The training community has relied upon theory and data on memory and learning from the cognitive sciences in its collective practices and research. However, episodic memory and related constructs have been largely overlooked in training literature, particularly in the flightcrew training domain. In this article, we illustrate how the concept of episodic memory may lead to a richer conceptualization of experiential learning implemented through flightcrew simulation training, given growing optimism over the use of extended and virtual reality configurations for unfulfilled niches in the flightcrew training cycle. We describe the concept of episodic memory and its theoretical underpinnings, discuss the role of the episodic memory system in experiential learning, and clarify the unique functions of episodic memory within flight deck operations (across taskwork and teamwork) and flightcrew training (e.g., crew resource management and line operational simulations). Illustrating the practical applications of this work, we describe how the concept of episodic memory can be applied to enhance instructional design features of a virtual reality research testbed for training the external preflight inspection of a B-737 aircraft. We conclude by proposing a set of questions to guide future research on the role of episodic memory in experiential learning through virtual reality simulations in context of flightcrew training.

Keywords
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY (AR/VR), FLIGHT SIMULATION

Additional Keywords
experiential learning, episodic memory, instructional design