VRM Switzerland on EASA, Airbus Fast Tracks

Switzerland-based VRM has partnered with a regulator, EASA, and is gaining customers to use virtual reality flight simulator training devices (VR-FSTD) for pilot training. The device uses a Varjo VR headset to create an immersive 3D environment for pilots.

This week at Heli Expo 2022 in Dallas, VRM Switzerland announced its first US customer, Colorado Highland Helicopters (Durango), a helicopter operator and flight school, which received an Airbus H125 FSTD to offer basic flight training, mountain flying and special operations like external sling load instruction. CHH intends to qualify the device as the first VR FSTD under FAA regulations.

Simon Von Niederhäusern, VRM Switzerland’s Head of Marketing, pointed out his company had a fully functioning H125 FSTD at the booth that is gaining significant attention from delegates.

Further, he reminded CAT that VRM Switzerland remains on task to support a training partnership with Airbus to enhance the safety of flight, initially for the approximate 4,000 H125s around the globe.

The H125 FSTD’s advantages include the pilot sitting in a small, lightweight cockpit that takes up only 215 sqft (20 sqm) of floor space and weighs in at 1279 lbs (580 kg) – adding transportability as an option.