AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Before ever stepping onto the flight deck, future pilots at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are taking flight — virtually. The Preflight Immersion Laboratory for Operations Training (PILOT) program gives students four weeks of highly structured, simulation-based training designed to sharpen their skills, boost confidence and improve performance before in-air flight training begins. Supported by the Preflight Immersion Lab on the Daytona Beach Campus, the program includes two hours of daily instruction using 10 Immersive Training Devices (ITDs) and 10 Procedures Trainers (PTs). IMMERSIVE TRAINING DEVICES In the ITDs — virtual reality simulators that mirror the motion and feel of a Cessna 172 — students practice private pilot maneuvers in progressively challenging scenarios that culminate in a virtual reality (VR) checkride. Real-time grading helps students refine their skills with precision. PROCEDURES TRAINERS The PTs immerse students in airport procedures, from pre-flight checks to checklist flows and in-flight operations. Each device is a virtual replica of the aircraft in Embry-Riddle’s fleet, complete with interactive controls. As students master procedures, instructors introduce realistic discrepancies for them to identify and resolve. Another component of the PT focuses on air traffic control (ATC) communications. Using a three-part sequence — learn, practice and do — students build fluency in radio phraseology through AI-Driven VR interactions that simulate real ATC environments. With a focus on quality, safety and innovation, the Preflight Immersion Lab shortens the path to proficiency while reducing training time and cost. It’s not just where pilot training starts, it’s where the next generation of aviators gain the confidence to soar.
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