Loft Dynamics has unveiled its first virtual reality Garmin glass cockpit

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR SAFETY

Ten times more compact and roughly 20 times less expensive than traditional full-motion simulators, Loft Dynamics’ cutting-edge devices rival the in-air training experience with a 360-degree 3D view, which allows for precise visual cues in highresolution quality. Its six-degrees-of-freedom highly dynamic motion platform accurately replicates the aircraft’s movements, which allows you to feel exactly where the skids touch the ground. The full-replica cockpit, in combination with Loft Dynamics’ Pose Tracking System, makes operating the cockpit intuitive. “Helicopter pilots can now train without any risk and execute their mandatory checks under EASA regulation in our simulator from the convenience of their home base. Operators save costs and increase the safety of their flight operations,” said Fabi Riesen, Founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics.

AIRBUS H125 WITH GLASS COCKPIT

The new Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 simulator is equipped with a fully functional Garmin avionics suite featuring GTN 650 GPS and G500H TXi primary flight display. Built entirely in-house, the company’s fullreplica glass cockpit simulator boasts all of the same features as its Airbus H125. “Like the conventional cockpit, flight crews can operate the glass cockpit intuitively, just as they would in a real helicopter,” explained Riesen.

FAA OPERATES LOFT DYNAMICS DEVICES

In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 and Robinson R22 simulators to explore the use of VR flight simulation technology in pilot training. Both simulators have been installed at the William J Hughes Technical Center (WHTC), the FAA’s innovation hub, where they are being used to advance national aviation safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental sustainability goals, and to drive the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS) toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

CONFIRMED REALISM

Loft Dynamics conducted scientific research with the Center for Aviation of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences evaluating the transferability of VR FSTD training to operating a real helicopter. The study showed there was no discrepancy in performance when comparing the two. “This demonstrates how accurately our devices reflect reality, eliminating the need for pilots to seamlessly adapt to flying the simulator – no matter the stage in their career,” added Riesen.

COMPREHENSIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

While Loft Dynamics has made headlines for its realistic, cost-efficient, and safe training solution, its comprehensive customer service has played a key role in building an expansive and highly engaged client base around the world. Customers include Air Zermatt and Mountainflyers in Switzerland, Blackcomb Helicopters, Colorado Highland Helicopters, Helitrans Norway, and Meravo, among others. “Qualifying an FSTD is complex, time-consuming, and requires specific knowledge. Operating the device also presents challenges. We take those burdens off our customers and enable them to focus on what matters most: operations,” commented Jens Westh, Loft Dynamics’ Chief Operating Officer.

AIRBUS H145 IN DEVELOPMENT

Airbus Helicopters, one of Loft Dynamics’ longtime partners, shows what fruitful collaboration can produce. The company recently doubled down on its partnership with Loft Dynamics by co-developing the Airbus H145 simulator.

VR SIMULATOR HUB IN SANTA MONICA

Loft Dynamics recently announced the opening of their first VR Flight Simulation Hub at Santa Monica Airport. The physical demo center allows the growing customer base to experience the realism of this technology. In recent years, the team at Loft Dynamics has already surprised the industry with several world innovations. “We now have the technology to scale to any flight object like other helicopter models, eVTOLs, and fixed-wing aircraft,” Riesen said.