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Los Angeles Police Department Using Virtual Reality to Train Pilots with FAA – Certified Loft Dynamics Simulator

  • LAPD Overhauls Training Program with VR to Improve Safety and Efficacy; Enables Pilots to Realistically Train Nighttime Operations, High-Speed Chases, Emergency Procedures, Mission-specific Scenarios, and More
  • Loft Dynamics Releases Technology Allowing Pilots Worldwide to Train with LAPD’s Chief Pilot in Virtual Reality

USA and Switzerland  – The Los Angeles Police Department(LAPD) Air Support Division, the largest municipal airborne unit in the United States, has become the first U.S. law enforcement agency to use virtual reality (VR) for pilot training. The department has installed a state-of-the-art VR flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics—the global leader in flight simulation technology and the only one to be qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). LAPD will use Loft Dynamics’ simulator to enhance the safety, efficiency, realism, and accessibility of its training, enabling the crew to practice under highly realistic conditions and prepare for every scenario they may encounter.

“It has been extremely difficult to incorporate mission-based scenarios into our training program with the realism and frequency necessary for the training to be effective,” said Kevin Gallagher, Chief Pilot for LAPD. “The acquisition of the Loft Dynamics VR simulator and our partnership with their software engineers has solved that problem. The realism of the full-motion platform, combined with the ability to custom-build highly specific police scenarios, is revolutionizing the way we train—whether it’s inadvertent IIMC entry, low-altitude chases, or night vision operations. This technology ensures that in critical moments, our pilots are prepared to execute with precision and confidence—because in aviation, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training.”

LAPD’s Loft Dynamics VR simulator, featuring a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit of the Airbus Helicopters H125, will be used by the department’s50 pilots for regular training at its heliport. LAPD is implementing a structured, VR-centric training curriculum designed by Gallagher.

As part of the new curriculum, LAPD is collaborating with Loft Dynamics to develop customized scenarios tailored to the unique demands of law enforcement operations. These include high-speed car chase simulations, with adjustable parameters such as suspect vehicle speed and path, and scenarios that integrate the use of the Tyler Special Operations Platform within the virtual cabin.

The department is also leveraging Loft Dynamics’ newly released VR demonstration platform, LofTWIN, to expand training capabilities. LofTWIN allows chief pilots and operators to capture and share their scenario-and maneuver-based lessons in VR. For LAPD, Gallagher has created VR lessons on critical procedures, covering everything from aerial chases to emergency landings. In these virtual training sessions, the LAPD pilot sits beside Gallagher’s full-body avatar in the simulated cockpit, experiencing force feedback from controls, and listening to his verbal instruction. In turn, LAPD pilots gain round-the-clock access to a consistent, precise and fully immersive training experience. Additionally, performance tracking features enable pilots to measure and benchmark their progress against Gallagher’s expertise and objectives, following evidence-based training best practices.

LAPD is extending its expert training globally with LofTWIN. Using any Loft Dynamics simulator worldwide, pilots and law enforcement agencies can now access LAPD’s virtual training lessons. They can train alongside Gallagher in a fully immersive VR environment and evaluate their performance against one of the most experienced aerial law enforcement pilots in the world.

“We are revolutionizing pilot training and democratizing access to world-class instruction through VR, and our partnership with LAPD is the latest proof point,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “LAPD’s pioneering adoption of our technology demonstrates how VR can transform localized programs into global benchmarks for safety and skill development. Together, we’re not just setting new standards for law enforcement preparedness but also redefining what’s possible for sectors like aerial firefighting, disaster relief, and more. This is how we build and scale the next generation of best-in-class pilots.”

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in qualified virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTD). It is the only VR FSTD qualified by the FAA and EASA. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our revolutionary VR simulators provide a more immersive, realistic, customizable, and safe training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. We serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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Loft Dynamics Engages Future Aviation Professionals with Hands-On VR Training in 2025

Switzerland – Loft Dynamics, a provider of virtual reality (VR) flight simulation technology, recently hosted 26 students from OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences at its headquarters. The visit aimed to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical aviation training innovations.

  • The students had the opportunity to explore Loft Dynamics’ VR flight simulators and learn about advancements in aviation training.
  • The visit included discussions with the company’s engineers, allowing students to engage in technical conversations and exchange ideas.
  • Loft Dynamics highlighted the importance of fresh perspectives in fostering innovation within the aviation training industry.
  • The company noted that some of its current employees first connected with Loft Dynamics through similar student visits.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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German Pilot Training Organisation Highlights VRpilot Supported MCC & A320 Type Rating Training

Mönchengladbach, Germany – based TL Aviation has highlighted its virtual reality supported Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and A320 Type Rating training – through its partnership with VRpilot.

