Revolutionizing Pilot Training with Advanced Variable Stability Simulation (VSS) Ground Simulators

Primary Goal: Integrating Variable Stability Simulation (VSS) into Test Pilot School Curriculum

• The goal of this project was to seamlessly integrate Variable Stability Simulation (VSS) ground training into a test pilot school curriculum, addressing key gaps in existing educational methods.
• Traditionally, VSS was taught through modified inflight laboratories with minimal ground-based simulations, leading to inefficient training and overwhelmed students.
• To overcome this, we developed three advanced VSS ground simulators designed to enhance flying qualities and handling qualities education for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing students.

Revolutionizing Flight Training with Advanced Simulators and Cutting-Edge Technology

• These simulators represented the client’s future fast jet aircraft, existing helicopters, and an upcoming variable stability aircraft.
• The project also featured cutting-edge motion platforms, state-of-the-art displays, and customizable inceptor feel options, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience and improved flight test preparation.
• The final deliverables included world-class VSS simulators, dynamic demonstrations, and enhanced curriculum integration.

Optimizing VSS Training: A Strategic, Multi-Disciplinary Approach for Enhanced Pilot Learning

• To solve the client’s problem of inefficient VSS training, we took a multi-faceted approach.
• First, we conducted interviews with students and instructors to identify existing gaps in the curriculum.
• Leveraging our own VSS aircraft experience and drawing upon the legacy work of organizations like NRC, USAFTPS, USNTPS, and Calspan Corporation, we developed a comprehensive strategy to enhance the learning experience.
• We also assembled a diverse team, including engineers, software developers, and technicians, allowing us to efficiently manage the project despite tight time constraints.
• A unique engineering challenge was creating a framework that could host any aircraft as a VSS surrogate.
• By collaborating closely with NTPS instructors, we fine-tuned the demonstrations to match academic requirements, ultimately delivering 24 sorties over 36 hours of VSS training.
• Quality, safety, and consistency were maintained through a yearly inspection process, ensuring that the demonstrations met the high standards required for pilot training.

Structured, Agile Development: Delivering High-Performance Flight Simulators on Time

• The project progressed through clear, structured phases to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Initially, we immersed ourselves in understanding the customer’s existing academic curriculum.
• Working closely with the client, we designed how the simulators would seamlessly integrate into their training program, which helped us define the requirements for the development.
• To optimize efficiency, software and hardware development occurred in parallel, ensuring that by the time the hardware was ready, the software had already undergone initial testing.
• Afterward, integration testing and tuning were performed on-site before deployment.
• Despite tight deadlines and high tension, we adapted by fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment, even engaging in friendly games of ping pong and foosball to reduce stress.
• Throughout the project, we maintained constant communication with the client, inviting them to test developmental simulators and provide expert feedback, which allowed us to make adjustments and ensure the final product exceeded expectations.
• Key tools such as C++, SIMULINK, and CI/CD pipelines, combined with best practices from our flight software contracts, were crucial to the success of this project.

Bridging Academics and Flight: Cost-Effective, Scalable VSS Training for the Future

• This project achieved significant measurable results by bridging the gap between academics and in-flight demonstrations, enhancing the flight training experience.
• The VSS simulators allowed the customer’s sponsors to ensure that NTPS students were maximizing their VSS training, which was especially crucial given that in-flight demonstrations cost over 25 times more per hour than simulations.
• The solution improved operations, reliability, and safety by offering students a safe, controlled environment to practice complex flight scenarios, reducing risk during actual flights.
• It also ensured consistent, repeatable demonstrations, providing all students with the same high-quality instruction.
• Client feedback confirmed the success of the project, with one stating, “This is what a variable stability flight simulator should be. This is the most impressive set of VSS helicopter demonstrations we have ever experienced.”
• Beyond the initial implementation, the VSS simulators offer long-term benefits by enabling scalable, cost-effective training for future pilots, setting a new standard for VSS simulation and paving the way for future collaboration with other test pilot schools.

Scalable Innovation: Advancing VSS Training and Expanding Future Opportunities

• The key takeaway from this project was the flexibility in working on all three VSS simulators simultaneously, which allowed us to address challenges from multiple perspectives and develop a robust, adaptable setup.
• This approach not only ensured the success of the project but also provided a scalable solution that can evolve with the academics at NTPS.
• The use of innovative technologies, including motion platforms and customizable inceptor feel options, played a crucial role in enhancing the overall training experience.
• This project has significantly influenced our future work at Flight Level Engineering, opening opportunities to partner with other test pilot schools, industry leaders, and individuals seeking similar services.
• It elevated our product quality from something we solely manage to a solution that can be delivered and administered by customers independently.
• Looking back, the only thing we would do differently is getting more sleep to maintain optimal performance.