Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recently added an additional two instances of Advanced Simulation Technology inc. (ASTi)’s Simulated Environment for Realistic ATC (SERA) product to its facility. This brings the total number of SERA instances used in the Pre-flight Immersion Laboratory for Operations Training (PILOT) program to 10. Under the program, incoming flight students spend their first four weeks learning preflight, checklist and flight procedures in unique virtual reality (VR) environments developed by Embry-Riddle, ASTi and other industry partners.

Additionally, Embry-Riddle is using recently introduced enhancements to the SERA product line including a single sign-on mechanism common to all other Embry-Riddle facilities. This feature facilitates linking students’ performance scores from SERA to the student learning management system. Further improvements to the sign-on process simplify the simulator experience; SERA auto-launches the correct flight scenario based on the supplied student credentials. ASTi’s commitment to constant product refinement has significantly streamlined the workload for PILOT lab staff.

As reported previously, the first group of 58 flight students reduced their time to first solo flight by more than 30 percent, thanks to this general aviation flight training program.