As technology evolves, it has become apparent across the industry that we must adapt the means through which we train the pilots and crew who take to the skies. Teaching is never a sure science until all avenues have been discovered and explored. I have been working in the simulation industry for 12 years and have been an advocate for virtual/mixed reality since its birth into the industry.
Currently, my dedicated team are working with cutting-edge technology to bring an immersive experience to instructors and trainees to tackle deficits in simulators and enhance feedback. One such project is the universal pre-flight walkaround trainer. This application empowers trainers to tailor lessons, accelerate growth for those they are instructing, and give them the best training experience possible. As an instructor, is it important to ensure that students receive comprehensive training to prepare them for every circumstance. Many of the advances in technology that L3Harris is invested in includes just that.
The Power of VR
Mitigating danger is foremost when caring for trainees. We instruct trainees specifically on fire hazards and emergency landing response specifically to keep them safe. The immersive value used in VR increases their ability to react in those situations. It doesn’t stop there, however, maintenance in general can become dangerous if trainees are not aware of an aircraft’s mechanics; accidentally raising the nose gear can become catastrophic. Performing these actions in VR equips trainees to react swiftly and effectively.
An Efficient Training Option
Trainees and instructors must book time with an aircraft when available to properly explore training mechanics. This can be expensive and hard to ensure as each aircraft is widely in use. A virtual environment gives the flexibility to attend that aircraft at any point without needing to schedule time.
An Immersive Training Experience
You can never replace a hands-on experience. However, virtual training offers flexibility and accessibility, eliminating the need for rigid scheduling and potentially high costs associated with in-person training sessions. Trainees can enjoy learning from the comfort of their homes, actively engaging with the material, rather than passively clicking through lessons. In fact, studies found individuals feel 40% more confident and therefore complete their training four times faster when studying using VR compared to classroom training.
Adaptability
From preflight walkarounds to cockpit flow training, VR applications in aviation training are vast. With virtual reality adapted to maintenance trainers, it augments the experience by providing a memory footprint, ensuring students are 275% more confident to act on what they learned after training. Crew training benefits from increased situational awareness; knowing where important emergency equipment is located and how to access it.
At L3Harris, we're exploring new frontiers, like development of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) trainer, which merges physical components with VR using GIS and modern graphic rendering solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
While VR training offers immense benefits, it also poses challenges. Factors such as high initial investment costs, limitations in force feedback features, and its unsuitability for all training scenarios are key considerations.
Technology is Constantly Evolving
As the global virtual reality market continues to grow, there is additional focus on haptic feedback. Bringing touch queues along with motion systems will significantly increase trainee immersion experiences. Wind turbulence can now be felt, allowing the user to take decisive action in varying situations.
In addition to training, VR grants the ability to bring trainers and trainees closer together, even when they are oceans apart. With use of avatars, the trainer can point components out as the trainee follows them around a virtual scenario or watch them perform specific movements within the cockpit during flight.
The integration of emerging technologies in aviation training represents a paradigm shift, ushering in a new era of safety, efficiency, and innovation. As we embrace emerging technology, our mission at L3Harris remains clear: to equip aviation professionals with the best training experiences, ensuring their preparedness for every challenge the skies may present.