What is the role of simulation and virtual training in aerospace e-learning using DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Simulation and virtual training play a crucial role in aerospace e-learning, providing a safe and immersive environment for aviation personnel to acquire and practice essential skills. DITA XML can be leveraged to structure and manage simulation and virtual training content efficiently, enabling learners to engage with realistic scenarios and interactive experiences.

For example, consider a virtual training module for emergency landings. With DITA, this training can be structured into individual topics, each representing a specific scenario or skill. Below is a simplified example of a DITA topic for a virtual emergency landing training scenario:

<!-- Virtual Training Scenario: Emergency Landing -->
<topic id="emergency-landing-scenario">
  <title>Emergency Landing Training</title>
  <body>
    <p>This scenario simulates an engine failure during flight. You are the pilot-in-command, and you must safely navigate the aircraft to an emergency landing site. Please follow the instructions carefully.</p>
    <simulation>
      <title>Simulation Environment</title>
      <description>A realistic 3D simulation of an aircraft cockpit and the surrounding environment.</description>
      <source>emergency-landing-sim.zip</source>
    </simulation>
    <instructions>
      <title>Instructions</title>
      <p>1. Maintain altitude and airspeed.</p>
      <p>2. Declare an emergency to air traffic control.</p>
      <p>3. Identify suitable landing sites.</p>
      <p>4. Execute a safe emergency landing.</p>
    </instructions>
    <questions>
      <title>Assessment Questions</title>
      <p>1. What is the first action to take after the engine failure is simulated?</p>
      <p>2. How do you communicate with air traffic control in this situation?</p>
      <p>3. Describe the steps for executing a safe emergency landing.</p>
    </questions>
  </body>

In this example, DITA XML is used to structure a virtual training scenario for emergency landings. It includes simulation files, instructions, and assessment questions, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for aviation personnel.