Learning with integrated project in the development of a flight simulator in a helicopter cabin mockup

Artigo inédito oriundo de Trabalho da Graduação que foi revisado por pares e aprovado para apresentação oral no Seminário da Feira de Soluções da Fatec de São José dos Campos em 17/junho/2025.

Abstract

The training of a professional in ​​aircraft maintenance management requires the use of technology to connect the physical and analog worlds with the virtual and digital worlds. Through learning with integrated projects (API), students and future aircraft maintenance professionals are challenged and validated to solve real problems, proposing technically and economically viable solutions, becoming the main protagonists of their learning in activities carried out in laboratories and workshops. The objective of this research was to develop and validate an academic flight simulator adjusted to a helicopter mockup, aiming at teaching flight techniques, providing an immersive and practical learning experience that contributes to the training of aircraft maintenance professionals. The adopted methodology included research in databases and platforms of publications and technical standards, reinforcement of the structure of the helicopter mockup to receive children, integration of open-source flight simulation software and support for integration with external hardware with flight controls. As preliminary results, the mockup and simulator were validated in a public academic event focused on children's training, whose feedback was positive. It is concluded that flight simulators are essential tools in academic training and although they provide a safe environment for practicing maneuvers and familiarizing themselves with aircraft, there are opportunities, such as the lack of communication systems that can be remedied in future work.