Airbus Helicopters has become the first OEM to receive approval to deliver pilot type rating training using a VR flight simulator, with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) authorising AS350 B3e type rating training with a Loft Dynamics simulator.
“Helicopter training and checking has long faced a painful trade-off: rely on limited-access, cost-prohibitive full-flight simulators, or conduct high-risk manoeuvres in the aircraft itself,” said Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “One-third of all helicopter accidents occur during training and checking – that tells you everything. With this approval, Airbus, EASA, and DGAC have shown how we begin to reverse that statistic and what the future of safer, more accessible pilot training looks like.”
The Loft Dynamics VR H125 simulator will be installed at Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane training facility, with regulatory approval stemming from a series of successful steps surrounding VR simulators. In 2023, EASA authorised Loft Dynamics’ VR H125 simulator for pilot training and checking, followed by FAA approval in 2024.
Riesen continued: “This milestone proves that our VR technology is ready to support complex certification programs, including with one of the world’s most respected OEMs. It also builds on the important regulatory groundwork laid by EASA and reflects the bold leadership of Airbus in turning the vision of safer, more scalable training into reality.”
“I am thrilled to announce that our ATO has been approved by the French DGAC to deliver AS350 B3e type rating using a combination of Loft Dynamics VR simulator and helicopter,” commented Yann Guerin, Head of Training Operations at Airbus Helicopters. “It is an important milestone for us in line with Airbus Helicopters’ objective to reduce the number of accidents for light helicopters worldwide. The safety of our customers is paramount for us.”
Photo: Loft Dynamics
