Drone VR is the first web-based virtual reality flight simulator with real-world physics. It is fully immersive, yet accessible through the web browser on a desktop, as well as the web browser on a headset – giving users virtually anywhere access to this type of learning tool. Drone VR is the centerpiece of Certify-ED’s Remote Pilot Certificate course, which prepares students to take the aeronautical knowledge test that is a requirement to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Immersed in the virtual reality environment, users learn to operate a drone in a variety of conditions and urban areas, completing search and rescue missions, reconnaissance and inspections of large structures. The idea is to pave the way for online learners to obtain the training needed for new the careers in this industry. Biggest challenge: create a fun experience yet educational, technologically advanced, and accessible.

To bring this real-world physics virtual reality experience to a wide array of users, we used WebGL, a JavaScript API that renders 3D graphics within any compatible web browser without the need of plug-ins. The company built effects of turbulence,, wind and temperature. It worked on the entire project from ideation to completion during the course of about three months.

Drone VR, created for Certify-ED, an interactive, online educational company that provides videos and virtual reality simulations to vocational, charter and online schools worldwide. This application allowed Certify-ED to expand into drone training programs with a unique and effective offering its clients schools could not find anywhere else.

We began by using basic processes/mediums like concept sketching and storyboarding, and then paired them with User Experience testing to finalize the initial user journey. They created challenging user scenarios for each training level before moving into the 3D modeling phase. In this phase, it created models for the environments, a realistic commercial drone, the gamepad and challenge equipment. The development phase had three major milestones: creation of the application prototype, research into effects and shaders, and high-fidelity application creation. That was followed by a prototyping phase that applied all the models and coded basic drone control capabilities. Next, they researched real-world physics and shaders, then applied the physics to drone performance. The company also researched and added sea, storm, and lighting shaders. In the final phase, physics was applied and shaders were added to existing prototype while conducting quality assurance to fix bugs.

Certify-ED is marketing Drone VR by distributing the pilot program to the various schools in its program. The organization has a partnership that will expose this course to more than 1 million students worldwide. Certify-ED plans to double the course enrollment each year.