Montes De Oca believes would-be pilots can have real stick and rudder experiences by flying an air vehicle by remote control, similar to the way people fly drone quadcopters.

He brought together a team of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering majors and one physics major to build such an aircraft system as the capstone project of their senior year.

Here’s how it would work. Through a camera on the air vehicle, the pilot wearing first-person goggles on the ground would have a cockpit view and full radio control of the flight. The pilot could practice taking off, landing and all the turning maneuvers. A flight instructor could watch in real time, provide instructions and, if needed, take over.

The system would not replace required flight hours, said Montes De Oca, but it would be a safe and affordable way for trainees to gain proficiency.

Aviation partners:

Sponsors included YellowJET Aviation Services, a charter and flight training school for commercial and high-end private pilots at Paine Field in Everett. Owner-operator Kurt Cantarano offered its online ground school for free to members of the capstone team and aviation club. Cantarano said he’s excited to work with UW Bothell and enjoys helping students who are interested in aviation. Montes De Oca also works at YellowJET as an instructor and plans to continue as the liaison with UW Bothell on the project.