Boeing Launches Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer

Boeing has launched its latest training platform, Virtual Airplane, which it describes as an accessible and customizable tool to augment pilot training outside of traditional environments. The 737 Max Procedures Trainer is the first element to go live, with the OEM promising “additional Boeing models coming soon.”

Virtual Airplane is powered by cloud computing platform Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Flight Simulator. According to Boeing, the tool is “designed to empower pilots and flight training teams with immersive, accessible, and customizable tools that elevate pilot learning and readiness.”

With the application suitable for both computers and iPads, Boeing intends this ease of accessibility to help “reduce simulator familiarization time and [improve] readiness before working with flight training devices.” Students can make the most of the learning opportunity through an “intuitive, configurable self-service authoring” function that allows customization of the content. This built-in configurability also allows airlines to launch or change procedures specific to their own operations, further accelerating their students’ learning.

Chris Raymond, CEO of Boeing Global Services, believes the new software “will significantly impact how and when pilots and operators train” and “reflects Boeing’s commitment to digital innovation.”