A British pilot has developed an interactive online system to help cadet pilots train for their ATPL.
Captain James Feeney has spent the last two years working with a team of developers, animators, graphic designers and 3D media specialists to perfect a unique on-line training system called V-Prep.
Pilots can supplement their training virtually. V-Prep combines 3D effects, cockpit video footage and voiceover explanations covering more than 80 different processes for the A320.
They include:
- Normal procedures
- Flight control laws and protection
- Abnormal/emergency procedures.
Pilots can access the training 24/7 via laptops, tablets, smartphones and anywhere with an internet connection.
Captain Feeney flew and trained on Boeing and Airbus aircraft for 23 years, and has taught and examined pilots training to fly the A320 for the last ten years.
“As a Training Captain, I was frustrated by the lack of modern training material outside the simulator or classroom environment and the reliance on old fashioned manuals,” he said.
“I saw that some pilots were supplementing their training with free on-line material that was often out of date and inaccurate so I wanted to create something current, easily accessible, and easy to use and understand.
“We’ve already had enormous interest from organisations and individuals. With approximately 150,000 additional A320 pilots needed over the next 20 years to cope with the worldwide demand, we’re expecting more and more.”
https://youtu.be/ZdHu7v2L20A
Training the trainers
Senior Captain Keith Longden was a senior instructor at Airbus Industries Training, where he trained the trainers. He has both taught and examined pilots learning to fly Airbus aircraft over the last 25 years.
Captain Longden has developed many of the techniques used to fly the Airbus today and provided much of the technical input into the V-Prep training system. He said: “We have developed an extremely professional product for pilots and we have designed it around the way the A320 is flown.
“We have been absolutely scrupulous with our quality control and are extremely proud of the training we have developed, which we know will save pilots and airlines time and money. Our training is robust, accurate, up to date and will improve the overall learning experience for pilots by making complex procedures easier to learn.”
Pilots can sign up to V-Prep for $295 a year. A test site for pilots to view before they sign up has also been set up and can be viewed by going to: http://redcityventures.com/vprep/