Integrating Enhanced Flat Panel Trainer (EFPT) and Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies into an Aircraft Systems Course

Abstract

The Advanced Commercial Aircraft Systems course at Metropolitan State University of Denver delves into the design and operation of regional jet aircraft systems, specifically focusing on the Bombardier CRJ 700. The virtual training environment developed early on to simulate pilot-system interactions, or procedural flows, originally incorporated two separate elements:  1) a desktop workstation flight deck simulation software and 2) a separate static layout of the flight deck.  Technological advancements have since enabled the integration of these components into a single interactive touch-screen procedural trainer platform, which provides systems simulation within the spatial context of the flight deck layout. This enhanced flat panel trainer (EFPT) technology has been successfully employed in the Aeronautics and Aerospace Systems Jet Laboratory at Metropolitan State University of Denver and utilized for this class since 2015.  As of fall 2024, the facility has expanded to include a 3D computer-generated Virtual Reality (VR) representation of the flight deck for procedural flow training providing a more immersive experience for the learner.  This presentation will review the implementation of the VR technology including preliminary student feedback received thus far.