A virtual flight instructor plugin for X-Plane 12 designed to teach student pilots how to master hovering a helicopter. Written in Python, it runs under the XPPython3 runtime environment and provides automated hands-on curriculum training, real-time coaching cues, performance scoring, and Vulkan/Metal-native 3D overlay visualization.
Warning
Disclaimer: This software is not intended or approved for real-world flight training. It is strictly for simulator flying.
- Cascaded PID Autopilot: A multi-axis controller (roll, pitch, yaw, collective) capable of holding a precise 3D hover target.
- 6-Phase Curriculum: Progressive training stages that incrementally transfer control axes from the VFI autopilot to the student pilot.
- Real-time Performance Metrics:
- Precision Scoring: Horizontal drift, ground drift speed, altitude error, climb/sink rate, and heading alignment.
- Overcorrection Index (OCI): Tracks pilot over-controlling via an Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of hardware input velocities.
- Proficiency Envelope: Automatically grades the student (
Excellent,Good,Unstable) based on a 20-second sliding window.
- Audio & Visual Coaching Cues: Audio prompts (voiced training tips and warnings), 3D hover target circles, and a 2D altitude reference bar.
| 3D Safety Zones & Guidance Rings | ImGui Instructor Control Panel |
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| Phase 1: Pedals Only | Phase 2: Collective Only |
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| Phase 4: Cyclic Only | Phase 6: All Controls |
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For detailed instructions on installing and using the plugin, see the v2 README.
For guidelines on coding conventions, style, and running the tests, see the v2 Development Guide.