Training with Virtual Reality through an FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant

Training with Virtual Reality through an FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant

In response to the critical shortage in the aviation workforce identified by Congress, the FAA is providing funding to qualified institutions for workforce development in pilot training, aircraft maintenance (A&P), and aerospace engineering. Kent State University recently received a grant of nearly $420,000 to advance these goals.

The grant focuses on training educators using virtual reality and preparing high school teachers to teach the Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) course. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, integrating the Part 107 curriculum as a gateway to aviation careers.

Kent State University will train teachers to encourage students to pursue Part 107 certification and explore various aviation paths, including gliders, balloons, rotorcraft, and fixed-wing helicopters. The project includes an accessible online Part 107 course for high school students and 10 virtual reality stations, allowing students to experience flying drones and manned aircraft, from sUAS to a Boeing 747, using VR headsets.

The VR stations and three Skydio 2+ UAS platforms will be loaned to participating schools in two-week increments. High school teachers will also be trained to integrate flight concepts into their curricula.

Join Jason Lorenzon, Assistant Professor at Kent State and lead researcher on this FAA funded project to learn the key components of developing a successful FAA Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) grant proposal and how to successfully train the trainer!

Presenter