Abstract:
Flight simulation technology has become a vital tool for pilot training and performance evaluation, allowing
aviators to refine their skills in controlled environments. This study compares pilot performance in two
distinct simulation environments: Virtual Reality (VR) and traditional desktop-based flight simulators. The
objective is to determine whether VR-based simulations offer advantages over desktop simulations
regarding training effectiveness and pilot performance metrics. The research methodology involved
recruiting 05 experienced pilots and subjecting them to a left-hand traffic pattern in two distinct flight
scenarios (Clear and Adverse weather). Two types of comparisons were performed, i.e., test environmentwise (VR and Desktop) and scenario-wise (S1 and S2). During the experiment, objective performance
metrics, i.e., altitude and heading deviation (Take-off, Crosswind, and Downwind), were collected and
analyzed. Workload assessment was performed using the NASA TLX index, where the participants
recorded their workload levels. Additionally, subjective evaluations from participants were gathered
through a post-simulation questionnaire to capture their perceptions of realism, immersion, and overall
training experience.
In Scenario 1, the difference between the participants’ performance was not significant whereas, in Scenario
2, participants were 25.7% better at maintaining their desired heading and 24% better at maintaining their
desired altitude in VR. These results suggest that participants generally performed better in maintaining
their desired flight parameters, i.e., heading and altitude, in the VR environment compared to the desktop
simulator, with more considerable improvements seen in Scenario 2. Subjective feedback depicts that VR
offers enhanced situational awareness, improved flight performance, and a more immersive training
environment. However, the NASA TLX score showed a more significant workload using VR hardware.
These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of different simulation platforms in
aviation training and highlight advantages and potential areas for improvement in VR-based flight
simulation.
