In January 2025, the French Parachute Federation commissioned a study of VR as a skydive training tool.
The report written by Arnaud Devisy is now available:
The Conclusion from the report:
“Did the project meet my expectations? Yes, the results are positive. The project achieved its primary objective: VR evolved from a gadget into a structured pedagogical tool.
VR will be integrated into the curriculum as a complementary visualization tool.
Future development priorities:
- Improved mechanical control realism. We should try to correct the steering bias. Find an alternative to an elastic bungee cord (perhaps a pulley/counterweight system) to provide a realistic arm movement from full drive to full flare with realistic toggle pressure.
- Sensory immersion via airflow feedback. Couple the system with a controlled airflow to provide the student with physical speed information and enhance realism.
- Fully 3D modeled drop zone environments. Replace the current mapping with a realistic 3D model of the Drop Zone to allow for true immersion.
The final word (Cost vs. Benefit): It is true that the annual cost of the solution may seem high given its current technical contribution, limited to knowledge of the terrain and imperfect motor skills training. However, this economic equation must be viewed through the lens of safety: if this investment prevents even a single parachute accident per season, its price will then, without the slightest hesitation, be fully justified.
From a cost-benefit perspective, if VR prevents even one canopy-related accident per season, the investment is unquestionably justified”.
Update: the Canopypilot team is addressing all three points raised by Arnaud:
- We are designing and building a pulley/counterweight system to better simulate the full range of toggle pressure.
- We are exploring how an external fan to produce airflow can be introduced into the simulation.
- We have found ways to improve the 3D replication of the DZ to make it more realistic.