3D model hosting platform, Sketchfab, turns ten

March 29, 2022

Sketchfab, the 3D model hosting platform, celebrated its tenth birthday this week.

The web based platform is where we host the 3D models in our aviation theory ebooks. These interactive 3D models are one of the most popular features of our ebooks for student pilots.  Created by our in-house graphic artists, they’re designed to complement the text in the PPL, CBIR and ATPL manuals, and bring the aviation theory to life during the theory phase of pilot training.

Student interactivity for pilot training 

Sketchfab launched on 10 March 26th 2012 as a simple 3D viewer that allowed creators to share their 3D models online, without the need for programming. Over the years, the company has developed the rendering quality and performance, adding new features and integrations and, in 2017, we began experimenting with hosting visual content for our eBooks there.

An important consideration for our editorial team was how to use 3D models in a way that benefits student pilots during ground school; help them learn with more understanding, or to grasp complex concepts more quickly. Good looking visuals are nice to have of course, but we didn’t just want eye candy for the sake of it. For us, increasing students interaction with the syllabus in order to deliver improved educational value is more important.

Our 3D models are designed to complement some of the trickier, or more conceptual parts of the PPL, CBIR or ATPL theory syllabus. Trainee pilots can interact, rotate and explore them visually, clicking on the annotations to learn more. They can be viewed from any angle and zoomed in on, and some have sound for extra realism.

Augmented and virtual reality

The Sketchfab platform also means we can create models that can be viewed in Virtual Realty (VR) with a set of basic VR goggles. This Airbus A380 flight deck looks amazing in VR. Since the release of Sketchfab’s iOS AR app, students can also explore some of our 3D models in augmented reality (AR) too.

Most models are available to explore exclusively within our books, but a few are available though our public channel here. Download the Sketchfab app if you’d like to view them in 3D and AR. 

At Padpilot, we provide the smartest educational materials for future pilots. It’s our mission to help training organisations deliver an educational experience that promotes deep understanding of the subject matter, better knowledge retention that lasts well beyond the ground school phase of pilot training and, as a result, improved operating skills on the flight deck.

And we’ve always used the latest technology to do that. So, happy birthday Sketchfab! We look forward to seeing what the next ten years brings. 

Smarter Education

For pilot training organisations interested in teaching, learning and support resources from Padpilot, please email Sales and Business Development Director, Cristina Messaggi.

More blogs

ATPL(A) Book Bursary

ATPL(A) Book Bursary

Today, to celebrate World Pilots’ Day 2023, we’re announcing the launch of our first Book Bursary for aspiring commercial pilots.  We’re excited to be able to offer 5...

read more
How to become a pilot

How to become a pilot

Gathering information about how to become a pilot can feel like a complicated task at the beginning. This blog post is the place to start! Some professions have one training...

read more

I studied carefully every topic in the ATPL material to gain comprehensive knowledge. I was well prepared for the new exam content and scored above 90% in every subject!

J.J.

Student

We’re very happy to start this new cooperation with Padpilot. We share the same vision of wanting to improve students’ knowledge, and, at the same time, pilot performance and safety with KSA100. Thanks to this support we didn’t stop operating, even during lockdown, continuing to teach classes online throughout. Our students’ safety is what matters the most to us.”

Capt. Calvano

President, Airways Aviation Esma

At L3 Harris, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality commercial pilot training in the market. It’s therefore important to work with third party suppliers that have best in class products and services on offer, ensuring we can support our cadets with the most up to date and innovative learning tools. We’re pleased to extend our contract with Padpilot and look forward to continuing to work with them in our shared aim to deliver world-class pilot training.

C. Rydon

L3Harris Airline Academy

Padpilot are ahead of the game; the books are beautiful, well structured and include the KSA areas for the 2020 EASA requirements. They’ve implemented new technology, such as AR and are a good match for our training philosophy which is, ‘personal pilot training, in style’. Padpilot books are convenient, paperless, and a fun way for students to study. And of course, Padpilot always offers great customer service.

K. Vereeken

CEO, Europilot Centre

OMNI chose Padpilot as we believe in delivering the highest standards of learning experience, connecting new technologies and producing internationally competent individuals to the aviation industry. Receiving feedback from partner airlines about our pilot trainees who are technically ready and harnessed with leadership skills reaffirms this mission. With Padpilot, we help our trainees land a job and become Captain material.

J.P. A. Gomez

OMNI

Products

Frequently asked questions

Contact us