Aptima is proud to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Stephanie G. Fussell, whose expertise in extended reality (XR) and aviation training helped shape the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) first formal guidance material for using XR technologies in qualified flight simulation training devices for commercial aviation.
Developed to harmonize with similar guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the newly released guidance establishes a framework for integrating virtual, augmented, and mixed reality into commercial pilot training while maintaining the industry’s rigorous safety and performance standards. The document represents a significant milestone for the aviation industry and lays the groundwork for how XR technologies will be evaluated, adopted, and refined in the years ahead.
This newly published guidance material enables increased and more effective training across qualified XR-enabled simulation devices while maintaining the same rigorous safety and performance expectations. Rather than replacing traditional flight simulators or instructor-led training, it expands the training ecosystem by providing a documented framework for the safe use of immersive technologies. It also establishes recommended technical standards that simulation developers can build toward, creating new opportunities for innovation while ensuring consistency and quality.
Beyond commercial aviation, the guidance has implications for other industries that depend on realistic, high-stakes training. As organizations continue exploring immersive technologies, the framework established by the FAA provides an important baseline for future research, validation, and adoption.
For Aptima, Dr. Fussell’s contributions reflect the company’s longstanding commitment to applying human-centered science to solve complex challenges. By combining expertise in learning, human performance, and emerging technologies, Aptima continues to help organizations make informed decisions about how innovative tools can improve readiness without sacrificing safety or effectiveness.
Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie G. Fussell on this significant achievement and on helping shape the future of immersive training.
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