XR Flight Simulators: The Doom of the “Dome” Simulator?

Quantified findings on XR Flight Simulators

• U.S. Air Force 3‑year study (UPT 2.5, begun July 2020): Before their very first flight, students who used VR improved on all 40 measured skills; 33 were statistically significant.

• Embry‑Riddle University: Among 58 student pilots, adding VR cut the time to first solo flight by about 30%.

• U.S. Air Force (follow‑on reports): After VR adoption, students reached solo about 10 flights earlier than the old approach with traditional classes.

• Increased availability: US Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training bases have 60+ VR devices available for 300-400 pilots produced annually compared to four to six traditional dome simulators.

• Home sim supplementation: Students who also use a home flight simulator can need up to 20 fewer flight hours than the FAA average.

• Broader VR training (PwC study): In non‑aviation VR training, learners were 4× faster to master skills, 275% more confident using them, and more engaged and focused than in classroom or standard e‑learning.

See list of references

The Slovenian Armed Forces recently adopted three cutting-edge VR/XR flight simulators

Smaller Footprint Flexibility and Accessibility

XR flight simulators provide a smaller footprint than traditional simulators. Not only does this reduce costs, but it also increases accessibility and availability.

Typically, devices can be used in classrooms designed for pre- and post-flight briefing and debriefing typically co-located within the flight training locations. As a result, XR flight simulators offer flexibility in training schedules and more accessibility. Pilots can train at their own pace and convenience without needing to travel to a dedicated simulator location.

Like traditional simulators, XR devices are not constrained by weather conditions or aircraft availability, further enhancing accessibility. This flexibility makes pilot training more accessible to a wider range of individuals, including those in remote locations or those programs lacking the funds for a traditional simulator.¹

Immersive Training Environment

XR flight simulators create an immersive training environment that closely mimics real-world flying conditions. Pilots can experience various weather conditions, emergency situations, and complex flight maneuvers in a controlled setting. Scenarios can be created cost-effectively and modified to place the pilot in immersive situations based on current conditions that are like the real-world increasing preparedness. This immersive experience enhances situational awareness and decision-making skills, which are crucial for pilot training.²

Cost-Effective Training

Traditional flight training is expensive due to the high costs of aircraft operation, maintenance, and fuel in addition to the expense of fielding and using a traditional simulator. XR flight simulators offer a cost-effective alternative by potentially reducing the need for actual flight hours, but even more cost effective compared to traditional dome flight simulators. Pilots can practice and refine their skills in a virtual environment, leading to significant cost savings for flight schools and airlines.² The smaller footprint of immersive flight simulators also reduces building renovation or construction costs over traditional simulators. Without the need for expensive domes and custom Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), immersive training devices can be used in a normal office setting with standard HVAC and power requirements (110VAC in US).

Cost Effectiveness Increases Flexibility and Accessibility

The lower cost of XR technology allows for the availability of more immersive training devices for pilots. For instance, US Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) bases have 60+ VR devices available for 300-400 pilots produced annually compared to four to six traditional dome simulators. This increased availability offers flexibility in training schedules and locations. Pilots can train at their own pace and convenience, without waiting for the traditional simulator availability. This flexibility makes pilot training more accessible to a wider range of individuals, including civilians in remote locations or flight schools that are cost prohibited.²

Leonardo’s VR Flight Trainer

Initial Pilot Training

XR flight simulators are widely used in initial pilot training programs to teach basic flight skills and procedures. Trainee pilots can familiarize themselves with cockpit controls, flight instruments, and navigation systems in a virtual environment before transitioning to actual flight training.¹

The latest data analysis conducted on the USAF pilots focused on initial pilot training and specifically the critical time leading up to the first flight referred to as a “dollar ride”. ³

It is during this training that immersive training devices have traditionally shown the most impact.

Recurrent Training and Skill Maintenance (Reps and Sets)

Experienced pilots require recurrent training to maintain their skills and stay updated with the latest aviation regulations and procedures. XR flight simulators provide an effective platform for recurrent training, allowing pilots to practice and refresh their skills regularly.^2.  Increasing the accessibility of devices allows pilots to better practice challenging skills at greater frequencies than were previously possible, including at home. Home systems have proven effective to deliver training benefits.  A recent survey claims flight students who supplement with home flight sims can reduce up to 20 hours off flight training hours from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) average.⁴

Scenario-Based Training Effectiveness

Scenario-based training is a crucial element of pilot training, exposing pilots to various flight scenarios and realistic challenges. Due to their PC-based nature and use of consumer-focused software, XR flight simulators can swiftly replicate a wide range of scenarios, including adverse weather conditions, system failures, and emergency situations. This capability enables pilots to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills effectively. Scenarios can be created or adapted on XR flight simulators rapidly. Retention of training in a VR environment has also proven to be more effectively applied. Consulting firm Price Waterhouse Cooper released a study that showed VR learners mastered content four times faster than in a classroom setting, were 275 percent more confident to apply skills learned after training, and were more emotionally connected and focused than classroom or e-learners.⁵

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