Exploring Virtual Reality for Drone Pilot Training: A Study on Japanese Certification Tasks with RealFlight

Abstract: This study explores the potential of using Virtual Reality (VR) for supporting the Japanese second-class unmanned aircraft remote pilot certification training, by analyzing its effectiveness for development of maneuvering skills in the certification tasks. An experiment was conducted with six participants taking a drone school course, in which a flight simulator was used for the first day of the training. Instructors could monitor the participant’s view and, in addition, freely navigate the scenario from a controllable perspective, while flight path data was recorded. Using a simulation approach allowed instructors to monitor flight performance, identify motor skill issues, and use tools that helped them provide tailored feedback. Also, having independent views for the instructor and the participant made the guidance and correction comparable to traditional training. Despite variation in simulator performance, all six participants successfully passed the final certification exam. This outcome suggests that the VR training does not have a negative impact on the exam performance. Also, it might provide additional pedagogical value by highlighting and quantifying difficulties that are less apparent in live training environments. This study demonstrates that VR-based simulation can complement conventional training for Japan’s second-class drone certification. The results also suggest that the use of this technology is worth exploring for training more complex tasks. Despite variation in simulator performance, all six participants successfully passed the final certification exam. This outcome suggests that the VR training does not have a negative impact on the exam performance. Also, it might provide additional pedagogical value by highlighting and quantifying difficulties that are less apparent in live training environments. This study demonstrates that VR-based simulation can complement conventional training for Japan’s second-class drone certification. The results also suggest that the use of this technology is worth exploring for training more complex tasks.

Keywords: UAS, Simulation, Drones, Virtual Reality, Drone Training.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006909

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