Loft Dynamics, a creator of qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulation technology and the manufacturer of the only VR flight simulation training device (FSTD) approved by Airbus Helicopters, has announced a historic industry milestone: Airbus Helicopters has become the first OEM to receive regulatory approval to deliver a pilot type rating programme using a VR flight simulator. The company's approved training organisation has been officially authorised by the French DGAC to conduct AS350B3E type rating training using Loft's VR sim.

This achievement builds on a wave of regulatory progress in Europe. In late 2023, EASA became the first authority to formally qualify Loft Dynamics' H125 VR simulator and uniquely authorised it for all aspects of pilot training and checking. Now, France's DGAC has become the first national authority to act on this new framework, approving a type rating programme that uses a certified VR FSTD and the aircraft, without requiring a full flight simulator. This alignment between policy, innovation and operational practice marks a turning point for the industry. The result is more than a regulatory milestone: It gives the industry its first clear, repeatable blueprint for how OEMs, ATOs and regulators can work together to scale safer, more accessible pilot training in Europe and globally.

“Helicopter training and checking has long faced a painful trade-off: rely on limited-access, cost-prohibitive full flight simulators or conduct high-risk manoeuvres in the aircraft itself,” says Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “One-third of all helicopter accidents occur during training and checking; that tells you everything. With this approval, Airbus, EASA and DGAC have shown how we begin to reverse that statistic and what the future of safer, more accessible pilot training looks like. This milestone proves that our VR technology is ready to support complex certification programmes, including with one of the world's most respected OEMs. It also builds on the important regulatory groundwork laid by EASA and reflects the bold leadership of Airbus in turning the vision of safer, more scalable training into reality.”

“I am thrilled to announce that our ATO has been approved by the French DGAC to deliver AS350 B3e type rating using a combination of Loft Dynamics VR simulator and helicopter,” adds Yann Guerin, head of training operations at Airbus Helicopters. “It is an important milestone for us in line with the Airbus Helicopter's objective to reduce the number of accidents for light helicopters worldwide. The safety of our customers is paramount for us.”