Virtual Reality Expands Flight Training Horizons

During the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. company, and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., announced an agreement with the US Aviation Academy for its purchase of five of TRU Simulation’s Cessna Skyhawk Veris Virtual Reality (VR) Simulators. This landmark agreement introduces the Veris to the fixed-wing training market and is TRU Simulation’s first fleet order for VR training devices. The US Aviation Academy has the option for a future purchase of 10 additional units as part of the agreement, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing pilot training through VR simulation.

The Veris is a clean-sheet design that combines features of a full flight simulator (FFS) with immersive virtual reality technology. Now qualified as a Level 7 Flight Training Device from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Veris is designed to meet EASA Flight Training Device Level 3 standards, and the company expects EASA qualification later this year.

“The Veris represents a new era in flight training by revolutionizing how pilots learn, and we are proud to support the US Aviation Academy in its mission to advance pilot readiness through immersive simulation,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “This agreement highlights the growing demand for next-generation training solutions, and we’re ready to see the Veris become an integral part of the US Aviation Academy’s training program.”

The US Aviation Academy offers training for professional pilots, aircraft technicians and aircraft dispatchers. The simulators will be delivered to the Academy’s training facility in Denton, Texas.

The Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Simulator is designed to meet FAA Flight Training Device (FTD) level 7 standards and features a fully configured cockpit replicating the Cessna Skyhawk instrumentation and controls. Additionally, the device is equipped with authentic Garmin G1000NXi avionics, offering students an engaging and realistic training environment with or without the headset.