Leveraging VR in the Age of the Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges in Private Pilot Licence Training

Abstract

In the age of the Metaverse, Virtual Reality (VR) training could enhance facilitation of the Aeroplane Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training. Hence, the research objective of this study revolves around the opportunities and challenges faced by pilot trainees while utilising medium-fidelity VR during PPL training. The qualitative research methodology aligned with the ontological perspective that emphasised subjectivism. The epistemological framework has been based on the interpretivism paradigm. This research employed a grounded theory technique and utilised semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. The findings derived from thematic analysis suggest that a significant proportion of pilot trainees agree with VR's efficacy in theoretical instruction, pre-flight aeroplane inspection, and procedure training. However, the trainees shared their isolating experiences and challenges in acquiring specific competencies and issues developing their motor skills while using VR. These findings are anticipated to be utilised to develop VR instructional frameworks that could facilitate future PPL training