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

<p>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 (<em>M</em> = 64.36, <em>SD</em> = 12.71) increase to post-training scores (<em>M</em> = 79.41, <em>SD</em> = 15.02), indicating significant knowledge enhancement (<em>t</em>(214) = -12.433, p < .001). Similarly, pre-training self-efficacy scores (M = 5.50, <em>SD</em> = 2.01) significantly increased to post-training scores (<em>M</em> = 8.31, <em>SD</em> = 1.55), highlighting self-efficacy improvements (<em>t</em>(214) = -17.712, <em>p</em> < .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.</p>