is chair of its criteria and international committees. He has served as an AABI representative in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Task Force created by ICAO to address the worldwide shortage of skilled aviation professionals. Correspondence regarding this article may be directed to jmerkt@ju.edu. http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2159-6670.1072