CAFB's innovation flight flexibility

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base’s innovation flight (IF) has continued its efforts to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology into pilot training while creating better AF pilots. Innovation flight created a flexible syllabus containing the essential building-block approach of basic mission elements to accommodate each student’s learning habits while hitting intangible aspects of a successful aviator. Lt. Col. Christopher Harris, 41st Flying Training Squadron chief pilot/director of innovation flight, said students have executed training requirements a little faster than an average pilot in the normal syllabus. One notable difference was the completion of the syllabus track for a T-1 Jayhawk. Traditional student completed the syllabus in 47 aircraft sorties, the innovation flight’s quickest student completed it with 42 sorties, while passing the same standards. IF aims to cultivate situational awareness, risk management, decision-making, and is designed to augment student training. Flight incorporates modern VR technology tools, such as Oculus Go, into its syllabus to make pilots more prepared and to drive farther a student’s airborne training. “The real link” to improving mission effectiveness at the base level starts in the classroom, Harris said. With VR, students see the inside of the aircraft while also being able to follow procedures, and given feedback and grading from instructors. “There are some things VR is good for and some things it is not,” Harris said. “VR does not replace actual flight training,” Harris continued, but using it in classrooms keeps experienced instructors on the flight line to train students in the skies. (Source: Columbus AFB 02/14/20) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2084928/14th-ftw-innovation-flight-augments-pilot-training-through-vr-technology/