Week 3 - Dissertation Changed

Idea Changed - Virtual reality cockpit for training - Airbus A320 Dissertation Project Proposal 

Goal

In this dissertation I plan to explore virtual reality use for training purposes specifically training pilots who are absent from flying duties and allowing them to become proficient again before getting back into the cockpit in real life.

Outcome

Interactive virtual reality Airbus A320 cockpit (Proof of concept)

Problem

Full size flight simulators have the issues of cost and availability; Virtual reality has the advantage over a flat screen as you can immerse yourself in the environment and interact with switches more normally. Trainers have observed that prefight setup takes longer, and mistakes are made due to being unfamiliar with switch locations and procedural flow of tasks.

Motivation

Believing especially in the mist of the pandemic as we are experiencing all over the world, virtual reality is the way forward in order to do tasks without having to leave the home. I have a great passion for the advancements of future technology and how it can help us as a human race going forward. I believe training can be done more immersive at a much lower cost in an environment where the creator has total freedom to set multiple scenarios but also monitor and record crucial data in order for self-improvement.

Plan of action

I plan to achieve my goals of creating this proof of concept training experience by vigorously learning by undertaking research into what it means to be a pilot and the tasks involved when it comes to setting up an aeroplane for flight and of course shutting it down as we are not developing the next Microsoft Flight Simulator focusing on the particularity of before and after take-off is the main goal here. But also, crucial research needs to be undergone looking into unity XR development in order for me to create this proof of concept at the end of my dissertation.