Date of Award

Fall 11-16-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

Engineering and Technology Management

First Advisor

Mary Fendley

Abstract

As technology has evolved so has training methodology in many applied fields. Training of aviation professionals is adapting by including technology features that allow for safer and less costly training methods. Pilot training is expensive given the number of flight hours and all that is included in the cost of flying an airplane. The main goal of this project is to assess the efficacy of the use of virtual reality environments as a valid training tool. Based on our literature review, we hypothesized that trainees perform simulated flight tasks more efficiently, with fewer errors, when trained using VR technology. The research was conducted using a four-phased experimental framework. Historical data of B-52 pilots trained by conventional methods (non-VR) was assessed and analyzed against VR-trained B-52 pilot trainees who were trained on in-air refueling using VR. Each subject's time to proficiency and the number of sorties were collected for a comparative analysis between VR and non-VR trainees. NASA-TLX was incorporated to develop a comparative analysis across the training cycle measuring the cognitive load of the trainees. VR was monitored independently using eye-tracking technology incorporated in the VR headset while using a computer-based flight simulation program. Pre and post-training questionnaires were utilized to determine the background and subjective thoughts of the trainees. The data supports the hypothesis, indicating there is statistical significance in terms of both minutes and number of sorties it took the pilots to reach proficiency with VR trained pilots vs legacy pilots who were not, validating the benefit of this technology that will be implemented across the aviation industry. The final takeaway from this research is developing a training transfer model built specifically to meld the VR and conventional aviation training environments.

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