Learning aircraft procedures through an immersive virtual reality environment

Pilot trainees must familiarize themselves with a cockpit and master the associated procedures, i.e. specified sequences of interaction. Usually, this self-regulated learning relies on paper-based procedures and a cockpit poster, which can be monotonous and demotivating for trainees. In this study, N=36 pilot students tested the efficiency of a new Virtual Reality (VR) training tool for learning aircraft procedures. Results were compared with previously collected data from both traditional paper-based training and desktop training software embedded on a tactile screen. Participants were more motivated using the VR tool than with the two other methods. When tested in a realistic flight simulator, training effectiveness was better for VR than the traditional method, but similar to the tactile desktop tool. Moreover, study duration has not been shorten with the VR tool. Finally, open comments by participants provided useful directions on improving user interaction with the VR environment.