CONTEXT
True Course Simulations, founded by Ray Bédard, is a pioneering force in flight simulation and training solutions. As a professor who was teaching navigation and flight management systems at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU in Prescott, Arizona) Ray's journey into simulation technology began with a passion for enhancing aviation education. Recognizing the limitations of traditional teaching methods, he embarked on a mission to revolutionize pilot training through immersive simulation experiences.
“In some ways, I was teaching the same way the Wright brothers learned to fly,” said Bédard, in reference to the curriculum prior to the creation of True Course Simulations (TCS). “Keep in mind that pilots are very visual and kinesthetic. We used to put them in rows and preached at them, forcing them to learn with their least developed sense.”
CHALLENGE
This outdated learning methodology led to students getting bored, running out of money or both, prompting them to leave the university without what they came for: their private pilot license.
This is why, when Bédard came across simulation technology at a Microsoft conference, he knew instinctively that it had a future in aviation training. He and his students immediately began working on creating the most realistic flight simulations, rapidly making Bédard one of the world’s leading authority figures on the subject. Eventually, the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) reached out to him to create training scenarios for their students.
The aviation industry demanded a paradigm shift to address the complex educational needs of modern pilots and Bédard was working to make that shift. As the existing simulation solutions fell short of delivering the level of realism necessary for effective training.
SOLUTION
During his first visit at the Air Force Academy, one thing became abundantly clear to Bédard.
“They wanted simulation scenarios to be as realistic as possible, they wanted motion.” he explained. I said, “I know a company in Montréal called D-BOX’.”
Bédard ordered a D-BOX’s G1 haptic system to try, and everyone was immediately impressed by how much the haptic improved the flight simulations experience by bridging the gap between virtual and real-world flying.
The implementation of the D-BOX system was facilitated by the outstanding customer service provided by the D-BOX employees.
A motion flight simulator platform does not cost a student much to hone their skills before they spend $200 an hour of an aircraft.
An airplane is a really difficult learning environment. It is vibrating, it is hot, it is cold, there is other traffic, air traffic controllers and the instructor trying to teach new skills, so students get overwhelmed.
D-BOX's actuators are the perfect solution to these demanding training conditions. By seamlessly integrating movements, vibrations and textures that have been hand-coded by haptic developers to meet True Course Simulations’ needs, D-BOX's solutions ensured that every sensation is aligned with the intricacies of actual flight conditions without leaving the ground.
Knowing that the ultra-realistic feedback provided by D-BOX could simulate these flight conditions in a way that is consistent with real life while being a safe environment for students to get hands-on experience, Bédard ordered enough D-BOX actuators to build two labs at USAFA.
RESULTS
The impact of D-BOX's haptic technology on flight training is profound. It allowed Bédard to accomplish his desired paradigm shift to increase flight training efficiency, by also creating a virtual reality (VR) flight lab at the ERAU campus in Daytona Beach, Florida. Their students reduced their time to solo by 30% by using the TCS Learning System. Moreover, the integration of motion-enabled simulators resulted in reduced motion sickness and enhanced situational awareness among trainees, leading to safer and more confident student pilots.
Beyond individual success stories, True Course Simulations is witnessing a widespread adoption of their training solutions across various educational institutions and aviation organizations worldwide.
Six years later, the partnership between True Course Simulations and D-BOX continues to flourish, driven by a shared commitment to innovation and excellence.
“D-BOX provides outstanding customer service. We are often approached by other companies, however we are not going anywhere else.”
With D-BOX's unwavering support and industry-leading haptic technology, True Course Simulations continues to redefine the future of flight training, empowering the next generation of aviators to soar to new heights.
The TCS learning system, including virtual and extended reality combined with the haptic feedback provided by the D-Box actuators adds so much realism to flight training. “It doesn't get any better than that.”
