Padpilot 3D models on Sketchfab

March 29, 2022

Sketchfab, the web-based platform where we host the Touch 3D models included in our aviation theory ebooks, is celebrating turning ten.

These interactive 3D models are a key feature of our digital training manuals for student pilots. They lift the theory off the page, so you’re not just reading words – you can visualise what you’re studying – and understand it faster.

Sketchfab celebrated its tenth birthday this week so we thought we’d explain a bit more about how and why we use this platform to enhance student pilot’s ground school studies.

The Touch 3D models are one of the most popular features of our books.  Our subject matter experts design them, and then our in-house graphic artists work their magic.

3D interactivity for pilot training 

Sketchfab launched in March 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 developed the rendering quality and performance, adding new features and integrations and so, in 2017 Padpilot began experimenting with hosting visual content for our digital books there.

An important consideration for our editorial team was how to use 3D models in a way that benefits student pilots during ground school – to improve understanding or 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 to deliver improved educational value is more important.

So our 3D models are designed to illuminate some of the trickier, or more conceptual parts of the PPL, CBIR and ATPL theory syllabus. Students can touch, rotate and explore the model 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 in Sketchfab

Padpilot 3D models hosted on the Sketchfab platform can also 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 through our public channel here. Download the Sketchfab app if you’d like to view them in 3D and AR. 

A Smarter Education for student pilots


Our mission is 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 and – as a result – improved operating skills .

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 bring. 

Solutions for ATOs

If you’re an instructor or pilot training organisation, and interested in discussing ground school solutions, please book an Exploration meeting with our Sales Director Cristina Messaggi.

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Accountable Manager, Dansk Pilot Uddannelse

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The combination of text, illustrations and videos helps me understand ATPL concepts far more easily. (e.g. Gyroscopes)

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With the introduction of the EASA 2020 syllabus, we wanted to modernise the theory material. Padpilot offered the most reliable, up-to-date, and interactive content. The extra features, such as Case Studies and TEM flags, add to our students’ learning experience, and our instructors can personalise the classroom presentations that work so well alongside the book content. We’re proud to be the first ATO in Germany to sign an agreement with Padpilot.

Aerotours GmbH Flight Training School

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