The advancement of technology in augmented and virtual reality has brought about good improvements in every industry.
Virtual reality is rapidly becoming a part of aviation as it has the potential to minimize costs while increasing the efficiency of safety training for ground operations in the aviation industry.
It has proven to be more effective when it comes to teaching students. A simulation takes over classes in order to guide students on how to handle dangerous situations without getting injured in any way, shape, or form. Students find it really easy to understand the simulation compared to classrooms.
Virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI)
Pilot Training Programmes are also taking advantage of the digital world’s capabilities and flexibility. There is no doubt that pilot training involves lots of risks and is a costly one. The VR has helped the training by eliminating the risk factor, as students don’t get injured or have to face life-threatening situations as compared to before, saving pilot training institutes a lot of money.
As we established above, VR is a good enough technology for in-flight training. Similar technology should be suitable for training in ground handling operations.
Dr Benjamin Goodheart, founder and principal consultant of Magpie Human Safety Systems, says, “Making a comparison of operating an aircraft in flight and ground handling isn’t exactly fair, but the same asset is being operated in a dynamic environment with complicated risks.”
According to IDTechEx, the augmented (AR), virtual (VR), and mixed reality (MR) optics and display market will be worth more than $28 billion by 2030. Aviation’s use of these technologies was projected to grow from $78 million in 2019 to $1,372 million by 2025.
Apart from flight training and ground staff training, augmented reality also helps in the engineering and maintenance of aircraft. It’s no easy feat to build or maintain an aircraft. Engineers are required to be highly skilled with high concentration and knowledge. Boeing, for example, is experimenting with AR glasses that are designed to assist technicians with interactive, hands-free, 3D wiring diagrams that can adjust in real time.
You might not have given much thought to the ground staff until you face issues with your luggage or, worse when it gets lost. These staffs are more than just cargo movers; they handle not just baggage but the aircraft itself when it's on the ground.
Workers can wear headsets that immerse them in a visual environment, which allows them to interact with virtual aircraft and various scenarios.
The cabin crew do more than serve warm beverages and food. With the help of simulation, they can engage with situations, including panic situations, and are well trained in life-or-death situations.
Technological advancements such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are surely expected to fuel the growth of the flight simulator market.