UK Aviation Training Technology Developer Secures Regulatory Approval for VR-Based Pilot Walkaround Trainer

United Kingdom – Cineon, a UK-based aviation training technology company headquartered at Exeter Science Park, has secured approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its TACET Walkaround as an Other Training Device (OTD) — marking the first time a virtual reality-based device has received CAA approval for pilot training.

• The TACET (Training Aircrew Competencies Using Eye Tracking) Walkaround creates a repeatable, high-fidelity virtual environment for pre-flight inspection training, resolving the operational constraints of traditional walkaround training including aircraft availability, weather dependency, and the inability to safely replicate airside defects and hazards.
• The system uses integrated eye-tracking technology to objectively assess where trainees are looking during an inspection, measuring scanning efficiency, situational awareness, visual attention, inspection time, and hazard detection — providing quantifiable competency data in support of the industry's transition to Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA).
• At the core of the platform is Cineon's Empathic Learning Engine (ELE), described as an emotion AI API trained on millions of human interactions, which interprets behavioural and eye-tracking data to generate adaptive, evidence-based feedback.
• The TACET Walkaround is compatible with multiple aircraft types including the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321-Neo, and is positioned as a scalable solution across airline fleets and as an alternative means of regulatory sign-off.
• Jet2.com, one of the UK's leading leisure airlines, is the launch airline customer, having installed six VIVE Focus Vision headsets across its Manchester and Bradford crew training centres — becoming the first airline to deploy the CAA-approved solution operationally.
• The TACET platform extends across Cineon's aviation and defence portfolio, with the flight training module already deployed in both civil and military pilot training environments.

Statements

• "Approval of TACET Walkaround by the CAA represents a breakthrough for aviation training. It demonstrates that immersive and data-led approaches can not only meet but exceed regulatory standards. With our emotion AI powering TACET, we are combining realism, repeatability and measurable insights to help airlines raise the bar for pilot readiness and safety," said Toby de Burgh, CEO of Cineon.
• "At Jet2.com, safety is our top priority, and training plays a critical role in that commitment. Partnering with Cineon to implement TACET Walkaround in our Manchester and Bradford training centres allows our pilots to experience a realistic, measurable and CAA-approved simulation of pre-flight inspections. This innovative approach ensures they gain the skills and confidence they need before stepping onto the tarmac. We are proud to be leading the way in adopting technology that can enhance both safety and efficiency across our pilot training programmes, and we look forward to exploring the wider potential of TACET in future training initiatives," said Captain Christopher Harris, Head of Crew Training (NPCT), Jet2.com.
• "Immersive technology is changing how we learn, and having CAA approval of a VR-based device for pilot training for the first time is huge validation of its impact and effectiveness. Jet2's adoption of Cineon's solution puts this innovation into practice, with AI and VR being actively used to train its pilots and put safety at the forefront. Using VIVE Focus Vision, integrated eye tracking combined with the emotion AI in TACET, these training scenarios are more realistic, measurable and repeatable," said Thomas Dexmier, VP of HTC VIVE EMEA.
• "We are delighted to see Cineon achieve a global milestone from their base at Exeter Science Park. Supporting innovative businesses with the high-quality facilities, collaborative environment and partnerships they need to grow is central to our mission and this recognition from the Civil Aviation Authority highlights the kind of pioneering work taking place here,” said Jason Buck, Head of Business Development at Exeter Science Park.

Source: Cineon