PlaneEnglish has launched a TRAINER mode for its ARSim training platform. The new feature offers a progressive radio communications training curriculum with “Stage Checks” that unlock more complex levels of training and gives users the chance to earn an Aviation Comms Wings badge and FAA WINGS Credits for completing the modules. The addition makes ARSim a turn-key solution for training institutions as well as individual users.

Created by three Purdue University alumni, ARSim simulates exchanges with air traffic control using a variety of scenarios pilots might encounter through every phase of flight, from taxiing and takeoff to landing and emergencies. Pilots receive instant feedback on their performance, explanations of the communication procedures, and progress tracking as they develop their skills. The addition of TRAINER mode provides a built-in curriculum that enables student pilots, low-time pilots, and professional pilots who want to maintain their communication skills sharp to train on their own.

ARSim syncs across mobile and desktop devices, so users retain all of their progress and experience a seamless transition switching between platforms. Since its release in 2019, ARSim has been downloaded by more than 2150,000 users.

PlaneEnglish CEO Muharrem Mane said the new TRAINER mode expands ARSim's capabilities for both general aviation and military pilots, and that the feature will be especially useful to flight schools and ground schools.

“Pilots receive roughly six hours of radio communications practice while flying during their entire training,” Mane said. “Many of those interactions with Air Traffic Control (ATC) 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 encounter and have the skills and confidence to communicate with air traffic control.”