Loss of Control In-Flight is the most prevalent cause of fatal accidents in commercial aviation. Surprise and startle are commonly suspected as contributing factors. Aviation authorities recommend to include surprise in training. However, studies indicate current training is in some cases too predictable as variations are brought to a minimum, with a focus on predetermined responses.

This study aims to test if using unpredictability and variety in training better prepares pilots for surprise situations. Toward this end, a flight simulator experiment was designed in which 21 airline pilots, divided over two groups, participated. Each group was provided with a short training containing half an hour of flight time. One group was given a predictable training without variety while the other group was given an unpredictable training with variety. Results show that with minimal impact on the training, performance is better in a surprise scenario related to the training. In a surprise scenario unrelated to the training, no effect was found.

The results suggest that using unpredictability and variety in pilot training improves performance in surprise situations, underlining the need to make pilot training less predictable.