Canadian Flight School Adopts Mixed-Reality Sims to Boost Pilot Readiness

• MAF Canada has delivered four mixed-reality flight simulators to Prairie Aviation Training Centre in Alberta.
• The systems use Canadian-made VR and AR to safely replicate emergency scenarios and rugged airstrip conditions.

Four new simulators are now in place at Prairie Aviation Training Centre (PATC), part of an effort by MAF Canada to improve pilot training. Built domestically by Canada Training Solutions Inc., each unit combines virtual and augmented reality, offering students a hands-on way to learn without stepping into an actual cockpit.

Trainees can now rehearse emergency procedures, poor-weather navigation, and landings in remote terrain repeatedly and with precision. “These simulators will allow us to be more efficient and effective in preparing our pilots,” said Dallas Derksen, who leads the center.

PATC is one of seven training sites selected for a national initiative by Transport Canada, which is studying how XR tools influence student progress and readiness. The project aims to help shape the evolution of pilot certification through XR-based training. To support this shift and meet growing demand, the school is also building out its facilities.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

We have seen a number of announcements of late highlighting how aviation training is changing with XR. PATC is not only embracing MR today, but its work with Transport Canada to evaluate pilot certification through XR-based training has the potential to change the way people officially learn to fly forever.

Source: MAF Canada Press Release