  • The VR-based training provides a highly immersive cockpit experience, enhancing pilot readiness for airline operations.
  • Designed for MCC and A320 Type Rating, the program improves Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills in a realistic environment.
  • VR training offers a cost-effective, flexible, and innovative alternative to traditional simulator training.

Source: TL Aviation
Photo Credit: TL Aviation

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California Aeronautical University Partners with Headset Provider Lightspeed Aviation

USA – California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to announce a new partnership with Lightspeed Aviation aimed at supporting students on their journey to become professional aviators.

Through this partnership, CAU students will gain special access to Lightspeed’s premium active noise reduction (ANR) headsets. Winner of Flying Magazine’s “Editor’s Choice Award,” Lightspeed’s headsets are designed with advanced technologies to enhance comfort, focus, and communication – providing an overall safer flying environment for pilots.

The partnership also entails Lightspeed becoming a sponsor of the CAU Flight Team, the University’s competitive team that participates in national collegiate competitions that promote aviation safety and excellence. Each member of the Flight Team will be equipped with a Zulu 3 ANR headset to further enhance the team’s dedication to safe flight operations.

“We’re excited about our partnership with Lightspeed Aviation,” said Matt Johnston, President of California Aeronautical University. “By creating more access to their comfortable and well-designed headsets, we’re confident our students can have a better flight experience through reduced cockpit noise and clear communications.”

Continuing its mission of philanthropy in the general aviation market, Lightspeed will also provide support contributions to CAU for every headset purchased. These contributions will go towards the Flight Team, including fuel for flight practice and travel expenses to competitions.

“At Lightspeed Aviation, our mission is to enhance pilot safety and proficiency by continually learning and educating both ourselves and our end-users,” said Heider Lazzarini, President of Lightspeed Aviation. “CAU’s exceptional commitment to training student pilots aligns perfectly with our values, making this partnership an ideal match. We are thrilled to collaborate with CAU, offering superior comfort, cockpit quietness, and communication clarity with our Zulu 3 headsets.”

This partnership with Lightspeed is a natural extension of CAU’s commitment to support and train the next generation of aviation professionals.

About California Aeronautical University
California Aeronautical University (CAU) is preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Serving students from all over the country, the University offers career-focused programs in aviation, aviation business, and aircraft maintenance. With on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona that provide an ideal learning environment, CAU courses are delivered in a year-round, fast-paced schedule that enables students to enter the pipeline for aviation careers in a shorter amount of time. Through the University’s strong partnerships with airlines, influential aviation organizations, and leaders in the aviation community, CAU graduates become a part of a larger aviation network and reap the benefits of these relationships, including direct access to several airline cadet programs. The University offers financial aid, scholarships, and veteran educational benefits to those who qualify.

The Lightspeed Difference
Lightspeed has nearly 30 years dedicated to aviation headsets – this is our core business. We have a passion for education as demonstrated in historic partnerships such as the EAA Young Eagles, the Ray Scholarship Program, and the AOPA You Can Fly program. We have the broadest ANR headset selection in the world and are the only aviation headset brand to build in safety features into a headset – the Lightspeed Delta Zulu®.

Source: California Aeronautical University
Photo Credit: California Aeronautical University

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New Zealand-based iSim Develops Custom Control Loading System for Business Jet Device

New Zealand – iSim Ltd, a New Zealand-based flight simulator company, has successfully integrated Iris Dynamics’ ORCA™ Series Smart Linear Motors into its custom-built Hawker 800 business jet simulator. The project aimed to enhance force feedback realism through an advanced control loading system on a six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) motion platform.

  • iSim developed a custom control loading system for the Hawker 800 simulator to replicate the forces pilots experience in real aircraft.
  • Conventional flight simulators often lack accurate tactile feedback, which can lead to negative training outcomes. iSim sought to address this with force feedback technology.
  • The ORCA motors offer smooth, compliant backdrivability, allowing realistic force application and pilot interaction.
  • Using ORCA’s SDK and direct USB connectivity, iSim simplified integration, reducing development time and effort.
  • ORCA motors operate at just 20 dB, minimizing distractions and maintaining immersion in training environments.
  • The motors feature adjustable stiffness, damping, autopilot-driven movements, and other custom configurations tailored to flight training needs.
  • The solution ensures a compact, cost-effective setup without the complexity of traditional high-voltage servo motors and external systems.

