ALiTrain
Project goals
The aim of the ALiTrain project is to investigate the extent to which a mixed-reality (MR) simulator can be used effectively and efficiently to train flight trainees and further to use a second MR simulator to investigate the requirements that pilots must fulfil in new types of aircraft models in the field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The focus here is on the procurement and scientific use of two MR simulators. In the long term, the ALiTrain project aims to contribute to the effective training of pilots of current and future aircraft models. The economic benefits of the simulators and the reduction of emissions by transferring flight training from the aircraft to the simulator are of great importance.
The ALiTrain project aims to evaluate new training simulators that utilize virtual and mixed reality technologies, particularly in terms of their effectiveness for transferring training results to real flights. This includes an examination of the quality of simulator components, such as motion simulation, as well as the adaptation of simulators to modern didactic concepts and new training content, including remote simulator training. Another focus is on urban flying with highly automated aircraft (AAM), where pilots must be prepared for novel configurations while maintaining the safety standards of civil aviation. In this context, learning basic flying skills is becoming less significant compared to understanding complex flight control systems and developing situational awareness to minimize the risk of mishandling.
The insights gained from the project are intended to assist both the simulator industry and training organizations in making informed decisions for future developments. In civil aviation, flight simulators are recognized as cost-effective and approved training devices, and cost efficiency is especially important for the small aircraft sector. Additionally, the pathway to certification, such as that required by EASA, must also be clarified.
Contribution to electric flying
The ALiTrain project's contribution to electric flying lies in the examination of the changed requirements for pilots of innovative AAM flight systems. Here, electrified AAM models developed at the INK will be transferred to an MR simulator and human factors (e.g. fatique) and aspects of the human-machine interface will be analysed in test subject studies. As a result, possible challenges for future AAM pilots can be identified, the training curriculum for AAM pilots can be further developed and cockpit configurations can be modified. The ALiTrain project results thus contribute to the future implementation of electric flying.
Summary
In light of the growing commercial advanced air mobility, there is a significant demand for pilots of novel types of small aircraft. These aircraft can differ greatly from current small planes, especially in terms of their level of automation and innovative propulsion systems. Therefore, the training and education of these new pilots play a crucial role in ensuring flight safety and the acceptance of the new air mobility concepts, known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Approved flight training devices must be developed and utilized for training purposes by aviation authorities. New technologies in Virtual/Mixed Reality offer a promising opportunity to implement efficient pilot training for small aircraft at competitive costs. A key factor for the effectiveness of the training is the level of immersion, or the extent to which trainees can engage in the artificially created environment.
In collaboration with external partner organizations, such as the simulator industry and training institutions, new simulation systems for training small aircraft pilots will be developed, tested in operational training, and assessed for their practical applicability. Methods based on the latest findings in learning psychology will be employed in this process. To determine pilot requirements within the context of AAM, simulation models of various AAM aircraft concepts will be created and integrated into the simulation system for testing in virtual flight scenarios. Existing concepts from the FGAA and S²TOL projects will be leveraged, while specific concepts and operational scenarios for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) will also be developed.
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Term | 05/2024-12/2027 |
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