Good Practice Guide on simulation

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Good Practice Guide on simulation DRIVER
TRAINING
John Tickle Pennant Training Systems Ltd
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Use of Simulation Good Practice Guide

• In preparation with RSSB
• Issue in December
• Simulation and applications
• Benefits / dis-benefits
• Lessons Learnt
• When to use simulation
• Purchasing simulation
• Future developments and options
• Based on
• Research, interviews, experience in rail and
  other industries

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What is Simulation?

• A Model of Real Activity created for training
  purposes or to solve a problem.
• Driver Training Simulators
• Signalling Simulators (IECC, NX, Frame)
• Engineering Simulators (inc real equipment)
• Computer Based Models and Emulation
• Computer Based Training Assessment
• Multi-media classroom materials
• Role play, exercises and games
• Used for Training, Assessment, Human Factors,
  Incident investigations

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Driver Training Simulators

• Established use in aviation
• Have had recent focus in rail

Users include Eurostar, LUL, EWS, Virgin, SE
Trains, Southern, SW Trains, FGW, CCL etc
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What is a Driver Training Simulator ?

• Drivers control desk
• With or w/o full cab, and motion
• Computer Generated Visual System
• Visual database geo-specific or generic
• PC based computer system
• Rolling stock performance model
• Instructor Control Desk
• Exercise control and monitoring
• Support tools
• Student assessment and recording
• Database development

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Supported By

• Instructor led training
• Computer Based Training
• Group exercises
• Q A and Safety sessions

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Training Benefits

• Training/assessment on demand
• Consistency of training and assessment
• Improved throughput
• Less risk can practice and make mistakes
• Training and assessment in out-of-course events
• Safety critical events
• New stock and equipment introduction
• Cost Saving potential
• Visible commitment to training and safety

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A Driver Training Simulator is not
Dis-Benefits

• A panacea for all training
• It is just a training tool
• Needs integrating with classroom, CBT and PTTs
• For real
• But can do things you cant for real
• Inexpensive
• Purchase cost
• Building
• Support managers
• A short term commitment
• 15 to 20 year of support

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Feedback from TOCs Benefits(1)

• Better training for out-of course events
• Better consistency of training and assessment
• Better interactivity with students
• Less risk in initial stages of driver training
• Training for larger numbers of drivers over
  shorter timescales
• Better safety awareness when used with safety
  days

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Feedback from TOCs Benefits (2)

• Aids introduction of new equipment such as TPWS
• Reduced SPADS
• Provides all our low-adhesion training
• Probably less operational delays in dealing with
  incidents
• Potential for use by other users

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Feedback from TOCs Lessons learnt (1)

• Delayed delivery and introduction into service
• Required complete re-write of our driver
  training programme
• Criticism of lack of scene detail and currency
• Need to manage student expectations
• Motion system disorientating and not used
• Full cab necessary / not necessary
• Beware of cyber sickness

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Feedback from TOCs Lessons learnt (2)

• Should have had training staff assigned from
  start
• Building requirements were not considered
• Difficulty of getting train data from
  manufacturer
• Computer assessment difficult to use
• Poor response and high cost of manufacturer
  support
• Track builder tool can reduce support costs
• Generic vs geo-specific visual data bases

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Procurement of Simulators

• Do
• carry out a full Training Needs Analysis
• talk to other users
• spec requirements in terms of outcomes
• assign instructors/managers from day 1
• ensure availability of train data
• consider leasing
• consider third party users

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Procurement of Simulators

• Dont
• just get brochures
• let rolling stock manufacturer decide
  specification
• underestimate cost and effort of visual databases
• forget about building requirements
• forget about support costs

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Future Pointers

• Improved real world modelling of visual scene
• Multiple cabs in same scenario
• Team Training- integrated driver / signaller
  training
• Use of OTMR data for replay in simulator
• Increased use for incident investigations and HF
• Reduce track hours spent in training
• Universal driver training standards - licensing
• CAA type certification of training devices

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Other Simulations

• Part task trainers e.g. route learning,
• CBTA scenario based training
• Critical communications training
• Group exercises
• Aim for the blended solution

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Thank you

• Any Questions?