Development of Immersive Vehicle Simulator for Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Training as a Vocational Training Program

Abstract

Due to the increase in the number of flights and passengers at Korea’s airports, there is an urgent need for airport personnel. A demand survey showed that the number of airport ramp services personnel was insufficient for the increasing amount of air traffic. Free access to various parts of the airport is difficult due to the security system, which limits on-the-job training. The purpose of this study was to develop an immersive vehicle simulator that can be used as a vocational training system to assist airport ramp agents in training to understand the process of performing the job and to master ground handling services before using the actual equipment at the airport. To aid in the development of this simulation, focus group interviews were conducted with ramp service personnel engaged in ground handling services, and the requirements for the position were identified. The simulator is largely divided into three parts: a hardware platform, a simulator software, and vocational training educational simulation content. To enhance the immersion of the experience, a display device was installed on the front and rear of the vehicle simulator. The software environment replicates the actual design of the Incheon airport, incorporates a 3D model of an actual vehicle and is simulated with the UNITY program. The simulator was used for vocational training in concert with the developed training program. Additionally, we collected feedback from trainees who participated in the vocational training program and identified necessary improvements to the hardware and software.