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True Course Simulations’ Director of International Business Discusses the Benefits of VR Immersive Training Devices for Flight Training

United States headquartered simulator manufacturer and pilot training solution provider True Course Simulations’ Director of International Business, Glen Ross, discusses the benefits of VR immersive training devices for flight training. He also addresses the issue of global regulatory certification, and why this shouldn’t stop you from considering VR for your flight training needs.

Read his insights below:

“When I first talk to people about VR flight simulators very often the first, or the second, question I get asked is ‘Are they certified’?

The answer, at the moment, is no. Except for one helicopter VR simulator, certified by EASA, none of the VR flight simulators/Immersive Training Devices (ITDs) currently on the market are certified (correct me if I’m wrong).

So, should this stop flight training organisations from taking advantage of this very versatile, very affordable, very powerful flight training tool? Of course not!

What then are some of the benefits of ITDs:

  • They have been shown to reduce the flight time students require to obtain their license (>30% reported).
    • The time taken by students to obtain their licenses is generally trending up globally. Therefore, if, for example, a student takes 90 hours to pass their check ride/flight test, a saving of around 30% could result in a reduction of up to 27 hrs in flight time!
  • They are the first and only viable VFR flight training devices.
    • They allow students to see and feel what it’s really like to fly an aircraft and become comfortable in this hitherto alien environment.
    • With modern VR technology students ‘feel’ like they’re actually there flying the aircraft. This leads to higher rates of learning (transfer of training).
  • Reduces stress and anxiety.
    • An aircraft is not a good environment for learning. Therefore, if a student can practice a lesson repeatedly in a realistic environment, at their own pace, prior to going flying, every hour spent in the air is more valuable.
  • Reduces risk.
    • Night flying
    • Emergency procedures
    • Terrain
    • UPRT
    • Weather/inadvertent IMC, can all be taught and practised with no risk, prior to consolidation in the air.
  • Remedial/extra instruction
    • The bulk of remedial training can be delivered by an ITD, before reflys.
  • Better instructor utilisation
    • With AI instructor courseware, flight instructors can be utilised in flying duties while students prepare, learn and practice in an ITD.
  • Environmental savings
    • ITDs can assist organisations in achieving NET ZERO by better-preparing students for each lesson, thus reducing aircraft use, maintenance etc.
  • Cost
    • ITDs are generally cheaper than traditional simulators and certainly cheaper than operating an aircraft. Ancillary costs (i.e., airport changes, airways etc.) can also be reduced.
  • Versatility
    • ITDs are easily and cheaply reconfigurable – mostly through software. This means students can fly at any time of day or night, in any weather conditions, at any airport anywhere in the world and in almost any aircraft!

In summary, utilising ITDs offers repeatable, observable, measurable and realistic flight training that results in a higher throughput of better-prepared and more competent students. Which is ultimately what everyone in the aviation industry wants.

And all of this with no certification!”

Source: Glen Ross (True Course Simulations)
Photo Credit: True Course Simulations (shown as meta image)

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Simulator Manufacturer Announces Successful In-House Qualification of its Boeing 737-800 Fixed-Base Flight Simulator for EASA FTD 1 Level

Netherlands based simulator manufacturer Wright Brothers Flight Technology (WBFT) celebrates a remarkable achievement as they proudly announce the successful in-house qualification of their Boeing 737-800 fixed-base flight simulator for EASA FTD 1 level at their state-of-the-art showroom in Hoofddorp.

“It was a pleasure working with CAA-NL and EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency during the certification process and we want to thank everybody involved from their sides,” WBFT said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our talented team of engineers, technicians, and professionals who made this achievement possible. Their relentless pursuit of perfection and tireless efforts in developing and refining our simulator have truly paid off.”

Source: WBFT Announcement
Photo Credit: WBFT

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Wizz Air Students’ APS MCC Training will be Held in the Third Simnest Simulator of A32

A32 Simulator Center has acquired its third Simnest Airbus A320 FNPT II APS MCC simulator within three years. As with the previous two, training on the new device will be provided by the Simnest Pilot Academy. The new Simnest simulator, which was certified by the authorities last week, will be used for APS MCC training of Wizz Air students.

From the point of view of future Wizz Air pilots, the biggest advantage of the Simnest Airbus A320 FNPT II APS MCC simulator is that it reproduces the characteristics of the Airbus A320 aircraft as perfectly as possible in its design, equipment and behavior.

