Hold the Sim, Training Becomes More Mobile with Headset

At the Federal Government’s Digital Summit in Jena, Lufthansa Group and Airbus presented a new digital training option for pilots. With the help of VR glasses and a laptop, the so-called "Virtual Procedure Trainer" offers an authentic view of an aircraft cockpit in 3D. By this means, standard operating procedures, which are practiced in a simulator so far, can be trained effectively and more sustainably, claims the companies. The lifelike realization, furthermore, helps to prepare for later phases in the training program. The training content can be repeated as often as the individual needs of the pilots require.

It is expected that, among others, Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport; Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport; Dr. Franziska Brantner, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action; and Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport; will visit the stand.

Matthias Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Aviation Training: "As a launching partner of the virtual cockpit and together with Airbus, we bring digital progress to life. In this way, Lufthansa Aviation Training is setting new standards for training concepts in terms of quality and innovation."

Fabrice Hamel, VP of Airbus Flight Operations & Training: “The Virtual Procedure Trainer conveys complex training content in a vivid way and can be put to use without any restrictions in terms of time and place. In this way, it provides optimal support to pilots in preparing and expanding on their training content, thus making it an indispensable tool for increasing competence and safety in air traffic."

With the VR glasses, it is currently possible to simulate the cockpit of the A320 family, a popular passenger plane for the short and medium ranges. In future, the software will be able to render further types of aircraft, such as the A330 and A350 long-haul aircraft. Depending on the further development of the hardware, it is expected that the system can be used flexibly at different locations. The software can be used with VR equipment and by way of supplementation also via an iPad app.

The first two VR set-ups have been successfully installed in Frankfurt and Vienna. As part of a test phase examining user acceptance and software and hardware potential, the extent is being investigated to which the VR solution can be integrated into the Lufthansa Group training environment in the best way possible. LAT, the Lufthansa Group airlines, and Airbus collaborate closely in the further development of the software. The goal is an integration in the type rating course for all pilots of the supported aircraft types.