Enhancing Pilot Training Through Virtual Reality: Recognizing and Mitigating Aviation Visual and Vestibular Illusions

Aviation illusions, arising from sensory misinterpretations, can lead to critical pilot errors. The study aims to evaluate VR training's efficacy in recognizing and managing these illusions. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) subject matter experts and the Extended Reality Lab developed the Virtual Reality Aviation Illusion Trainer (VRAIT) software program to provide users a complete VR experience and training on visual and vestibular illusions. This study investigated the effectiveness of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology in pilot training, focusing on the VRAIT motion-based visual and vestibular illusion training. Conducted with participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the research assesses pre-training and post-training knowledge scores and self-efficacy. Motion-based VR training significantly improved knowledge and self-efficacy scores. Pre-training knowledge scores (M = 64.36, SD = 12.71) increase to post-training scores (M = 79.41, SD = 15.02), indicating significant knowledge enhancement (t(214) = -12.433, p < .001). Similarly, pre-training self-efficacy scores (M = 5.50, SD = 2.01) significantly increased to post-training scores (M = 8.31, SD = 1.55), highlighting self-efficacy improvements (t(214) = -17.712, p < .001). Participants experienced minimal simulator sickness, suggesting a well-tolerated training duration and sequence. Additionally, participants reported a high level of enjoyment and technological satisfaction with the training. The study contributes to VR training methodologies, emphasizing the potential of motion-based VR training to enhance aviation education. This research demonstrated that motion-based VR training effectively enhanced pilot knowledge and self-efficacy in recognizing and managing aviation illusions. The findings underscore VR's potential in enhancing visual and vestibular illusion training outcomes.