VR-training for helicopter pilots approved by EASA

Thanks to a unique technology developed in-house, the Swiss high-tech training solution provider VRM Switzerland is the first to receive approval for a VR training solution from an aviation authority. Since the qualification of the training device is done directly by European Aviation Safety Authority EASA, customers of VRM Switzerland can use the VR training device without further national qualification according to EASA regulations.

Fabi Riesen, CEO at VRM Switzerland says: «Pilots should receive realistic training on simulators. This allows helicopter operators and flight schools to fly more efficiently and safely. Thanks to the qualification from EASA, we can offer training with the possibility of crediting flight hours. To make this possible, a lot of preparatory work was necessary. The suitability of the VR concept was verified through a training evaluation program together with EASA involving pilots of various nationalities from industry and aviation authorities, including helicopter flight instructors and test pilots.» This evaluation confirmed the suitability of the VR concept for training purposes, particularly for cases such as autorotation, hovering and slope landing where exact height perception and a wide field of view are required.  

Strong demand from customers

Customers have already responded positively to the qualification of the simulator solution. The Norwegian company Helitrans has reserved first spots and confirmed further options. This shows impressively that schools and professional operators have been waiting for a VR simulator solution for a long time, with which flight training can be improved and also simplified. The qualification now gives them the certainty that the investment will pay off.

Ole Christian Melhus, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager at Helitrans, Norway’s largest inland domestic helicopter company comments: «Coming from the Airline industry and having seen the effect of safety focused and structured simulator training, I am extremely thrilled to be part of the paradigm shift the innovative and sophisticated training concept VRM Switzerland is now launching. We are aligning our strategy based on this investment and are now planning to establish a new training center, open to all Nordic companies and customers.”

Immersive experience

A sophisticated overall system creates a full-body immersion. This gives the pilot the feeling of sitting in a real helicopter. The highly dynamic motion platform allows the pilot to precisely feel the finest changes in attitude and touchdown on the ground. A numerical simulation enables the realistic representation of the flight behavior. The cockpit is modeled on the real helicopter. The pilot's movements are displayed in the VR environment, enabling operation of the cockpit including haptic perception. In addition, the software is optimized for VR glasses. This has the great advantage that the pilot has exactly the same visual representation as in the real helicopter, which is unique.