Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): a research study in new training opportunities in Aviation

Abstract

A new generation of learners, by some authors named the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAPs), are entering the aviation industry today. They are digital natives compared to digital immigrants and to engage and meet their needs, visualization of complicated, large data is helpful for understanding, analyzing and training. Although virtual and augmented reality (AR) are not new overlay digital content in our real-world environment and promises to transform the way we train NGAP to operate and maintain aircraft. This can provide a mobile cost-effective solution to enhance real-world environments, create virtual simulations, accelerate learning and increase retention. This paper firstly explores the technological issues involved in nowadays-digital culture and then it considers how pilots’ training and aviation science lessons could be designed incorporating relevant and interactive software into a sound pedagogical strategy for aviation students and professionals. The “peep hole” approach allows focusing the attention of the pilot on critical issue even on full flight simulators on type conversion or periodical checks. This approach is particularly efficient in critical situation simulation and correction. The possibility to wear Head Worn Displays makes it possible to add virtual symbols to highlight positions and sequences. A careful choice of these symbols and highlights speeds up the learning process in a very significant way. This paper describes how to make it starting from Artificial Intelligence learning methods. This approach is particularly important when training takes place in full flight simulators where cost is high and time limited.

Keywords—Augmented Reality (AR); Full Flight Simulation; Mixed Reality (MR); Periodical Check, Training; Virtual Reality (VR)