Press Release

Issued by Loft Dynamics.

April 26, 2021

In a world premiere, EASA has qualified a type-specific Robinson R22 virtual reality training device developed and built by VRM Switzerland. A version for the Airbus H125 will follow shortly. Thanks to a unique technology developed in-house, the Swiss high-tech 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 will thus increase flight safety in the operation of their helicopters.

Since the qualification of the training device was 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. All this is possible because VRM Switzerland can operate the training devices worldwide with its own Flight Simulation Training Device Organization (FSTDO) approval. This simplifies the organisational 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 (HESLO) are available now.

Fabi Riesen, CEO at VRM Switzerland says: "Pilots should receive realistic training on simulators as it allows helicopter operators and flight schools to fly more efficiently and safely. Thanks to our 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 programme 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.

"Our VR concept, which includes the Varjo VR-3 head mounted display (HMD) and pose tracking combined with a VR haptic cockpit on a highly dynamic 6DOF motion platform, provides a training device with the highest possible visual fidelity, allowing pilots to be fully immersed," continues Fabi Riesen, CEO VRM Switzerland.

The professional use in aviation places high demands on hardware and software. "In the wide variety of VR headsets, Varjo's latest product is the only device which met the requirements. The high-resolution display in particular was the reason for choosing this product," explains Fabi Riesen.

"Varjo is honoured to be a part of the first EASA qualified VR-based flight simulation training device with our highest-fidelity head mounted display (HMD). This is a truly pivotal moment for the entire VR industry, proving that immersive simulations can bring very tangible benefits to pilot training. Together with VRM Switzerland, we look forward to providing and scaling cost-effective, photorealistic virtual simulation training to pilots worldwide," says Seppo Aaltonen, chief commercial officer Varjo.

With the qualified FSTD, training time can be credited toward flight training courses. In the example of the R22, which is qualified as FNPT II, EASA allows five hours of credit for a PPL and 10 or 20 hours for a CPL(H), depending on the training concept. The trainee also receives five hours of credit for night flight training. Thus, the acquisition of a training solution can be worthwhile even for companies with a small number of flight students and pilots.

Among other things, the simulator can be used to learn hovering and other basic manoeuvres. Various emergency procedures, such as autorotations with landing and tail rotor failure, can be practised. The system also allows scenarios that are not feasible or too dangerous with the real helicopter. Targeted training thus optimally promotes the pilots' skills.

David Solar, head of general aviation and VTOL department at EASA points out: "Virtual reality simulation is one of the pillars of the Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap, which EASA launched end of 2018 to improve small helicopter safety. This technology was identified as a real enabler and potential game changer for helicopter training. The VRM Switzerland R22 virtual reality simulator qualification is a further step towards EASA and Industry objectives to improve overall rotorcraft safety by 50% by 2028. It shows that when we are all working together, we can overcome all challenges towards a common objective. I'd like to congratulate the VRM Switzerland team for their outstanding work, as well as EASA teams for their commitment to support this qualification, which so far as I'm aware is a first in the world. Well done to all!."

Customers have already responded positively to the qualification of the simulator solution. Today the Norwegian company Helitrans has reserved two AS350/H125 slots out of the existing 15 qualification slots in 2021, and confirmed options for the R44, AW09, H135 and H145. 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.

"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 and the innovative and sophisticated training concept VRM Switzerland is now launching, through high resolution 3D visual representation combined with full flight equivalent motion, enabling the rotorcraft segment to further build a strong training and safety culture, reducing incident and accident rates towards airline standards," comments Ole Christian Melhus, chief operating officer and accountable manager at Helitrans, Norway's largest inland domestic helicopter company. "Professional simulator training, especially within special operations, will reduce risk and increase the standards and strengthen the safety culture as historically, most training, including type rating training and OPC/PCs, are done in the actual helicopter.

"Now, this training can be done in a safe and weather independent optimum learning environment, also increasing crew efficiency. With VRM Switzerland's realistic 3D visual and flight modulations, operators will also be able to train additional pilots to the highest HESLO levels, two pilot crew concepts including CRM and customise other special operations to their needs, which would be challenging to achieve in the conventional full flight simulator environment

"We are aligning our strategy based on this investment and are now planning to establish a new training centre, open to all Nordic companies and customers. When qualified, we will expand our simulator fleet with the R44, AW09, H135/H145 and establish a comprehensive training and competency centre. I am also extremely pleased to see the efforts of EASA supporting the drive to enhance rotorcraft safety through pursuing and supporting innovation and “out of the norm” training technology," concludes Melhus.

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 behaviour. The cockpit is modelled on the real helicopter and the pilot's movements are displayed in the VR environment, enabling operation of the cockpit including haptic perception. In addition, the software is optimised 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.

"The team at VRM Switzerland has developed a realistic, full-scale replica cockpit with VR technology that provides a true flight experience for the helicopter pilot through its 3D visual representation. All of this is incorporated into a novel and innovative FSTD design. With this qualification wehave set the benchmark, which will be required for highest aviation standards. Previous technologies such as mixed reality do not meet the required qualification level," says Christian Marty, CTO VRM. Switzerland.