Virtual Reality Training: A Game-Changer for Aviation Related Training and Education
The lack of innovation in aviation related training over the last thirty years has contributed to a shortage of pilots and aviation mechanics, and has led to a marked increase in aviation related mishaps that have dominated the news in recent months.
The Pilot Shortage
Recent studies have shown that the three primary contributing factors to the pilot shortage are early retirements, growth in the aviation industry, and reduced pilot graduation rates. While not much can be done about retiring pilots or industry growth, there is certainly much that can be done to boost pilot graduation rates.
The main problem with learning to be a pilot is the vast amount of information that must be learned and mastered. It's not merely a matter of memorization—the most difficult hurdles involve the abstract thought and calculations to conduct common tasks such as flying point-to-points, selecting entry methods for holding, or calculating appropriate power settings.
Stagnant Training Methods
In 1997, the most state-of-the-art way to prepare for the FAA written pilot's exam was to buy a set of King Schools' instructional VHS tapes. Fast forward 27 years, and the King Schools' video content is still the fastest and most efficient way to prepare—except now it's in an online format. In 27 years, the only advancement was moving from VHS, to DVDs, to online videos.
Aviation Maintenance Challenges
The same lack of innovation exists in the aviation maintenance community. Aspiring aviation mechanics are challenged with pneumatics, metallurgy, electrical engineering, aerodynamics, powerplants, and general mechanical principles—daunting topics, yet there has been very little development in training pathways.
The George T. Baker Aviation Technical College states that only 53% of their airframe and powerplant students graduate on-time, if at all. With 30% of the aviation maintenance workforce within 10 years of retirement age, it's no wonder that aviation mishaps due to mechanic issues are on the rise.
The VR Solution
In the age of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and lightning-fast internet speeds, we're finally starting to see how these technologies can be leveraged to improve aerospace education.
With the launch of spatial computing hardware such as the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and Xreal Air 2, companies are applying these tools towards improving educational processes. Companies like Higher Echelon offer "Extended Reality" services with custom-designed VR experiences for flight deck training and aviation maintenance.
AMTIL's Innovation
Even more impressive is AMTIL, which has recreated all of the coursework required for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant License into an interactive 3D virtual world. Aviation mechanic students can learn, practice, and explore systems and procedures in a virtual environment, increasing understanding and reducing difficulty.
AMTIL's mission is to deliver digital and virtual learning experiences using the best practices in training for Aviation Maintenance education—exactly the type of innovation the aviation industry has been lacking for thirty years.
About the Author
Holds a Master's in astroparticle physics from Columbia University, a former pilot in the United States Navy, a serial tech entrepreneur, and a lifelong enthusiast of aviation.
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