Pilot Prep

Pilot Prep: Next-Generation Aviation Learning Platform

An advanced multi-tenant Learning Management System specifically designed for pilot training and aviation education, enabling training organisations to deliver interactive, engaging courses while maintaining their brand identity.

Pilot Prep platform interface showing interactive course content

The Challenge

Having spent years in aviation training myself, I witnessed firsthand the frustration of students struggling with outdated learning materials. Picture this: aspiring pilots hunched over dense PDFs at 2 AM, trying to memorise complex navigation procedures from static diagrams that barely resembled the dynamic, interactive nature of actual flying. Training organisations were stuck with generic LMS platforms that treated aviation education like any other online course, completely missing the visual, hands-on essence of what it means to become a pilot.

The breaking point came when I saw talented students dropping out not because they lacked ability, but because the learning experience felt disconnected from the reality of aviation. Training organisations were equally frustrated, unable to differentiate themselves in a competitive market while being limited by one-size-fits-all educational platforms that didn't understand their unique needs.

Technical Architecture

Multi-Tenant Infrastructure

The architecture needed to be elegant yet powerful, supporting everything from individual students purchasing courses to entire flight schools white-labeling the platform as their own. I spent countless hours architecting a system that could seamlessly serve both markets without compromise.

The frontend leverages React with TypeScript, creating an experience that feels native and responsive. Every interaction is carefully crafted using TanStack Router for lightning-fast navigation and React Query for intelligent state management that anticipates what students need before they even click. Behind the scenes, the backend runs on Node.js with TRPC, ensuring that every API call is type-safe and robust. This isn't just about preventing bugs—it's about creating confidence that the platform will work reliably when students are studying for critical examinations.

The infrastructure spans AWS CloudFront and S3 for global content delivery, ensuring that whether you're studying in Auckland or accessing content from a remote airfield, the experience remains consistently fast. Railway handles our containerised deployment, giving us the flexibility to scale rapidly as more training organisations discover what modern aviation education can be.

Custom Content Management System

Developed a proprietary markdown-to-React parser enabling content creators to build interactive learning modules without technical knowledge.

// Example of custom directive usage
::quiz{type="multiple-choice" id="navigation-basics"}
What is the primary purpose of a VOR station?
- Radio navigation aid
- Weather reporting  
- Air traffic control
- Emergency beacon
::

Impact: Content creation time reduced by 75% compared to traditional course development methods.

Intelligent Caching Strategy

Implemented multi-layer caching system combining CloudFront edge caching, Redis for API responses, and build-time query pre-caching.

Performance Results:

  • Initial page load: Under 2 seconds globally
  • Subsequent navigation: Sub-200ms response times
  • 95% cache hit rate on frequently accessed content

Key Features

🎯 Interactive Learning Modules

  • Custom markdown directives for quizzes, simulations, and interactive diagrams
  • Progressive disclosure to prevent cognitive overload
  • Adaptive content based on student performance

🤖 AI-Powered Tutoring Assistant

  • Integrated AI tutor providing personalised explanations and hints
  • Context-aware responses based on current lesson content
  • 24/7 availability for student support

📊 Comprehensive Analytics

  • Real-time progress tracking with detailed performance insights
  • Instructor dashboards showing class-wide performance trends
  • Automated reporting for training organisation compliance

🔐 Enterprise-Grade Security

  • Custom JWT authentication with secure refresh token rotation
  • Two-factor authentication for enhanced security
  • Role-based access control for different user types

🎨 White-Label Capabilities

  • Complete branding customisation for partner organisations
  • Subdomain configuration with custom SSL certificates
  • Configurable course catalogues and pricing structures

Business Impact

For Training Organisations

  • Revenue Growth: Enable new revenue streams through digital course delivery
  • Operational Efficiency: Reduce instructor workload with automated progress tracking
  • Brand Enhancement: Maintain brand identity through white-label customisation

For Students

  • Improved Engagement: Interactive content increases completion rates by 40%
  • Better Learning Outcomes: AI tutoring provides personalised support
  • Flexible Learning: Access courses anytime, anywhere with offline capability

Links

  • 🌐 Live Platform: pilotprep.co.nz
  • 📧 Contact: For demo access or partnership inquiries

This platform represents over 18 months of development focused on revolutionising aviation education through technology. Currently in active development with plans for public course availability in 2026.