A Collaborative Virtual Reality Flight Simulator: Efficacy, Challenges, and Potential

The incorporation of immersive technologies into student pilot training has been hindered by a lack of empirical evidence to support their efficacy. Existing research on virtual reality flight simulators is limited in scope, predominantly focused on single-users in small, piston-engine aircraft, with little concern for its application to commercial pilot operations. This paper initiates the process to evaluate a virtual reality flight simulator to train ab-initio pilots in a multi-crew environment using a complex jet aircraft (a Boeing 737-800). An experimental design-based research methodology was initially employed to identify and address any methodological issues. To demonstrate proof of concept, the study evaluated two different scenarios and assessed the performance of two head-mounted displays. Additionally, the research included measures of situational awareness and workload. The setup was configured to allow evaluation of various combinations of virtual reality and desktop flight simulators within a multi-crew environment. Valuable insights have been gained in creating a reliable environment for further research on collaborative virtual reality flight simulators. Proof of concept was demonstrated through satisfactory usability and fidelity in a two-pilot virtual reality simulator. The study confirmed that participants can effectively collaborate in a virtual environment during simulator sessions modelled on a typical initial First Officer airline training program for complex commercial aircraft. Participants in the virtual environment exhibited reduced workload (effort) in comparison to a desktop flight simulator, indicating a potential decrease in cognitive processing. This in turn suggests enhanced spatial memory, corroborated by measures of heightened team situational awareness in the virtual environment. The benefits of these findings are numerous, including the potential for a virtual reality flight simulator to supplement traditional pilot training methods.