Switzerland & USA – Loft Dynamics, a pioneer in virtual reality-based flight training solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Scott Urschel, an industry veteran with over 35 years of rotorcraft experience, to expand the reach of FAA- and EASA-qualified VR helicopter simulators across North America.

• The partnership aims to transform traditional helicopter pilot training, shifting from infrequent, weather-dependent, and high-risk in-aircraft training to immersive, high-frequency VR-based training.

• Urschel, founder and CEO of Pylon Aviation, has logged over 11,000 flight hours on 35 helicopter types and 100 fixed-wing aircraft. He is also one of only four FAA-licensed helicopter aerobatic pilots worldwide and a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

• He brings decades of expertise in flight testing, certification, high-risk envelope expansion, NVG certifications, and mentoring pilots, aligning closely with Loft Dynamics’ mission to raise safety standards in rotorcraft operations.

• Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators, qualified by both the FAA and EASA, allow pilots to safely train high-risk maneuvers (such as autorotations) that are rarely practiced in real helicopters due to safety constraints.

• These simulators support Live-Virtual training models with high fidelity, making training more accessible, frequent, and cost-effective, particularly for operators who lack access to full-flight simulators.

• Urschel emphasized that nearly one-third of all helicopter accidents occur during training, making safer alternatives essential. He praised Loft Dynamics’ VR technology as “the most meaningful advancement I’ve seen in pilot training in decades.”

Statements

• “Without a doubt, this technology sets a new standard in aviation training and will shape the next generation of pilots to be the most prepared, most skilled, and safest we’ve ever seen,” – Scott Urschel.

• “In the world of rotorcraft, few names carry as much respect, trust, and deep-rooted experience as Scott Urschel,” – Fabi Riesen, CEO, Loft Dynamics.

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, develops high-fidelity, immersive VR flight simulators that are the first to be certified by both the FAA and EASA. These simulators provide cost-effective, scalable, and safe pilot training solutions for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics