Nakanihon Air, one of Japan's largest helicopter operators, is working with Loft Dynamics, a VR flight training solutions provider that has achieved FTD Level 7 qualification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), the highest qualification level for helicopter flight training devices in Japan. JCAB joins the FAA and EASA in qualifying the company's VR system.

Installed at Nakanihon Air's headquarters at Nagoya airport, the device is the first FTD Level 7-qualified VR helicopter simulator in Japan and Loft Dynamics' first simulator installation in the Asia Pacific region.

JCAB's qualification opens the door for broader use of high-fidelity simulator training across Japan's helicopter sector. The device enables operators to deliver more consistent and safety-focused training, reducing reliance on aircraft for scenarios that are difficult, inefficient or impractical to conduct in flight. Pilots can rehearse normal, abnormal and emergency procedures in a controlled environment, while instructors can standardise training and evaluation across a wide range of operational scenarios.

Japan is one of the largest helicopter markets in Asia, and Nakanihon Air supports a wide range of mission-critical operations including emergency medical transport, disaster response and aerial infrastructure inspection. Until now, access to high-fidelity, qualified helicopter simulator training has been limited in Japan, with much of this training conducted in the aircraft itself. With the Level 7-qualified simulator now in operation, Nakanihon Air pilots can train more frequently for the range of missions they fly across Japan, from emergency response to infrastructure inspection.

The simulator enables pilots to rehearse scenarios including engine failures, autorotation landings, tail rotor failures and hydraulic system malfunctions. Its immersive VR cockpit and full-motion platform allow pilots to repeatedly train across varied terrain and changing weather conditions. The simulator also includes a technical crew member station, enabling coordinated training between pilots and mission specialists for operations such as sling loads.

“Maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and achieving zero serious incidents remain our core objectives, and Loft Dynamics is a trusted partner in helping us advance these goals,” says Shigeharu Matsuoka, president of Nakanihon Air. “The introduction of Japan's first FTD Level 7 VR simulator is an important milestone, giving our pilots the ability to train for complex, decision-intensive scenarios and rare equipment failures in a safe, controlled environment. By enabling repeated, immersive training, this technology will strengthen pilot readiness and elevate safety across a wide range of operations. It will also allow us to refine the skills of pilots currently on the front lines and, more broadly, accelerate the development of the next generation of aviation talent in Japan.”

“This shows what's possible when operators, regulators and local partners align to advance pilot training,” adds Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Working closely with Nakanihon Air, Inter-Craft and the JCAB, we've been able to bring qualified VR helicopter training to Japan for the first time. As more countries adopt this approach, we raise the standard of safety and enable the next generation of pilots to train more regularly, in more places around the world.”

Nakanihon Air's collaboration with Loft Dynamics is part of its broader commitment to safety and innovation. The company operates a dedicated Safety Innovation Hall and maintains a ‘Zero Accident’ safety target, investing in advanced training technologies that strengthen pilot preparedness.

The simulator was delivered through Inter-Craft, which introduced the technology to the Japanese market and coordinated with the JCAB to support its certification.