About iSim Ltd
iSim Ltd. is a New Zealand-based manufacturer of next-generation flight simulators, specializes in designing and building custom Flight Training Devices for various aircraft and helicopter types. 

About Iris Dynamics Ltd
Iris Dynamics Ltd, headquartered on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is a privately-owned technology company specializing in advanced motion control solutions. The company develops smart linear motors designed for high-precision applications, including flight simulation.

Source: iSim Ltd.
Photo Credit: iSim Ltd.

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Loft Dynamics Releases First-Ever Airbus H145 VR Simulator; Boston MedFlight Among the First to Partner

  • New VR H145 Simulator Brings Unprecedented Realism and Accessibility to EMS, Law Enforcement, and Military Training
  • Boston MedFlight To Become First U.S. Helicopter Operator Integrating VR Training for Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilots
  • Loft Dynamics’ H145 VR Simulator Made Its Public Debut at Verticon in Dallas, TX, March 10–13

Zurich and Boston – Loft Dynamics, the global leader in qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices, today announced the worldwide release of its highly anticipated Airbus H145 VR simulator—the first-ever VR flight simulator for this widely used rotorcraft. Designed to support the demanding training needs of H145 operators across air ambulance, law enforcement, and military missions, the new simulator provides a high level of accessibility, realism, and efficiency.

Loft Dynamics also announced that Boston MedFlight, the largest critical care transport provider in the northeastern United States, is among the first operators in the world to sign a letter of intent to integrate the VR H145 simulator into its training program. The organization plans to install the state-of-the-art VR simulator at one of its four Massachusetts bases.

“Our critical care medical transport pilots operate in complex and unpredictable environments, from landing on highways at night to navigating congested airspace to reach a city hospital. Comprehensive training for these high-stakes scenarios is essential, and advanced flight simulators like the Loft Dynamics H145 hold the power to be a game-changing solution by immersing pilots in realistic scenarios within a controlled environment,” said Maura Hughes, CEO of Boston MedFlight.

“Bringing the H145 VR simulator to market is a core part of our mission to make world-class pilot training more affordable, accessible, and relevant across all sectors,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Effective H145 training must go beyond aircraft handling— it must also replicate the physiological and emotional demands of real missions, from the pressure of transporting a critically injured child to coordinating with ground teams in fast-changing conditions. For training to be truly effective, pilots need frequent exposure to these scenarios. Our new simulator makes that possible for H145 operators—delivering high-fidelity training at one-tenth the size and a fraction of the cost of traditional full-motion simulators. We’re enabling critical operators like Boston MedFlight to provide the highest-quality training— ensuring pilots are better prepared than ever, so they can operate safely and confidently when lives depend on them. That’s what drives us to keep innovating every day.”

The Loft Dynamics H145 VR simulator features:

  • Real-world flight dynamics with a six-degrees-of-freedom full-motion platform that replicates all haptic sensations—such as sling loads, runway texture, and force feedback from flight controls.
  • A full-scale replica cockpit with a 360-degree panoramic view, providing precise visual cues both inside and outside the aircraft.
  • A full-body pose tracking system, allowing pilots to see their exact hand and body movements in real time within the VR environment.
  • AI- and machine learning-powered performance tracking, which objectively captures and measures pilot core competencies across maneuvers and scenarios and provides data-driven feedback to optimize training.
  • Customizable scenarios and environments, enabling pilots to train for real-world missions in conditions such as Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), Whiteout/Brownout scenarios, and the FAA- and EASA-qualified HESLO training simulation.
  • Virtual demonstration mode (LofTWIN), which digitizes flight instruction from world-renowned pilots and operator instructors, transforming it into an immersive VR experience that is accessible anytime, anywhere, ensuring consistent and precise training.

The H145 simulator is now available for order. To schedule a demo or for more information, please contact sales@loftdynamics.com. Visit us at Verticon in Dallas from March 10-13 to see the first public demonstrations of the H145 simulator.

