What are the benefits of Online Pilot Training?

In order to operate a special aircraft type, the commercial pilots must have to earn a certificate that is required by the local regulating authority. The certificate is termed as FAA in the US and EASA in Europe. However, the pilots can earn the type ratings from Airline training departments or flight training schools that meet up the criteria required by the regulating authority. Such regulating authority requires that the line pilots must accomplish their recurrent training to keep them updated. The recurrent training period varies from one state to another state, for example, EASA requires the pilot to undergo recurrent training after every 06 months, but FAA written tests require the pilot to undergo recurrent training annually.

Ground School Theory: A Physical Classroom Approach

Traditionally, aircraft system training is conducted by an instructor in a classroom and this approach is known as ground school theory. This approach requires trainees to attend a physical classroom with a dedicated instructor, typically active or former line pilots, for the duration of four weeks. In this approach, both new & active line pilots are required to attend the physical classroom with the instructors, titled as TRI or TRE, to get introduced with Aircraft system or to have the general subject information for recurrent training along with the Aircraft system information.

Online Pilot Training:

However, in recent times, online pilot training has become popular with the passes of time.  Basically, the online training is conducted in the mode of distance learning, eLearning, or computer-based training (CBT). So, Online pilot training is conducted online and the trainees are trained with the help of digital devices like Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, or Smartphone and with the support of an internet connection.

Online pilot training has three main components, are as follows:

1. Training Content (Lectures, Videos, Presentations, Documents, etc.)

2. Content Operator (Application Software or Interface)

3. Learning Management System (Database Location)

Training Content: Training Content of online pilot classes includes lectures, videos, presentations, documents, audio, narration text, and questions. It is a combination of such deliverables to create several modules (chapters or sub-chapters) for the trainees undergoing the training.

Content Operator: To view the training content, application software, or an interface is required. Generally, the application software or interface, known as GUI (Graphical User Interface) or UI/UX, is prepared after keeping in mind the variety of screens of the users.

Learning Management System (LMS): A Central Location for the storage of the database is required to access the online pilot course material. An LMS performs many functions, including the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of the courses. 

Benefits of Online Pilot Training:

Ease of Access to Content & its Management:

• In online pilot training, the pilots have easy access to the aviation training content on their desktop, laptop, or any portable device like a tablet or mobile phone with the help of application software remotely from any location. The content is managed & shown with the help of the best user interface and application software. Moreover, Training managers have the opportunity to access courses, edit courses, set up assignments, and view user progress remotely from any location.

• The Trainees get systematic notifications of their course module and its level of accomplishment.

Economic Solution:

• Online Pilot Training has no need for transportation, physical space to attend the classes, dedicated instructor, or associated training ads and materials.

• It does not require a Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and Type Rating Examiner (TRE), hence it saves trainer cost.

• It saves transportation costs because it doesn’t require the traveling of pilots or trainers.

Learning at individual trainees pace:

• In online pilot training, the trainees have an option to get trained on an individual learning speed. And they can take as much time as they need to understand the lectures.

• Self-paced learning saves time for trainees and lets the quick-learner trainees be moved on to the next module very easily.

So, In all criteria, the online pilot training has proven itself the best and oriented one.