The carrier has teamed up with Visionary Training Resources to pitch the virtual reality program for Federal Aviation Administration approval.
Virtual reality headsets being used for pilot training (Photo: CommuteAir)
CommuteAir has begun using virtual reality headsets for its Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) pilot training curriculum.
By implementing Visionary Training Resources’ (VTR) FlightDeckToGoTM advanced pilot training systems, the regional airline says it will remain at the forefront of pilot education.
In a Feb. 6 news release from VTR, the virtual reality software company stated its program was designed for use with the Meta Quest 3 headset to provide pilots with an “unmatched training experience.”
FlightDeckToGoTM gives pilots the ability to practice ground-based flows with eye-tracking in real-time, anytime.
“The use of VR is relatively new to the commercial aviation industry; however, it has been used in heavy industry, medical, and the military with good results,” said Lance Lau, director of training at CommuteAir, in the release. “We believe that through the use of virtual reality in pilot training, we will be able to greatly enhance the technical proficiency of our pilots.”
CommuteAir, a United Express partner airline, partnered with VTR and the Federal Aviation Administration to detail the training program’s usage and expected outcomes.
A CommuteAir Embraer E145 aircraft (Photo: CommuteAir)
Once the program is approved, CommuteAir will be one of the few airlines on the planet to incorporate VR training with FAA acknowledgment.
“This groundbreaking virtual reality training device along with our partnership with VTR has enabled us to revolutionize how we prepare new pilots for their transition to the ERJ145 flight deck,” said CommuteAir CEO Rick Hoefling, in the release. “This technology allows for safe, effective, hands-on learning that is paving the way for a future where training isn’t just effective, but transformative.”
The release stated the program will grant CommuteAir pilots a unique opportunity to continuously refine their skills in a VR Embraer 145 flight deck with a near identical aspect ratio.
“Many of our trainees have grown up with this technology and its use is almost second nature with them,” Lau said. “Our plan is to supplement normal procedures by using VR and establish the proof of concept in an effort to certify this as a training device. Upon certification, we expect to greatly increase its use in a variety of procedures.”
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