This is extremely important, because on the one hand it allows APS MCC training to be conducted on Simnest simulators. Of all the courses currently available, this provides students with most of the knowledge and competencies that are becoming a fundamental requirement in the recruitment process for an increasing number of airlines. As a result, the APS MCC greatly increases the cadets’ chances of finding employment with commercial airlines.

The fully life-like design is also vital in the training of commercial pilots because it helps cadets to develop their muscle memory properly to know instantly what movements to make with their limbs without conscious effort, even in sharp situations.

“Going from a piston aircraft to a jet airliner is a huge leap. Not only do the students have to get used to the much higher speeds, the peculiarities of flying at high altitudes, the very different behaviour of the aircraft or the fly-by-wire technology of Airbus aircraft, but they also have to learn to interact with a crew of several people. When learning such an extremely complex activity, it makes a crucial difference whether a button, a switch is in the same place or the same force must be exerted during their use in the simulator as in the real aircraft. Therefore, similar is not enough for us, which is why we are delighted to have another Simnest Airbus A320 in our fleet, as this simulator is identical to the Airbus A320 in every detail. This allows us to support the career of future Wizz Air pilots with the best possible equipment and service.” – expressed his satisfaction Gyula Kühtreiber, Managing Director of Simnest Pilot Academy.

Thanks to the outstanding experience of Simnest Aviation, the new simulator certification procedure went off without a hitch this time again, so the first training sessions will take place in a few days, and from September this year, Wizz Air pilots will also be able to complete their APS MCC course on the new Simnest simulator.

Source: Simnest Aviation Press Release
Photo Credit: Simnest Aviation

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VR Simulator Manufacturer, Loft Dynamics, Sees Surge in the Volume of Proficiency Checks Conducted on its Devices

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland), creator of the world’s first and only virtual reality (VR) simulator authorized by a major aviation regulator, has seen unprecedented demand in the past 12 months. Regulatory authorities in aviation, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) in Switzerland, are increasingly recognizing the value of VR technology in pilot training. As a result, there has been a surge in the volume of proficiency checks conducted on Loft Dynamics’ devices.

Loft Dynamics’ simulators, which feature a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, provide pilots with a realistic and immersive simulation experience that replicates all required proficiency check maneuvers. In May 2022, EASA approved Loft Dynamics’ simulators as EASA FTD Level 3 flight simulation training devices (FSTD), allowing Airbus H125 (AS350B3) pilots to complete annual license proficiency checks for AS350/EC130 type rating revalidation and biannual operator proficiency checks in Loft Dynamics’ simulators. As the only qualified VR FSTD in the world, more and more pilots are turning to Loft Dynamics’ simulators as a more convenient, safe, and affordable path to completing required proficiency checks.

“Thanks to Loft Dynamics’ highly realistic and immersive training technology, a number of procedures and flight maneuvers can be conducted more comprehensively and precisely than with conventional full-flight simulators,” said Lorenz Nufer H125 Type Rating Examiner.

“Our simulators are eliminating in-flight training accidents and carbon emissions, and the level of realism is solving the pilot skills gap. The industry – aviation authorities, airlines, operators, regulators, and schools – are recognizing that value across all aspects of the aviation ecosystem,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “EASA’s approval and FOCA’s mandate requiring the use of accessible FTSDs for skill tests and proficiency checks are the latest validators that this technology can revolutionize aviation. The industry is shifting, and we’re seeing more and more demand for our simulators getting that much closer to solving the global pilot shortage.”

About Loft Dynamics

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) is a market-leading company specializing in VR training devices for helicopter pilots. Founded in 2016, their mission is to revolutionize global aviation with cutting-edge VR flight simulators. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our simulators provide an immersive, realistic, customizable, and risk-free training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and 20 times less expensive than traditional simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. As the world’s first and only qualified VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), achieving FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, we serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics Press Release
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics (shown as meta image)

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Simulation Solution Provider Loft Dynamics to Exhibit at the Upcoming APSCON 2023 Event in Orlando, US

Simulation solution provider and simulator manufacturer Loft Dynamics is excited to announce that they will be exhibiting at the upcoming APSCON 2023 event in Orlando, United States from July 20-21 at the Orange County Convention Center. Loft Dynamics invites participants to come visit them at booth 613 and experience their Airbus H125 VR Simulator, which is the first and only VR simulator qualified by an authority.

Source: Loft Dynamics Announcement
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics (shown as meta image)

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