Maintaining a high level of safety in flight operations has always been a top priority for Airbus Helicopters, which is why the company introduces safety-related initiatives on a regular basis. One such initiative, the deployment of state-of-the-art H125 Loft Dynamics virtual reality (VR) simulators in the training network, takes into account the ability of new-generation devices to revolutionise the way future pilots are trained, creating an environment that not only fosters technical skills, but also ignites a true passion for flying.

These VR simulators are in service at the Airbus Helicopters Training Academy, whose role is also to prepare the future and help alleviate the looming pilot shortage. Customers have access to this new training device at the Marignane Training Academy in France, recently upgraded with dual control and demo mode that aims to meet Airbus Helicopters type rating training standards.

In addition, in September a new simulator was installed at the training academy in South Africa, where the team is actively working on the qualification process, with the ambition of completing it by the end of 2024. Regional customers will benefit from this local access to the simulator at Airbus Helicopters' facilities in Midrand (Johannesburg). This new asset enriches Airbus' range of training devices in its global network. It will offer refresher and type rating training, the use of which Airbus Helicopters is working with local aviation regulators, to further innovate and develop the training portfolio offered in South Africa. With the H125 Loft Dynamics VR simulator, a new step forward has been taken for the simulator's global expansion in the Airbus Helicopters training network.

In parallel, with the support of customer centres, the Training Academy closely monitors a deployment roadmap so as to install the appropriate number of simulators according to the operational needs of its worldwide customer base.

In a related effort, Airbus Helicopters has been actively collaborating with Loft Dynamics and Marshall University to obtain the simulator's FAA level 5 qualification (achieved in July 2024). Level 7 qualification is expected in the coming months. This is the first virtual reality flight simulation training device (FSTD) to be FAA-qualified in North America.

As part of the cooperation with Marshall University, an H125 VR simulator has been installed at their Huntington (W. Virginia) facilities, in addition to an H125 helicopter, to provide competitive ab-initio training to pilots in the future. This initiative also strives to close gaps in the pilot shortage in the aeronautics industry, a key concern for Airbus Helicopters.

Learn more about the VR Simulator

H125 VR Simulator

H145 VR Simulator in development

For more information, please contact a Sales Manager or Airbus Helicopters through the “Contact us” button.