VIRTUAL REALITY: AVIATION SIMULATOR RAISES SKILL LEVELS
BY DAVID BRUCE
The skills needed for air attack missions, fire mapping and other aviation-based wildfire operations are being improved in a new virtual reality simulator that provides real-life training.
The Australian-based mixed reality fire aviation simulator aims to improve the training and skills of those involved in fire aviation tasks, initially across Victoria with potential expansion to other states and internationally.
The aviation simulator uses mixed reality goggles with a 280-degree view of the surrounding landscape to provide training and skill testing in a safe, controlled environment.
Up until now, early training of this type needed to be conducted in actual crewed aircraft. The simulator has provided early-stage training to raise skill levels before conducting further training in real aircraft.
The simulator was launched in October at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre at Bangholme, Victoria.
The A$640,000 project was jointly funded by Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
The aviation simulator was designed and developed by CFA Aviation Commander John Katakouzinos originally as a mobile trailer, which is still being used by aviation members across the state alongside the new permanent facility.
The success of the trailer-based prototype led to the development of the permanent aviation simulator.
Kelly Krajnc and Cameron Bird. Photos courtesy of Country Fire Authority Victoria.
“The simulator allows aviation volunteers and staff to undertake mapping, air attack missions, direct aircraft and practise communication and radio skills in a simulated environment,” Katakouzinos said.
“It replicates the interior of an aircraft and uses photorealistic mapping software and communication technology to immerse pilots and students in the flight experience.
“It’s also designed to be programmed to train students in any scenario in any of the aircraft used for aerial firefighting in Australia, including re-enacting past operations for pre-season training.”
Both the prototype and new permanent aviation simulators have achieved successful training outcomes with more than 300 air attack supervisors, air observers and airborne mission commanders trained or reaccredited in recent years. The simulator can be used at various stages of training, from initial expression of interest sessions and during accreditation and assessment, to skills upgrading and refresher sessions for those already qualified.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the new aviation simulator at Bangholme, as well as the existing simulator trailer, were vital assets for aviation training.
“Aviation is important for providing intelligence and support to our crews on the ground during a fire and we’re excited to be able to share this simulator with our partner agencies.”
There has been interest from airborne partners with a portable aviation trailer being built for New South Wales Parks and Wildlife. The simulator is adaptable to all types of aircraft used in wildfire operations in Australia and internationally. The supporting software was developed by Wildfire Training Solutions in Canada.
David Bruce is the program manager and a former board member of the International Association of Wildland Fire. His career in media and communications roles has included being a journalist and an editor, and most recently the communications director at Natural Hazards Research Australia
