C-130 classroom and simulator-based training is primarily dedicated to basic flying and operational skills for new aircrews. The opportunities for practicing and enhancing crew resource management (CRM) skills are limited. Because CRM issues are often present in C-130 mishaps involving mission-qualified crews, it is apparent that additional CRM training is required to allow crews to learn and practice these critical skills.

Through the Air Force's Education and Training Technology Application Program (ETTAP), a study was done which required a proof of concept device to determine if advances in CRM skills can be made through the use of a low-cost, PC-based flight simulator. This simulator allows a C-130 crew to practice CRM skills in a hands-on cognitive learning environment to assist students in the transition from classroom lessons to performance in the actual aircraft.

With modifications to support training, Microsoft^R Flight Simulator (MSFS) provided a basis for the simulation and 3D imagery. Additional training functionality and the Instructor Operator Station (IOS) were developed using a traditional software development environment. All hardware was Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and a versatile touch screen interface was used for the instrumentation in the system.

This paper will explore the development and integration effort of the C-130 CRM system. We will also discuss an array of gaming support software that is available, as well as that which was used, to extend MSFS capabilities. The results of the ETTAP study and an analysis of the lessons learned will be provided as well.