CommuteAir Collaborates with Visionary Training Resources to Bring Virtual Reality to Pilot Training
CommuteAir, a regional airline operating as United Express, has entered into a partnership with Visionary Training Resources (VTR), a Tampa-based developer of virtual reality (VR) flight training devices. This collaboration will introduce VTR’s FlightDeckToGo system to CommuteAir’s pilot training program, making it the first U.S.-based regional operator to utilize virtual reality technology in a training environment.
CommuteAir pilots will now be able to undergo an immersive and realistic training experience using VTR’s virtual reality headsets. The initial focus will be on Embraer ERJ-145 ground-based procedural flows, with potential expansion to cover other non-normal and emergency scenarios in the future.
According to Captain Evey Cormican, VTR’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, “CommuteAir is fully committed to providing a world-class training experience for their pilots, and we are excited to be their partner in the VR space.”
The integration of virtual reality technology marks a significant milestone for CommuteAir as it looks to enhance its pilot training infrastructure. VR headsets will be issued to new pilots during the initial training phase, allowing them to practice ground training at the location of their choice. This virtual reality training will supplement the airline’s current use of Graphical Flight Simulation (GFS).
Lance Lau, the Director of Flight Crew Training at CommuteAir, believes that VTR’s virtual reality headsets and handsets will greatly enhance their training program. The incorporation of realistic simulations will enable trainees to familiarize themselves with the aircraft’s cockpit and practice flight deck orientation, flows, and procedures.
VTR, founded in 2017 by pilots with extensive safety and training backgrounds, has already partnered with several airlines and flight schools to deliver virtual reality solutions for pilot training programs. This new alliance with CommuteAir further solidifies their presence in the aviation industry.
The partnership between CommuteAir and VTR will pave the way for hundreds of new and current CommuteAir pilots to receive VR training over the next two years. The collaboration will begin with basic flight deck procedures and potentially expand to cover a wide range of training scenarios.
This groundbreaking collaboration signifies CommuteAir’s commitment to incorporating innovative technologies into their pilot training program, ensuring that their pilots receive the best possible training experience.
Analyst comment
This news is positive for the market. By collaborating with Visionary Training Resources (VTR) and integrating virtual reality technology into their pilot training program, CommuteAir is enhancing their training infrastructure and providing a world-class experience for their pilots. The partnership with VTR solidifies their presence in the aviation industry and paves the way for hundreds of pilots to receive VR training. This demonstrates CommuteAir’s commitment to innovation and ensures their pilots receive top-notch training.
