Virtual Reality Training Device allows time to be credited towards flight training

Thanks to a unique technology developed in-house, the Swiss training solution provider is the first to receive approval for a VR training solution from an aviation authority. Pilots can now have simulator time credited to their flight training and benefit from the high training value of the device. Flight schools and helicopter companies thus increase flight safety in the operation of their helicopters.

Since the qualification of the training device is done directly by EASA, customers of VRM Switzerland can use the VR training device without further national qualification according to EASA regulations. This enables innovative companies to establish new business models and to increase flight safety using the latest technology, to offer more cost-effective training solutions and to train in an environmentally friendly way at any time of day.

Simplifying organizational effort for flight schools

All this is possible because VRM Switzerland can operate the training devices worldwide with its own Flight Simulation Training Device Organization. This simplifies the organizational effort for flight schools and operators enormously. The qualified Robinson R22 and the soon to be qualified Airbus H125 simulators with sling load training option are available now.

Fabi Riesen, CEO at VRM Switzerland, said: “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. 

Meanwhile, a new virtual reality crew simulator has completed the full suite of simulators at the Australian LifeFlight Training Academy.