Augmented Reality Solving Aviation Meteorology Learning (Credit: Western Michigan University, Microsoft)

Image Courtesy: WMU

DISCUSSION: Augmented Reality, according to Google is “a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.” With the creation of Microsoft’s HoloLens professors are now able to provide additional avenues for aviation training, that Western Michigan University (WMU) has been the first known university to test within their College of Aviation.
 
According to Microsoft the HoloLens,” enables you to interact with content and information in the most natural ways possible.” The HoloLens can be used to provide higher level understanding of advanced aircraft systems. Associate Professor of Aviation at WMU Lori Brown was able to marry aviation training and augmented reality to provide a unique teaching experiencing which can allow students to investigate jet engines, interact with cockpits and train in real-world scenarios such as flight simulation.
 
One of the innovative ways Brown uses the HoloLens is to provide training using a flight simulator for the Canadair Regional Jet 200 (CRJ-200), a smaller regional aircraft typically transporting 50 passengers. By using the HoloLens, Brown and her team have creatively studied ways to provide weather-training in the flight simulation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Often those using simulators rely on printed meteorological information, which can prove to become obsolete quickly, as the field of meteorology has only made significant progress beginning in the 18th century, moving to the 21st century where current remote sensing systems, and increased computing power have made effective advancements.
 
In addition to the developments Brown has created with her team, the future holds promise for a design of a virtual airport. This virtual airport could prove to be crucial during flight simulation for meteorological conditions especially on the CRJ-200, where ceiling, visibility and temperature all play vital roles in the aircraft’s top performance during arrival and departure.
 
For more information on new and innovative technologies breaching the meteorological world visit the Global Weather and Climate Center!
 
© 2018 Meteorologist Jessica Olsen