september2021 - 38

TRAINING
Gupta observes that theoretical training
without interactivity does not keep the trainees
engaged and thus leads to low retention
of knowledge.
" In addition, there are several constraints
with classroom training like inability to train
on weather conditions, emergency situations,
low visibility operations. Whereas live training
is risky, expensive and less practical
because of its dependency on availability of
an aircraft and access to airside, VR training
complements theoretical training with practical
experience, " he says. " It helps trainees
to be better engaged in the process as they
are immersed in a realistic training environment.
This, in turn, improves retention and
learning. One can create multiple scenarios in
a virtually realistic environment that allows
trainees to familiarize themselves with the
airside environment, different aircraft types,
as well as learn to operate in varying levels
of visibility during day and night and even
practice in emergency situations that are not
possible to create in real life conditions. "
VR training is not to replace classwork.
" The main purpose of VR is to add a new
dimension to conventional training processes
by bringing the realistic virtual airport into the
classroom and let the students start developing
their practical skills much earlier, getting an
in-depth understanding of their future workplace
and all the processes and the equipment
nuances, " says Rodionov.
Among the pros of VR training versus
on-the-job training is the fact that VR
training is much less expensive, according to
Rodionov.
" Just because it is all virtual. So, one can
get rid of any associated costs like using real
aircraft and equipment, parking stands, fuel,
transportation, accommodation, insurances,
supervisors, repairs and so on, " he says. " VR
training does not require any special buildings,
prepared and equipped areas, mock-up
zones. Any classroom with 3m-by-3m empty
space is fine. Unlike during conventional
practice at the real ramp or mock-up area, one
is not limited by the exact type of equipment
available. "
VR training, however, also bears some
limitations compared to traditional training.
Aside from the upfront cost of implementing
VR tools, one disadvantage is the
chance of cyber sickness or comfort issues
with extended wear of the goggles, observes
Abdoulaye.
" A minor human nature aspect could also
be that trainees know that they are in simulations
and errors will not cause any real
damage. This may make them slightly less
attentive or focused, but it is a very small
probability, " he says. " VR training also isolates
trainees from wider social interaction
with peers, which has its own cons. "
Rodionov observes that since training is all
virtual, all objects in VR are weightless.
" So, for instance, one can move a 200 kg
tow-bar almost effortlessly. In most cases, we
simulate the weight of the virtual objects via
inertia and also, if the object is heavier than
30 kg, we block the free movement of it. For
example, it just cannot be carried by hand,
only by pushing or pulling along the surface.
But many people do not see it as a huge problem,
which affects the training goals, " he says.
" In some cases, it takes time, from 3 to 15
minutes for some people to get used to controls
and user movement in VR, " Rodionov continues.
" It mostly happens to mature audiences.
We see that younger people are completely fine
with it. The comfort of VR headsets is in constant
improvement, so every new generation is
lighter, thinner and has a better image quality.
But the best existing devices in terms of
graphics quality and the realism still require
a connection to a PC. So, this wire attachment
is sometimes annoying. But we believe that it
will be gone in two to three years. "
Types of Training
Abdoulaye believes that in ground handling,
multiple courses can be delivered effectively
through VR, especially those involving safety
and equipment, customer service, etc.
38 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE SEPTEMBER 2021
" This is mainly because trainees can get
significant hands-on experience without the
hesitation or nervousness of working on real
equipment, " he says. " They can practice more
in different conditions and scenarios, giving
them more experience during training and
finally protecting equipment since its expensive
to buy and maintain. "
" We cannot think of any ground handling
training that could not be done in VR. But
the most suitable involve expensive, hazardous
and unsustainable environments, " KLM
officials say.
From AVIAR's experience, VR is suited
for all underwing operations, but especially
for those where operators are in close contact
with the aircraft.
" Actually, the aircraft is the most expensive
part of the turnaround process, and every
minute an aircraft spends on the ground is
strictly scheduled, so usually it is not possible
to have the real aircraft just for training purposes.
And here is where VR can really help, "
says Rodionov. " In VR, one can practice with
almost identical virtual aircraft as long as it is
needed. Examples of such scenarios include
aircraft marshalling, post arrival checks,
chocks and cones placement, GSE connection/
disconnection, passenger bridge operations,
aircraft cargo doors operations, aircraft water
servicing, aircraft toilet servicing, aircraft
refueling, pre-departure checks, pushback. "
Raising Safety Awareness
Indeed, VR training can be used to raise safety
awareness in aircraft ground handling. VR
can be utilized to develop a culture and awareness
of safety by creating scenarios which
allows for significant practice and experience,
according to Abdoulaye.
Photo courtesy of Tecknotrove
september2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of september2021
