One challenge for applied training research is to effectively balance the need to deliver a product to meet real operational requirements with the need to conduct a sufficient level of science. Although achieving this goal is challenging, success stories do exist; unfortunately, few have been documented. This inhibits other communities from benefiting from the lessons learned. This paper documents an applied research effort and offers lessons learned from balancing science and operational necessity while meeting naval aviation's aircrew coordination training requirements.

In 1990, 60 - 80% of all accidents in naval aviation were due to human factors errors. In an effort to reduce those accidents attributable to poor aircrew coordination, an applied program of training research was conducted. In general, the research was organized into three areas. First, the research sought to answer the question "How can aircrew coordination be defined?" Research was conducted using analyses of naval aviation mishap data, interviews with naval aviators, and studies in both operational and laboratory settings. The result of the research was a set of competencies crucial for effective aircrew coordination performance. Second, the research emphasized answering the question, "How should we measure the construct?" Research was performed to design and test measures that permitted a systematic approach to assessing aircrew coordination performance. This research produced a number of measures that have been successfully used for training. Third, the ultimate goal was to address the question, "How should aircrew coordination be trained?" Research involving empirical and field investigations was performed and the result was strategies, methods, and tools that effectively supported aircrew coordination training.

In combination, the success of this applied training research resulted in the establishment of a methodology for the design, development, and evaluation of aircrew coordination training programs for naval aviation. The methodology was used as the basis to implement aircrew coordination training throughout the naval aviation community. This paper will discuss the: (1) operational need, (2) research effort, (3) operational transition, (4) lessons learned, and (5) future challenges.