Researchers use a variety of flight simulators to immerse trainee and experienced pilots in challenging fight scenarios, while monitoring every aspect of their performance with cutting-edge measurement tools.

The results allow them to predict how new cockpit technologies and procedures will work in the real world.

Our technology

The laboratory at Swinburne is equipped with:

  • a light aircraft simulator with five-axis motion system – capable of replicating Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna 172 aircraft to train students in real life
  • a helicopter simulator with 180-degree visual system 
  • a fixed-base procedures simulator around highly automated A320 jet airliner
  • a passive eye-tracking camera system for researchers to record where the pilot looks during simulated flights without special glasses
  • a variety of PC flight simulators for smaller experiments and prototyping
  • virtual reality headsets for visual immersion
  • a Cessna 172 aircraft and workbench for simulating hands-on maintenance work.
  • Aviation simulator.
    Aviation simulator.
  • Oculus Rift aviation simulator.
    Oculus Rift aviation simulator.
  • Aviation cockpit simulator.
    Aviation cockpit simulator.
  • Helicopter simulator.
    Helicopter simulator.

Future additions

Research currently underway includes:

  • the evaluation of emerging technologies for training future pilots
  • the impact of Heads Up Guidance Systems and automation on pilot visual attention
  • the use of virtual reality as a tool for educating airport and airline service employees.


We hope to further expand the scope and scale of aviation research by working closely with our industry partners.

Related courses

  • Aviation

    Our aviation courses take you on a transformative journey through an industry on the forefront of business and technology. We provide you with the essential study areas of this multifaceted field.

Aviation news at Swinburne

Contact the Swinburne Aviation Simulation team

Whether you’re a PhD student, media, or an organisation looking to access our facility or partner with us, please contact Dr Tommy Cheung on +61 3 9214 8527 or via tommycheung@swinburne.edu.au

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