Swiss manufacturer Brunner Elektronik has delivered the first mixed reality-based flight simulator to be qualified by EASA for pilot training use. Its NovaSim MR DA42, a flight and navigation procedures trainer II, has been certified under special conditions and is being deployed by Lufthansa Aviation Training.

The simulator replicates the Diamond DA42 and incorporates physical cockpit controls with a high-fidelity visual environment to deliver what Brunner calls an immersive training experience. The system combines real-world inputs with virtual overlays, and includes instructor tools such as integrated eye tracking to assess pilot attention and performance during critical flight scenarios.

Visual rendering is powered by Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headset, which was instrumental in achieving the required level of realism for certification.

Roger Klingler, CEO of Brunner Elektronik AG, says: “We are proud to lead the way in redefining aviation training by achieving the first-ever EASA qualification for a mixed reality simulator. With the NovaSim MR DA42, we've combined precision Swiss engineering with breakthrough XR technology to deliver a simulator that meets demanding regulatory standards while providing unmatched realism and flexibility in pilot training.”

The certification is seen as a precedent for similar simulators seeking regulatory recognition in Europe. It comes amid growing demand for scalable training solutions to help address the ongoing shortage of commercial pilots. Lufthansa Aviation Training CEO Manuel Meier says: “We have supported this pioneering project from the very beginning with conviction, contributing our expertise to the qualification process and the technical advancement of the mixed reality simulator.”