Predicting the future is often considered a crucial step in making technological advances and growth. No matter how difficult it may be, embracing technology to bring innovation and groundbreaking outcomes is essential. The rising demand for skilled and well-trained pilots in India is highlighting the need and importance of holistic pilot training. By embracing the latest technologies and techniques for training, one can prepare and equip pilot trainees with relevant and updated methodologies required to expand their career horizons and, even more importantly, make air travel even safer. Technological advancements will have a significant impact on the future training programmes of aviation professionals

An appropriate technology training can provide diverse exposure to numerous flying conditions and experiences, thereby helping pilots learn relevant skills to ensure safety in the skies. Some of the countless advantages of pilot training technology include,

• Real-time training through simulators
• Regular and appropriate performance analyses to ensure skill development
• Providing latest and relevant training to increase the number of skilled pilots in the country

Gen-Z takes the flight to technology

Before we explore new technology and its advantages, we must also consider how the future professionals will approach learning. Gen Z prefers different approaches to learning since they grew up immersed in technology. Millennials, too, learn differently. They are tech-savvy, knowledge-seekers, multi-taskers, and 'native speakers' of technology who embrace simulation, interaction, and gaming and expect immediate gratification. It's possible that the learning approaches that worked in the past will no longer function for them.

Hence, the latest tech-enabled training modules provide relevant, up-to-date skill development opportunities to these prospective professionals and ensure a holistic learning experience appropriate to their technology-driven lifestyle. The need for a fully equipped and skilled workforce in aviation is rising with every passing day, thereby increasing the number of future growth opportunities for these tech-trained pilots who can take on the path to progress with comprehensive technical training in aviation.

This brings us to the relevant and popular aviation training technologies that can offer a potential platform for growth and learning to the young budding trainees across the industry.

Some of the prominent pilot training technologies include:

Simulators:

Simulator training is already extremely popular across India's aviation sector as it provides a virtual in-flight experience. There are several simulators that can enable real-time training across varied flying scenarios. By offering a virtual flying set-up, this technology allows the pilot to practice in a variety of weather situations, runway sizes, and even across a variety of aircraft types, allowing them to become more proficient.

Wearable technology:

Wearable technology refers to the portable devices attached to the human body, collecting data, and delivering information to the wearer. Driven by AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual reality) formats, wearable technology training is becoming increasingly popular for pilot training. With in-built sensors, these wearable devices can analyze the learner's psychological state and cognitive load and superimpose digital information over the learner's view of the real world. The idea here is to provide a real-time learning experience based on the learner's current state of mind and physiological health conditions.

Big Data is driving training technology:

With our high dependency on technology and the digital way of doing things, the amount of generated data is immense. Proactive data-driven techniques are gaining traction in the pilot training industry, leveraging, and analyzing this data for a comprehensive training experience. The use of training approaches based on major data findings can aid in the development of a more transparent and relevant learning module for pilots to gain real-world experience with consumer dynamics and flying scenarios.

Digital technologies are changing the landscape of every industry, and airline industry is no different. The disruptions and uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has made technological advancements in pilot training even more important. A fast-developing nation like ours needs an exceptional league of pilots who are ready to make the skies safer for all. To provide a safe and holistic flying experience, technology-driven training techniques are required, and high-end pilot training technologies are paving the way for this shift.

Sources:

https://unitingaviation.com/news/capacity-efficiency/using-technology-in-aviation-training/
https://www.aeroprofessional.com/whats-new-in-the-world-of-aviation-training-technology/
https://www.icao.int/Meetings/FutureOfAviation/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.icao.int/publications/journalsreports/2014/icao_training_report_vol4_no2.pdf
https://www.litmos.com/blog/articles/how-technology-is-changing-training-in-the-airline-industry