Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Simulator manufacturer and training provider CAE is targeting virtual and mixed reality (VR and MR) technology for new training platforms, including its latest Sprint VR Trainer. The device includes physical stick, throttle, and rudder controls, CAE’s Medallion image generator, a VR headset, and haptic feedback for actuation of instrument panel equipment.
Sprint stands for Self-Paced, Real-time Insights for Next-generation Training, and it is designed to allow students to practice flying using a virtual coach and CAE’s Rise performance grading and assessment tools. Students can use the Sprint Trainer “to practice training tasks, procedures, and maneuvers in an affordable, high-fidelity, immersive environment to master lessons at their own pace,” according to CAE. 
<figure style="margin:0;">
<div style="margin-bottom:5px;"><img alt="Virtual reality aids preflight training." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="299a7673-52a6-45f7-b050-511b291e3abc" src="/sites/default/files/114-e-aircraft_hr.jpg" width="2100" height="1050" loading="lazy"></div>
<figcaption style="font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.2;font-style:italic;">Virtual reality aids preflight training.</figcaption>
</figure>

For military customers, CAE’s Mission Augmented Virtual Reality/Rear Crew Trainer (MAVRC) goes a step further with mixed reality (MR) technology employed in a physical replica of an aircraft fuselage. Designed to provide a realistic training environment for aircrew working in&nbsp;a helicopter’s cabin, the MAVRC allows crews to work together in a simulated outside environment that is presented on their helmet-mounted displays (HMD). The device includes working doors, a fully functioning ramp, flat and bubble windows, and cabin displays. Training scenarios that can be replicated include medical evacuation, search and rescue, surveillance, door gunner, and confined-area landings, according to CAE.
“The HMD projects the out-the-aircraft virtual world while allowing each crewmember to see everything existing inside the aircraft,” CAE explained. “Terrain, vehicles, weather, and high-fidelity scenarios all help ensure crewmembers are fully immersed in the training tasks.”
Pilots can be added to the training scenarios by coupling the MAVRC with a full-mission simulator or flight training device. CAE also offers the option of distributed mission operations, where the MAVRC can be “networked with other training devices for comprehensive and immersive mission training and rehearsal.”

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

CAE Puts VR To Work in Pilot Training

CAE's virtual and mixed reality training systems provide more efficient and realistic simulator scenarios.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Companies need to drive 30% to 40% more efficiency with existing workforce

Study: A&D at Inflection Point In Face of Retention Issues

Curt Epstein

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Vallair Group company will expand its course offering

French Mx Training Provider Earns EASA Part 66 Approval

Charles Alcock

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

CAE published its latest Aviation Talent Forecast at the Paris Air Show

Aviation Needs To Recruit 1.5 Million Professionals

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

JD2E trainer depicts advantages and versatility of combined training systems

JD2E Working with Smith Myers, CarteNav, Teledyne on Missions Training

Event features prominent company founders and organization chiefs

NBAA Webinar Looks at Lasting Impact of Bizav

Jessica Reed

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Move expands locations for pilot type-rating training

CAE Expands Training Fleet with Pilatus PC-24 Sims

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Training and Workforce

Study: A&D at Inflection Point In Face of Retention Issues

Companies need to drive 30% to 40% more efficiency with existing workforce

French Mx Training Provider Earns EASA Part 66 Approval

Vallair Group company will expand its course offering

Aviation Needs To Recruit 1.5 Million Professionals

CAE published its latest Aviation Talent Forecast at the Paris Air Show

JD2E Working with Smith Myers, CarteNav, Teledyne on Missions Training

JD2E trainer depicts advantages and versatility of combined training systems

NBAA Webinar Looks at Lasting Impact of Bizav

Event features prominent company founders and organization chiefs

CAE Expands Training Fleet with Pilatus PC-24 Sims

Move expands locations for pilot type-rating training

Switzerland Qualifies Brunner Mixed-reality DA42 Sim

Lufthansa Aviation Training will use the simulator in its pilot training program

Canadian Business Aviation Salaries Show Upward Trend

Presentation of survey results at 2025 CBAA to include base salary and workforce trends

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN