2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The aviation industry faces significant challenges in providing comprehensive hands-on training for engineering and maintenance technicians due to limited access to experienced technicians on the job. To provide new technicians with expert experience and access to training on various aircraft and procedures, a 360-degree video-based training module was developed by a team of STEM graduate students with guidance from the Hangar Manager. The STEM graduate students had collectively expertise in the following areas: aircraft maintenance, virtual reality, and workforce development.

The Aircraft Mechanic (STEM graduate student) provided technical accuracy and procedural expertise. The Hangar Manager focused on logistical considerations and safety protocols. The VR Specialist (STEM graduate student) contributed knowledge of immersive technologies. Finally, the Workforce Development Specialist (STEM graduate student) ensured effective instructional design and learner engagement.

After the training module was fully developed and tested, all four members of the development team participated in a collaborative autoethnography to document the lived experiences in an attempt to create a resource for others. Autoethnography uses self-reflection and writing to understand and explore anecdotal and personal experiences which allows for a deeper connection across individual stories as well as contribute to a wider understanding of perspectives. Using a collaborative autoethnographic approach allows individuals the opportunity to discuss their experience, coming together to make sense of their situation, context, and experiences.

This study offers a structured examination of the development process, considering (1) the context and need for enhanced training solutions, (2) the specific contributions and perspectives from each team member, and (3) lessons learned in the collaborative development of immersive training tools. The paper concludes with recommendations for incorporating VR into technical training programs in aviation and other industries.