First VR Simulator Qualified by European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Helsinki (FI) / Dübendorf (CH), May 2021 - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has for the first time ever officially qualified a virtual reality-based training solution for aviation training.
Developed and built by VRM Switzerland, the helicopter pilot simulator features Varjo's latest human-eye resolution virtual reality headsets, Varjo VR-3, as well as unique technology developed by the Swiss flight-training solution provider.
With the first EASA approved virtual reality simulator, pilots can now have the virtual training time credited to their flight training as well as benefit from the high training value and flexibility of the immersive solution. Since the qualification is done directly by the aviation authority, any customers of VRM Switzerland can start using the VR training solution without further national certification according to EASA regulations. This enables flight schools and helicopter companies to use the latest technology to increase flight safety, to offer more cost-effective training solutions, and to train in a more environmentally friendly way, at any time.
"Varjo is honored to be a part the world's first EASA-authorized pilot simulator with our highest-fidelity virtual-reality device, the Varjo VR-3. This is a truly pivotal moment for the entire VR/XR industry, proving that immersive simulations can bring very tangible benefits for pilot training. Together with VRM Switzerland, we look forward to providing and scaling cost-effective, photorealistic virtual simulation training to pilots worldwide," said Seppo Aaltonen, Chief Commercial Officer at Varjo.
Fabi Riesen, CEO at VRM Switzerland, said, "Pilots should receive realistic training on simulators. This allows helicopter operators and flight schools to fly more efficiently and safely. Thanks to our cooperation with the authority, we can offer training that is directly creditable. Our VR concept, which includes the Varjo VR-3 Head Mounted Display (HMD), Pose Tracking combined with a VR Haptic Cockpit on a highly dynamic 6DOF motion platform, provides a training device with the highest possible visual fidelity, allowing pilots to be fully immersed."