France-based test pilot school EPNER (L'École du Personnel Navigant d'Essais et de Réception) is to acquire an EASA-qualified Airbus H125 VR FSTD from Loft Dynamics, to safely and efficiently train its students in executing and evaluating manoeuvres uniquely required for their job function.

EPNER operates under the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), the French government agency responsible for acquiring and developing military equipment and technology. It trains highly qualified test crews, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and parachutists, to conduct and manage ground and flight tests for military and civilian aircraft.

Now, with this Airbus H125 FSTD, the first and only VR FSTD to achieve FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, EPNER can ensure the highest level of simulation quality for its students and their distinct requirements.

"The exact replication of flight behaviour, including precise helicopter movements and high-quality 3D visual depictions, made it overwhelmingly clear that we needed to implement Loft Dynamics' simulator into our test crew training programmes," says deputy director and head of training Patrice Gaillon. "We can demonstrate and train flight behaviours at the edge of the envelope and beyond so that students hone the most relevant techniques before stepping foot in the actual aircraft. This kind of simulator training is incredibly efficient; we can safely and regularly repeat manoeuvres until the required performance level is reached, all while never being beholden to aircraft availability, which is subject to weather conditions, airport hours of operation and maintenance slots. The skills and knowledge become so engrained they know exactly what to apply and evaluate during test sessions."

"The partnership we're launching with EPNER is an incredibly exciting and valuable one," adds Loft Dynamics CEO Fabi Riesen. "We're establishing an intimate feedback loop with an organisation known for its academic rigour, excellence and history in training the world's top test pilots, a role that requires extensive training and a highly specialised skill set. Its diverse training and testing exposure and expert insights will allow us to continuously iterate and improve our technology to benefit our existing and prospective customers worldwide. This level of adaptive responsiveness is especially valuable as we expand to fixed-wing and eVTOL aircraft FSTDs."