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in qualified virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTD). It is the first and only VR FSTD qualified by the FAA and EASA. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our revolutionary VR simulators provide a more immersive, realistic, customizable, and safe training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. We serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

About Boston MedFlight
A nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Boston MedFlight has transported more than 100,000 patients, including over 6,000 patients in 2024 alone. The organization provides comprehensive medical transport services by air and ground to patients in New England and beyond. Boston MedFlight works in close partnership with local and regional healthcare systems to ensure timely access to high-quality and specialized care. Operating as mobile intensive care units (ICUs), all Boston MedFlight vehicles—including its fleet of seven helicopters, a jet, and nine critical care ambulances—are equipped to provide advanced life support and critical care during transport.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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Simaero Appoints Amir Mekhaeil to Lead Simulator Brokerage and Spare Parts Service Offering

France – Simaero has appointed Amir Mekhaeil, Group Senior Business Development Manager, to lead the development of its simulator brokerage, simulor engineering services and spare parts activities.

The company provides end-to-end support, including used simulator acquisition, relocation, upgrades, and maintenance.

“Whether you’re exploring options for a used simulator purchase, relocation, need upgrades to enhance your training capabilities, let’s connect and explore how we can work together to achieve your goals!” stated Amir Mekhaeil.

Source: Amir Mekhaeil
Photo Credit: Simaero (shown as meta image)

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European Heli Center and Reiser Simulation and Training Announce Landmark Contract for New Helicopter Training Center

Netherlands – European Heli Center (EHC) and Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (REISER) are proud to announce a significant contract: REISER will deliver an H135/H145 Level D full-flight simulator to the brand new European Heli Center based at Lelystad Airport, near Amsterdam.

Signed on the opening day of the VERTICON Show in Dallas, this milestone represents a substantial advancement in helicopter pilot and crew training, considerably enhancing helicopter training capabilities in Central Europe.

EHC is establishing a brand-new world-class helicopter training center in Lelystad, featuring REISER’s proven H135/H145 Level D full-flight simulator. The next-generation training devicereplicates the latest aircraft standards. Its versatile roll-on/roll-off mothership allows seamless training of both H135 and H145 helicopter types in one simulator. Training is scheduled to start by the end of 2026.

The new training center will serve as EHC’s headquarters, offering comprehensive pilot and crew training programs for civilian, commercial, military, offshore, and emergency medical services (EMS) sectors. The facility will provide advanced training solutions, including mission-specific courses designed to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Strategically located near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the center offers exceptional accessibility with direct flights from almost every part of the world – a major advantage for pilots, crew, and operators worldwide.

Collaboration with Bristow Nigeria

As part of its expansion, EHC has partnered with Bristow Nigeria, a division of the Bristow Group, to provide pilot training solutions for the H135 helicopter. Under this collaboration, Bristow will be one of the main customers utilizing the H135 full-flight simulator at the new training center. This partnership ensures that Bristow’s pilots receive world-class training, further strengthening operational safety and efficiency in offshore operations.

“We are delighted to partner with EHC in their ambitious endeavor to create a world-class training center,” said Dr. Johannes Hain, REISER CEO. “The contract marks another milestone in our history as Europe’s renowned manufacturer of helicopter full-flight simulators. With this agreement, we further strengthen our market position, expand our market share, and consolidate our leadership in the aviation training industry.

Mr. Jeroen Peddemors, CEO of European Heli Center, added: “By combining our extensive training expertise with REISER’s cutting-edge simulation systems, we are creating the most modern and comprehensive helicopter training center in the world. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing the highest quality training to meet the evolving needs of the global helicopter industry.”

About Reiser Simulation and Training
REISER Simulation and Training GmbH has been leading the revolution in aviation training for over three decades. With a distinctive German engineering touch, REISER has been delivering innovations globally, enhancing the efficiency and safety of flight personnel training worldwide. Our simulators and training devices minimize the ecological footprint associated with traditional training methods but also conserve vital resources. REISER‘s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations.

About European Heli Center
With more than 45 years of experience, European Heli Center is a leading provider of helicopter pilot training and operational services. Currently operating training bases in the Netherlands and Norway, the center offers a full range of specialized training solutions. The new headquarters will expand its capacity to meet the growing demand for specialized training in the global helicopter industry, offering programs from foundational flight training to advanced mission-specific courses. Equipped with a fleet of 21 helicopters and a team of expert instructors, the European Heli Center is committed to delivering the highest standards in helicopter training, ensuring the safety and proficiency of pilots worldwide.EHC is also a proud member of the Leading Helicopter Academies (LHA), a global network of premier helicopter training organizations.

Source: European Heli Center and Reiser Simulation and Training
Photo Credit: European Heli Center and Reiser Simulation and Training

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