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Aviation to Pilot Neuro Training for Cognitive Performance in the Flightdeck

A first-of-its-kind initiative will use immersive neuro training tools to improve focus, decision-making, and situational awareness for aviation students, making pilot training more effective and accessible.

A small red and white training aircraft lifts off from a runway with the sun shining brightly in the sky and grass in the foreground.

A Flying Mavs training aircraft takes off under clear skies at UNO’s Aviation Institute.

🎯 Project Focus

The UNO Aviation Institute will launch a pilot neuro training program using immersive virtual reality and cognitive skill-building tools. The project aims to improve student performance in the classroom and in-flight simulation by sharpening mental focus, reaction time, and decision-making skills​. A platform called NeuroTrainer, paired with Meta Quest VR headsets, will allow students to safely and repeatedly practice under cognitive pressure, just like they’ll experience in the air.

💡 Why It Matters

Becoming a pilot takes more than technical training. It takes laser focus, stress management, and the ability to make quick, critical decisions. While flight hours can be costly and learning curves steep, our program is designed to improve performance and ideally help students save money and accelerate certification timelines.

Ideally, this program:

  • Increases training efficiency
  • Lowers costs and barriers for students
  • Helps students build mental resilience under pressure

🚀 Key Initiatives

  • Interdisciplinary Focus: Concentrations will span business, public administration, cybersecurity, and more.
  • Target Audience: Military officers, government professionals, and private-sector executives.
  • Academic + Practical: Combines scholarly rigor with real-world application—ideal for clinical faculty roles or industry leadership.
  • Strategic Partnerships: NCITE, Office of Military and Veteran Services, and the College of Public Affairs are among early collaborators.

🌎 The big picture

The neuro training initiative aligns with UNO’s Strategic Framework:

  • Enhances access and equity by lowering training costs and boosting student success
  • Provides data-driven insight into how cognitive training impacts academic and professional performance
  • Prepares high-performing aviation professionals to meet national demand

⚡ What’s next

Here’s what the rollout looks like:

  • Phase 1: Test group includes the UNO Flying Mavs Flight Team in Fall 2025
  • Phase 2: Launch a for-credit neuro training course open to all aviation students
  • Phase 3: Scale the program for broader curriculum integration and research

Instructors will use performance data from NeuroTrainer to personalize coaching and measure real-world impact, both in the simulator and in the classroom.