The Flight Training Center has launched Korea’s first-ever university flight training program integrating virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking initiative offers a new alternative to address weaknesses in Korea’s flight training environment.

The program, titled ELITE (Enhanced Learning through Immersive Training Equipment), is designed for students in the Department of Aviation and Flight Operations. It provides an advanced flight training experience using a VR flight simulator specialized for the Cessna C-172S training aircraft, with AI-powered instructors guiding students through piloting techniques.

Under the guidance of both university flight instructors and AI-based flight instructors, students will experience a fully immersive VR training environment. They will familiarize themselves with aircraft systems, perform pre-flight inspections, and learn piloting techniques in a setting that closely mimics real-world flight conditions. By completing the one-semester training course, students will also have the opportunity to obtain a VR-based private pilot certification.

Han Sam-seung, head of the Flight Training Center’s Education Quality Management Team, emphasized the significance of the new program, saying, “VR-based flight training provides students with an experience comparable to real-life flying, enhancing their ability to adapt to flight conditions and reducing the time needed to reach solo flight proficiency. During the development of the ELITE program, our top priorities were to enhance educational efficiency by integrating it with academic coursework, improve air traffic control (ATC) skills, and increase flight safety through abnormal procedure training.”

The ELITE program will continue to provide flight training to 100 students per year. The Flight Training Center also plans to expand its use of VR-based training equipment and conduct research on the program’s effectiveness to further refine and optimize flight education.

Kim In-gyu, Director of the Flight Training Center, highlighted the transformative potential of VR technology in aviation education, stating, “As VR technology continues to advance, new training opportunities are emerging in the field of flight education. We at the Flight Training Center will remain at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into training programs, fostering the development of world-class aviation professionals.”