Going to heaven can be a daunting task for some people. Regardless of whether we like to fly or fear stepping on an airplane, we all have one thing in common: we want our pilot to have experience and take us to our destination in a timely manner.
Pilot training is not easy. If something goes wrong when a pilot is in the air, the consequences can be catastrophic. This is why it is important that every person who trains to be a pilot learn to fly on the ground before taking over a real plane.
The flight simulators They are a great way for the learner pilot to learn the mechanics of how to fly an airplane without any of the negative consequences if something went wrong. For new pilots in training, this is truly the only way to learn safely.
This has been the way pilots have started their training for a long time, but there is a new technology that is gaining interest.
Aren't Virtual Reality flight simulators anyway?
In most of the cases, no. In simple terms, flight simulations take place inside test cabins Specifically built while flight simulation software is running and mounted on a platform that can be moved. This provides a quite realistic experience of flying an airplane and allows pilots in formation to make all their mistakes while firmly on the ground.
Being able to press the reset button allows students to practice without stress. This is a very simplistic description of a flight simulation, as each simulator can cost millions of pounds to build and run. The cost of having this specially designed simulator means that the cost of training pilots in this way is enormous.
The virtual realityOn the other hand, it offers a similar experience, but arguably a more realistic experience. The trainee pilot would wear a virtual reality headset that would contain software similar to a flight simulation. The cabin and exterior of the plane will be virtual and the student will interact with the virtual world while learning to fly the plane.
Why is Virtual Reality used?
It is well known that flight simulation is a great way to learn because there is a reset button. If something goes wrong, restart the program and try again. This is good to start with, but as pilots learn more they need a more realistic environment. A simulator does not feel real since movement, etc. is limited. While in a simulator, students can act very differently than they would on a real plane where the consequences of an error would be dire.
Virtual reality is believed to be the next step in simulation because immersion in the virtual world makes the whole experience feel more real. Feedback from the actions being taken by pilots in training can feel more realistic and therefore, when absorbed in the virtual reality training session, people are more likely to act the way they would if they were flying. in a real plane. This sense of reality should improve training.
Using virtual reality is also expected to save money. Building huge simulators will not be required as they are located in many test facilities, and involve multiple parts to make the experience as realistic as possible. If you use virtual reality, the hardware will stay the same regardless of the type of aircraft being flown virtually. The virtual simulation software will be able to adapt to any drawing that is required and the correct package loaded for the session.
When changes are made to the planes, the software It will need to be updated, but no costly changes will be required on the simulation machines. This will also add flexibility to places where training pilots can train as it will be more accessible have virtual reality headsets than build new simulators.
Another estimate is that the time it takes pilots in training to finish their training will be shortened by virtual reality to get them to the skies faster. This will save money, but it also means that people looking to enter an aviation career will have a shorter path, possibly attracting more people to join the industry.
Is Virtual Reality really improving pilot training?
Clearly, there is lots of benefits by bringing virtual reality to the training of future pilots. However, at this time the flight simulators don't go far enough, even when adding virtual reality to the mix.There is still a significant gap between the virtual world and the real world and no matter how real the virtual world feels, there will always be the comfort and security of the reset button.
The only way to get a good quality flying experience is to go to heaven and fly. However, when pilots begin their training and begin to learn to fly, virtual reality is a great tool and pilots who have had access to virtual reality flight simulation are likely to progress much more quickly. There is less risk, less stress, and less real consequences when things go wrong in a simulator.
Fear of Flying - part 2 - Progress via Flight Training! (October 2024)
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