ProSim Launches New XR Training Solution and More

ProSim has lots of news to share this April: the launch of a precision tool for pilot training, Finnish Aviation Academy incorporating its ProSim FMS Trainer, and Deeside Flight Simulators operating ProSim software.

The future of how to teach student pilots about aircraft operation, flight conditions, instruments in the cockpit, landing, take-off, and how to check all systems aboard the plane, are in the prototype of a wearable Augmented Reality (AR) device currently being developed by creators from ProSim-TS and Pace-TXT.

The augmented reality Head Wearable Display (HWD), Virtual Instructor Extended Reality (ViXR), includes the real-time use of information in the form of text, graphics, audio and other virtual enhancements integrated with real-world objects.

Some of the features and benefits of the soon-to-be-released ViXR includes LMS integration to plan, implement and assess a specific training program; reduced overall training time; simple user interface for procedure selection, and the ability to provide visual hints, flow indications, and voice instructions, selectable by the user.

Finnish Aviation Academy (FINAA) incorporates the ProSim FMS Trainer

ProSim Training Solutions had the opportunity to talk to Sauli Kuortti, Head of Training and Janne Pöykiö, Chief Flight Instructor/Operations Manager from Finnish Aviation Academy, the latest pilot training organisation to use the ProSim FMS Trainer.

Today, between 50 and 100 students per year pass through the academy, most of whom move on to Finnair or other Finnish airlines.

Towards the end of the training, the student pilot goes through the jet orientation training including Type Rating Computer Based Training for the Airbus A320. Much time is spent by the student in the fixed base simulator to become more familiar with the flight deck itself and the location of various panels, switches, buttons and displays. To compliment the flight deck training, the academy uses the ProSim FMS Trainer.

By having access to the ProSim FMS Trainer, this can save up to 10 hours, per student, of time that would normally be spent in the simulator. Outside of instructor training, students are able to practise at any time, either in the evenings or at the weekends, as computer devices and the A320 simulator is freely available.

Deeside Flight Simulators Operates ProSim Software

ProSim TS spoke to Dave Holt (CEO) and Angela Williams (Office Manager) from Deeside Flight Simulators based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England.

From their base in Cheshire and prior to getting CAA accreditation, flight simulation experiences for entertainment value was the main core of business. Today, Deeside Flight Simulators offer experiences of short flights around Manchester, which include operating the systems for an approach and landing to an airline pilot experience – start-up, push back, taxi, take-off, departure, cruise, decent, landing and shut down. A combination flight experience consists of two flights which are tailor made for the customer, for example, one short trip in and out of Manchester and one further afield, Amsterdam, Madeira or the Canary Islands. All flight experiences are in real time. For these experiences, either the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 simulators with ProSim software are used.

As an avid flight simulator enthusiast, ProSim TS CEO David Holt attended the Flight Simulator Weekend at Lelystad Aviodrome in the Netherlands. It was there that Holt came in to contact with the team that developed the ProSim software, and with a 6-month free trial, he incorporated the ProSim software into his own, home built, up in the attic, Boeing 737 simulator. It was a natural progression for Holt and his likeminded close friend, Steve Mitchell to include ProSim as they were setting up their business and started using ProSim right from the outset.

While the experienced team – including professional pilots – were able to offer several types of courses to suit all levels of experience from current captains to cadet pilots, in March of this year, Deeside Flight Simulators will start giving professional courses on Airbus A320 FNPT II Accredited simulator for MCC/APS courses. With all this in mind, the next goal is to achieve the same FNPT II accreditation for the Boeing 737 simulator.

Through practical and carefully crafted training programmes, Deeside Flight Simulators is able to offer hands-on educational opportunities to cultivate industry professionals.