The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology into the construction industry has rapidly progressed in recent years, particularly where precision and safety are paramount. One such innovation is the use of VR simulators to train operators of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in the aircraft/aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.
The use of mobile access equipment is swiftly becoming the standard for aircraft maintenance. However, though MRO engineers are highly competent, scissor lift or boom operation is not currently part of their core skill sets. Unqualified lift operation is a significant risk: a single mistake can potentially cost hundreds of thousands in damages and passenger delays. Furthermore, it is not always possible to organise highly specialised training in advance of a project.
It’s clear that as these machines become increasingly important to the MRO industry, operators need access to relevant training and assessment while on-site so that they can work efficiently and safely to protect costly assets.
To meet this challenge head-on, Nationwide Platforms now offers its aviation and airline customers the award-winning MEWP VR Simulator from Serious Industrial Motion Simulations (SIMS). As the world’s leading tool for building advanced MEWP skills, reducing incident rates, and safeguarding aircraft, it offers a game-changing revolution in on-site training.
Here’s how 130+ operators performed on the aviation simulator in one SIMS case study
How it Works
Assess and upskill new and returning operators
The Simulator offers more than 20 scenarios focused specifically on MRO operations to assess and upskill operators.
The 30-minute assessment module helps you understand a new operator’s proficiency. It can also evaluate whether an experienced operator is out of practice and in need of additional training before getting on a MEWP.
Additional uses of the assessment module are for those MRO MEWP maneuvers that are particularly challenging and rarely performed. The VR simulator allows operators to rehearse these challenges multiple times before attempting them.
With real-world machine controls and realistic motion, the system is 97% predictive of operator behaviours and risks in real world scenarios. It automatically provides customized recommendations to help each operator improve, and it typically upskill a low-scoring operator to a high-proficiency one within 45 minutes of VR practice.
Scenario Types
The key differentiator between maneuvering a MEWP in a typical construction environment and maneuvering one around an aircraft is that in the latter the operator is dealing with ‘parabolic’ structures. Essentially, this is where the path of operation follows a line upward that then curves over – such as elevating an MEWP to then operate on the cylindrical roof of an aviation aircraft.
The VR system encourages best practices tailored to maneuvering MEWPs around these kinds of structures. With 23 task-based scenarios tailored to operating on aircraft, the simulator can rapidly and accurately identify skill gaps and build operator confidence before costly assets are damaged.
Descriptions of Scenario Types from SIMS
Wifi Dome
Airplane Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly common as a new service to passengers. Accessing the transmitter area is troublesome as it’s located on the flat part of the crown, either at the front or the back. In these scenarios, operators can practice positioning the base of the mobile boom, observing the functions necessary to minimize boom flex when having to place the platform so close to the aircraft skin.
Tail Access
These scenarios will require the operator to position the boom at the base of the tail where they can access both the highest and middle sections to repair an aerial or panel.
Logo Light
The logo light on the stabilizers requires maintenance or repair, so the operator must safely position the base of the MEWP while avoiding equipment and obstacles. Once in position, the operator must maneuver the platform to the front edge of the stabilizer, stopping just centimeters away to access the light.
Crown Access
When performing various maintenance tasks or carrying out an inspection, such as after a lightning strike, the operator may need access to numerous areas of the aircraft crown. The operator will not only on initial placement and basket positioning but also on how safely and efficiently they move between targets.
APU Bay
Using the rough terrain diesel scissor lift, the operator must position the machine under the APU bay as if carrying out an inspection on the APU inside the bay itself. The operator will have to consider the optimal placement of the machine while accounting for obstructions and obstacles.
Window
Using the electric slab scissor lift, the operator will need to account for the curvature of the aircraft when placing the base of the machine.
Leading Edge of the Wing
Using the electric scissor lift, the operator must position the machine along different points at the front of the wing. There are hazards placed around the working area, mimicking conditions in a real-life hangar. The operator will not only focused on getting to the first position but also on how safely and efficiently they move between targets.
Door Access
Using either the boom or the scissor lift, the aviation operator must access targets in and around the doors of the aircraft. These scenarios require them to consider optimal positioning for their selected machine.
Tail Panel
Using the mobile boom, the operator must access the lower part of the tail. The stabilizer will be an issue — the operator will have to utilize the lower section of the articulated boom to provide sufficient “up and over” extension to reach the target.
