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Exploring the role of augmented reality in ab initio pilot training: a general aviation perspective.

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Title: Exploring the role of augmented reality in ab initio pilot training: a general aviation perspective.
Authors: Rizvi, Syed A. Q.1 (AUTHOR) sa4rizvi@uwaterloo.ca, Cao, Shi1,2 (AUTHOR), Rehman, Umair3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Cognition, Technology & Work. Jun2026, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p385-404. 20p.
Subjects: Augmented reality, Flight training, Head-mounted displays, Technology Acceptance Model, Cognitive load, Effective teaching, Situational awareness
Abstract: With increasing emphasis on training efficiency and sustainability, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a potential instructional tool to support early-stage pilot training. This study examined AR-based procedural training delivered via a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) for a pre-flight inspection task in ab initio general aviation (GA) training. Using a within-subject design, AR-assisted and paper-based instruction were compared across mental workload (NASA-TLX), situational awareness (SART), user acceptance (TAM), discomfort symptoms (SSQ), instructor assistance, retention recall errors, and overall retention performance. Results showed that AR significantly reduced mental workload and instructor assistance while improving situational awareness and perceived usability. Short-term retention outcomes were comparable between AR and paper conditions, indicating that AR primarily supported guided performance rather than improving unaided recall once guidance was removed. SSQ outcomes did not differ meaningfully between conditions, suggesting no additional discomfort attributable to AR under the study's exposure duration and hangar-based setting. Participants viewed AR as most valuable for structured early-stage training, while noting usability concerns for in-flight use. Future work should examine AR's applicability across a broader range of flight training tasks in realistic GA contexts, evaluate scalability across hardware platforms, address usability limitations, and assess its usable, cost-effective integration into training workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:With increasing emphasis on training efficiency and sustainability, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a potential instructional tool to support early-stage pilot training. This study examined AR-based procedural training delivered via a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) for a pre-flight inspection task in ab initio general aviation (GA) training. Using a within-subject design, AR-assisted and paper-based instruction were compared across mental workload (NASA-TLX), situational awareness (SART), user acceptance (TAM), discomfort symptoms (SSQ), instructor assistance, retention recall errors, and overall retention performance. Results showed that AR significantly reduced mental workload and instructor assistance while improving situational awareness and perceived usability. Short-term retention outcomes were comparable between AR and paper conditions, indicating that AR primarily supported guided performance rather than improving unaided recall once guidance was removed. SSQ outcomes did not differ meaningfully between conditions, suggesting no additional discomfort attributable to AR under the study's exposure duration and hangar-based setting. Participants viewed AR as most valuable for structured early-stage training, while noting usability concerns for in-flight use. Future work should examine AR's applicability across a broader range of flight training tasks in realistic GA contexts, evaluate scalability across hardware platforms, address usability limitations, and assess its usable, cost-effective integration into training workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:14355558
DOI:10.1007/s10111-026-00857-6