Utilization of Virtual Reality Into Sailplane to Airplane Transition Training

This article deals with experimental assessment of whether SPL holders acquire the necessary competencies for the first solo flight in a powered aircraft using only virtual reality. The experiment was performed on a sample of 10 participants who were trained using a simulator based on virtual reality. All participants succeeded in the simulator training, although differences in the length of training required were observed. This training was followed by a flight in a real airplane that consisted of 3 traffic patterns. The participants also filled out questionnaires. This subjective self-assessment was then compared with an objective assessment (flight data, instructor's comments). The outcome was 5 successful and 5 unsuccessful participants of assessment flight in the real airplane. On a sample of 10 participants, areas that are suitable for training in a virtual reality environment were identified. Results indicate that virtual reality is a suitable complement to pilot training, but it is not suitable to use as the only means of flight training.