Potential Augmented Reality Application Areas for Pilot Education: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The goal of carrying out this work was to identify potential application areas for augmented reality (AR) in pilot education by addressing gender preferences. Like the field of engineering, the aviation industry is dominated by men. Because the aviation industry forecasts a high demand for pilots, it is highly desirable to address gender diversity and improve teaching methods in pilot education. In this study, potential application areas for AR-supported pilot training were investigated by conducting a survey with 60 pilots and flight instructors (including 12 women). Typical AR use cases were presented in videos, and the pilots reported their preferences regarding similar or other AR applications used in different parts of the flight training program. AR navigation was the use case that was most frequently preferred by both female and male pilots. The majority of pilots agreed that AR could potentially be used in theoretical instruction, pre-flight aircraft inspection, and procedure training. In addition, both gender groups showed similar preferences for various gaming concepts that make learning more interesting and engaging, such as receiving positive feedback. However, a higher percentage of women than men reported that achieving a target or receiving points to successfully finish a task and answering questions during the game were satisfying. Including a story in the game to attract attention was preferred by a higher percentage of men than women. The results of this study can be used to design AR educational concepts that support gender diversity in pilot education and other technical domains.

Towards a More Socially Sustainable Advanced Pilot Training by Integrating Wearable Augmented Reality Devices

“…AR can be used in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. In aviation AR applications have been explored especially in relation to training materials [31][32][33][34][35]. In addition, the AR benefit to enable flight instructors the monitoring of pilot's visual scan during simulated flight was highlighted by Vlasblom et al [36].…”

“…Social sustainability aspects such as gender diversity and inclusivity can be addressed both in design [3,34,35] and evaluation of AR-based training means. Specific methods and techniques for gender research in aviation are detailed in the recent literature [3,8,9].…”

Aeronautic pilot training and augmented reality

“…For the most part, virtual objects are added to the real world in real-time during the user experience [10]. To connect with this technology, digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and virtual reality glasses (e.g., Microsoft Hololens) [11] can be used. The difference between AR and virtual reality (VR) is that the latter creates a completely synthetic and artificial world in which the user is completely immersed, while in the former, the user can observe a real environment with virtual objects overlaid.…”

“…A recent study conducted on a multi-national European sample of pilots regarding the use of AR and gamification [11] demonstrated that 72.25 % of the women pilots and 56.25 % of the male pilots considered it satisfactory in terms of successfully finishing a task, while, overall, 70.74 % of the pilots regarded the feedback received for corrective actions as satisfactory. This demonstrates that interactivity is important for users.…”

Augmented Reality as a Tool in the Teaching-Learning Process of Natural Sciences in a Primary Institution

“…Later, Schaffernak et al [11], present an exploratory study on the potentialities of the use of AR in the educational context of airplane pilots and considering gender equity, especially in technical sciences.…”