The use of virtual flight simulation for airspace design in aeronautical engineering education

The technology of current home PC flight simulators, specifically their powerful graphics and the simulator physics models, makes them a useful resource for training and education. Although the teacher should help the student to be aware of the simulator´s weak points, to avoid picking up misconceptions, PC flight simulators and internet virtual worlds are becoming recognized as an important training resource in aeronautical disciplines such as engineering. This paper presents an innovative project, developed by Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica Aeronautica (EUITA) [University School of Aeronautical Technical Engineering] of the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid [Polytechnic University of Madrid], to help the students to master several aeronautical disciplines. The project includes the development of a complete set of educational simulations supported by commercial “off the shelf” flight videogame simulator and Internet Virtual World for pilot and air traffic control simulation.