First H125 Virtual Reality Flight Training Device Level 3 qualified

VRM Switzerland

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), VRM Switzerland and Airbus Helicopters have qualified an Airbus Helicopters H125 flight training device (FTD) Level 3 with Virtual Reality (VR) technology at Helitrans in Norway

This training device is approved by Airbus Helicopters and enables pilots to fly and feel the H125 with a level of fidelity very close to the real helicopter in all phases of flight and during emergency situations. The simulator will be used for pilot training and checking and will provide training credits.

Fabi Riesen, CEO of VRM Switzerland, commented: “VRM Switzerland has further enhanced its VR technology that was first qualified in 2021 for a different aircraft. A novelty is the common tablet with stored checklists and other documents which is fully integrated in the virtual world. This allows the pilot to operate a real tablet in VR for the first time ever.”

Francesco Gaetani, Acting Head of Air Crew & Medical Department at EASA, added: “EASA has carefully investigated the capabilities and effects of this combination of VR and motion systems for helicopter training. EASA is confident that such types of new technologies will bring added value to training organizations in terms of cost and flight safety.”