Pilots worldwide have been learning aviation radio communication using the app-based Aviation Radio Simulator, ARSim, outside of the cockpit for two years. Now they will be able to do so on the web as well with the launch of ARSim-web.
Created by three Purdue University alumni, ARSim trains pilots in the language of flying through exchanges with simulated air traffic control, using a variety of scenarios a pilot might encounter through every phase of flight. Pilots receive instant feedback on their performance, explanations of the communication procedures, and progress tracking as they develop their skills. The result is radio proficient pilots that are skilled and confident when communicating with air traffic control, according to company officials, who noted that since the app’s release in 2019, it has been downloaded by more than 150,000 users.
PlaneEnglish received Small Business Innovation and Research funding from the U.S. Air Force and AFWERX, its technology and innovation hub, to adapt the app-based technology for the web and expand its capabilities, company officials explained.
The web release creates a more accessible platform for classroom demonstrations at flight schools across the country and an additional means of access that will expand the reach of ARSim, they said, noting the Air Force began evaluating the incorporation of ARSim into its pilot training curriculum in August 2020.
The new web interface enables both flight schools and individual users to complete more than 200 lessons covering both visual flight rules and instrument flight rules. The modules simulate a range of simple and complex interactions with air traffic control pertaining to taxi out, takeoff, airspace entrance, approaches and taxi in. In total, ARSim offers more than 65 hours of radio communications training “that would be impossible to experience during flight training,” company officials said.
“Pilots receive roughly six hours of radio communications practice while flying during their entire training,” said Muharrem Mane, CEO of PlaneEnglish and a graduate of Purdue University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. “Many of those interactions with air traffic control will be routine and repetitive. But what happens when a pilot flies into a different airspace, talks to a different ATC facility, or encounters unusual circumstances and needs to quickly and effectively communicate? ARSim provides hours of unique radio communications training to ensure pilots are prepared for any situation they may encounter and have the skills and confidence to communicate with air traffic control.”
ARSim is synced across mobile and desktop devices, so users retain all of their progress and experience a seamless transition switching between platforms, officials said.
PlaneEnglish offers discounted volume licensing options for institutions, ground schools, and flying clubs. The software also can be customized to include specific airports, procedures and lessons, company officials said.
PlaneEnglish also offers a companion comms manual, “The Easy Route to Aviation Radio Proficiency: Training Manual with Activities Using ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator,” and ATSim, an app-based simulation comms trainer for air traffic controllers.