CAE’s MR flight deck simulation application shown at NBAA
CAE recently unveiled a new pilot-training app that works with the Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, presenting it as a potential breakthrough for aspiring pilots. This app was introduced ahead of the NBAA BACE show in Las Vegas and is designed to provide pilots-in-training with an immersive flight deck experience. Currently, the app simulates the cockpit of the Bombardier Global 7500 business jet, though future versions will be capable of simulating flight decks of other business, commercial, and advanced air mobility aircraft.
During the demonstration, reporters experienced the app by transitioning from an empty conference room to the virtual cockpit of the Global 7500. The app offers the option to either view a mix of the simulated flight deck with the real-world environment or to be fully immersed in the digital cockpit. It is positioned as something for aspiring pilots to rely on in various settings, to improve their flight-deck familiarity before advancing to full ground school simulators.
Erick Fortin, CAE’s senior director of incubation, believes the technology will appeal to both younger, tech-savvy trainees and older pilots seeking to obtain type ratings on new aircraft models. Given CAE’s expertise in aviation training, the company is confident in integrating this new technology into pilot training curriculums.
Emmanuel Levitte, CAE’s chief technology and product officer, highlighted that the app allows pilots to familiarise themselves with flight decks, practice essential procedures, and build muscle memory for key functions from virtually anywhere. The app is designed to enhance pilots’ preparedness before their full-flight simulator sessions, ensuring they are ready for any situation.
In flight deck interaction mode, the app enables pilots to manipulate cockpit controls using natural hand motions. For instance, in a real aircraft, one needs to pull on the battery’s switch prior to flipping it over, and this action is replicated in the app’s spatial computing environment.
The app also offers different modes, such as guided mode, which walks pilots through pre-flight procedure sequences, and exploration mode, where pilots can touch specific controls to view detailed descriptions of their functions.
Still in advanced testing, the app is expected to launch on the Global 7500 platform by spring 2025. Fortin expressed a vision of making the app widely available, stating that the goal is for every pilot to have access to it at home.
