A realidade virtual em simuladores de voo: possibilidade de metodologia de treinamento

Abstract

Virtual reality in flight simulators is a resource present in pilots formation, as it allows the student to train all types of foreseen procedures and to perform technical and non-technical skills. The simulator's purpose is, therefore, to intensify the learning efficiency and to reduce operational expenses so that a viable, safe and reliable training can be offered. This technological apparatus available in the pilot formation area made companies increasingly seek for new simulation technologies available on the market. In this context, this research aims to discuss about the new technologies that are being implemented in all world aviation areas, specifically in pilot formation. The research general objective is to understand to what extent virtual reality in flight simulators can be effective as a training methodology. For this, it is intended as specific objectives to discuss virtual reality as a technological innovation in the flight simulator market and as a training methodology and to report how some aviation companies — KLM, the Dutch giant and the French manufacturer Airbus — have been using virtual reality in flight simulators. For that, an exploratory research and a methodology of bibliographical nature were adopted. It is concluded that virtual reality in flight simulators enables a total and differentiated user imersion, realistically simulating different events and scenarios present in real flights, such as varied weather situations, changes in the wind and air temperature, and even on the weight of the aircraft. About KLM, it should be noted that it has been investing in this technology with positive results, while Airbus has been dedicating, in particular, to innovation related to tactile sensors in order to improve the customer experience.