Development of a Simulator Training Framework for Flight Maneuvers based on Augmented Reality

Practical flight training is an important cornerstone in the training process of pilots. While it still requires a minimum number of flight hours in a real aircraft, a simulation-based approach is already considered a viable tool for supporting flight training. Especially novel technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), provide new possibilities for an extensive training program on the ground. This paper proposes a possible training concept for flight maneuvers utilizing virtual objects in the pilot’s field of view. The concept further includes online evaluation of the flight performance for instant feedback to the pilot and an assessment of competence levels. An initial study for training a loop maneuver in an experimental VR flight simulator setup was performed. It is suggested that further research is conducted in this area to see if this also applies to other flight maneuvers and whether this is a feasible approach for training in a real aircraft with augmented reality glasses.