Developing and validating innovative solutions to train student pilots as effectively as experienced Instructor Pilots (IP) is a priority for many defense and civilian aviator training programs around the world to increase student throughput, minimize impact of IP shortages, and reduce overall training costs. Innovative training paradigms target the development of low-footprint, immersive simulators that maximize training task coverage and training effectiveness in self-paced environments when aptly paired with digital training solutions that can mimic the behaviors and evaluation heuristics of expert IPs. The current study investigated the utility of training using a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation-based training device paired with a next-generation synthetic IP providing real-time coaching, feedback, and scoring along with immersive and gamified debrief capabilities aimed to maintain student motivation and engagement. Thirty cadets from a large Indo-Pacific Asian Air Force participated in an hour-long training event practicing basic maneuvers across time. Difficulty was manipulated by alternating time of day. Maneuver performance was assessed automatically against syllabus-based criteria. Cadet workload was assessed via both NASA-TLX and the biometric-based objective Cognitive Workload Classifier (CWC). Pre and post surveys were administered to gauge cadets’ confidence and overall training system perceptions. Results show significant training effects across time, along with a decrease in cognitive workload trend. Results are further discussed in terms of cadets’ perceptions by experience and performance levels. A key finding shows a strong motivational effect for cadets when using the training system with synthetic coaching and feedback. This study is unique as it was field tested in a germane operational pilot training environment and proves the viability of core aspects of next generation training solutions. Study findings are discussed to address overall strengths and limitations of next-generation pilot training solutions, as well as important consideration for integrating such system within existing and new training courses.

Keywords
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY (AR/VR), EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, FLIGHT SIMULATION, FLIGHT TRAINING, HUMAN PERFORMANCE, IMMERSIVE, PERSONALIZED TRAINING

Additional Keywords
Synthetic Instructor Pilot, Gamification