Loft Dynamics announced that the US Federal Aviation Administration had qualified its virtual-reality flight simulation training device, the first VR device to receive that qualification in the United States. The milestone allowed helicopter pilots to receive credit toward pilot ratings for training in the qualified simulator. The Zurich-area company's H125 simulator was developed with Airbus Helicopters.
The system combines a VR panoramic view, a six-degree-of-freedom motion platform, a full-size cockpit replica and pose tracking. Its training scope includes engine failures, instrument approaches and challenging manoeuvres such as sling-load operations. The FAA evaluated the device under its Part 60 requirements. The qualification added US regulatory recognition to Loft Dynamics' existing European qualification, extending the use of its simulation technology beyond demonstration into recognised pilot training.
