Immersive pilot training from the comfort of your own home? That is the promise of CAE’s new pilot training app built for Apple’s Vision Pro. 

By using spatial computing to recreate real-world precision across flight deck interactions, the app will allow pilots to remotely complete activities that are currently only available in CAE’s training centres. To be included as part the firm’s training ecosystem, the app could offer pilots the ability to train anytime from anywhere.

The app is being showcased this week at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, Nevada as a potential “game-changer for pilot training”.

Emmanuel Levitte CAE’s chief technology and product officer said: “This Apple Vision Pro app developed by CAE will allow pilots to familiarise themselves with the flight deck, practice critical procedures and develop muscle memory for key functions from anywhere. It will allow pilots to engage with realistic flight deck environments to further ensure they are ready for their full-flight simulator sessions.”

Although it has the ability to be programmed for any aircraft type, CAE’s Apple Vision Pro app is currently being tested on the Bombardier Global 7500 programme. Pending a successful outcome it is scheduled to be rolled out in spring next year.

Alexandre Prévost CAE’s division president of Business Aviation Training said: “The power and unique capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, combined with CAE’s training environment, will give pilots more flexibility and better prepare them for the transition from ground school to the simulator. With CAE’s Apple Vision Pro app, we are not only providing our customers more convenience, but are also enhancing training efficiency at a time when the aviation industry faces an increased need to train new pilots.”

Features include:

• ‘Exploration Mode’, which allows the pilot to touch a specific control and view a description of that control in context
• In ‘Guided Mode’, the user is led to learn the various procedures of the aircraft, guiding the pilot to the next action required to learn the sequences 
• In ‘Flight Deck Interaction Mode’, pilots can use the virtual flight deck to simulate any kind of interaction in a natural way and begin to train their muscle memory. In the real aircraft, for example, the main battery switch needs to be pulled before being flipped. The same can be done in this spatial computing experience.