Toll Helicopters and Seeing Machines have joined forces to launch a unique eye tracking technology trial this month as part of the Toll AW-139 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) at the ACE Training Centre in Sydney.  

The trial is based on Seeing Machines’ Crew Training System prototype which incorporates modern eye tracking technology. The system supports aviation training instructors, pilots and crewmen with intelligent, evidence based data to provide detailed insights into pilot scanning techniques and situational awareness. 

The 2019 trial will build on insights gathered from smaller trials conducted by Toll and Seeing Machines over the past 24 months, which have produced tangible benefits for pilots, aircrewmen and instructors: 

• Instructors – can observe crew instrument and broader cockpit scanning in real-time in the Full Flight Simulator environment, as well as during debriefs.  The unique technology provides instructors an objective assessment of what their trainees are looking at (such as speed tape, height, glide slope, heading, flight mode annunciator), at any given point in time during a flying sequence. The information can be used to quickly identify scan breakdowns, missed information, CRM (crew resource management) attention distribution, and standard operating procedure / Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) adherence or deviation. 

• Trainee pilots – will benefit from objective feedback from their eye tracking replay, as they achieve even higher levels of performance. 

Darryl Humphreys, AW139 Standards Manager and Flight Examiner described the tool as a valuable asset for instructors and pilots. 

“For instructors, the ability to see in real time where a student’s eyes are tracking is remarkable. You can observe, analyse and interpret the pilot’s situational awareness. In addition, having the eye tracking auto–recorded for replay during training debriefs offers pilots a comprehensive review tool and the ability to self-remediate areas for improvement.” 

Toll Helicopters’ General Manager and former Chief Pilot, Colin Gunn said Toll’s investment in advanced eye tracking technology solidified the company’s commitment to innovation and best-in-class aviation training. 

“Toll and the ACE Training Centre are committed to continuously improving and innovating in our training environment. The advanced technology used in eye tracking is critical for evidence based training and our partnership with Seeing Machines provides the ultimate tool to equip our pilots, crewman and instructors with the highest levels of excellence in training.” said Mr Gunn. 

Patrick Nolan, GM of Aviation at Seeing Machines added, “Seeing Machines is delighted to be working with the ACE Training Centre and Toll Helicopters team to trial the Crew Training System in their world class training facility. As we move through the trial and progress to deployment of the technology more broadly, we have every confidence it will be instrumental in maintaining Toll’s high standards of safety and be key to enhancing pilot training efficiencies.” 

The trial is being conducted in the CAE Series 3000 Level D AW139 Full Flight Simulator at the ACE Training Centre in Bankstown, Sydney.