Dübendorf, Switzerland

Enhancing fear of flying therapy through high-fidelity motion and advanced turbulence simulation

ELITE Simulation Solutions, a global leader in flight simulation technology, has announced the sale and installation of a state-of-the-art 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion flight simulator for a private customer based in Monaco.

The system has been specially adapted to support an advanced fear of flying course, delivering an immersive and highly realistic exposure-based flight simulation environment.

Enhancing fear of flying therapy through high-fidelity motion and advanced turbulence simulation At the core of the installation is ELITE’s high-performance 6DOF motion platform, designed to deliver precise physical cues that replicate the sensations experienced in real flight. The platform provides controlled motion in all six axes, allowing users to experience changes in acceleration, orientation, and position with a high degree of realism - critical for recreating the physical sensations that often trigger anxiety during flight.

To support the specific requirements of fear of flying therapy, the simulator has been enhanced with dedicated software developed and integrated specifically for this application.

This includes a bespoke turbulence software engine, designed to accurately model and reproduce a wide range of turbulence scenarios, from mild atmospheric disturbances to extreme turbulence events. When combined with the 6DOF motion platform and a virtual reality (VR) headset, the system delivers a fully immersive experience that closely mirrors real-world flight conditions.

The integrated VR environment allows participants to experience realistic visual cues from within the cockpit or cabin, while synchronized motion and turbulence effects provide convincing physical feedback. This combination enables gradual, repeatable exposure to challenging flight scenarios in a controlled and safe setting, supporting effective desensitization and confidence-building as part of the fear of flying course.

Enhancing fear of flying therapy through high-fidelity motion and advanced turbulence simulation A key strength of ELITE’s solution lies in the accuracy and tuning of its motion and turbulence cues. The timing, intensity, and direction of forces are carefully calibrated to ensure that sensations remain realistic without inducing negative or misleading responses.

This precise control is essential when simulating turbulence, where realistic but predictable motion plays a crucial role in helping participants understand and rationalize the physical sensations associated with flight.

“This project demonstrates how high-fidelity flight simulation can be adapted beyond traditional pilot training,” said René Huddlestone Director of Sales & Marketing at ELITE Simulation Solutions. “By combining our 6DOF motion technology with bespoke software, advanced turbulence modelling, and VR, we can support innovative applications such as fear of flying courses in a highly realistic yet controlled environment.”

While the customer in Monaco said “From the first contact with Elite, discussing my objective, it has been an absolute pleasure working with such passionate professionals. Elite's uncompromising extremely high quality standard in every step of the process, resulted in the most advanced simulator tailored exactly for my objective and wishes, while being easy-touse, installed and customised to perfection.”