EASA approves VRM virtual reality flight simulator for helicopter pilot training

摘要

EASA has granted the first certification for a rotorcraft virtual reality (VR)-based flight simulation training device (FSTD) to VRM Switzerland. The FSTD is quali-fied as flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT) level Ⅱ for the Robinson R22 Beta II. Approval for the Airbus H125 is expected shortly.Depending on the training concept,EASA will provide users of the device with up to five hours of training credit for a pri-vate pilot license, 10 to 20 hours of training credit for a commercial certificate, and five hours of nighttime credit. VRM developed the device in partnership with Air Zermatt, and launch customers include Mountainfly-ers and the Heli Academy.In granting the authorization, the Euro-pean regulatory agency applied special conditions from the existing regulations that take account of new technology adapted to cockpit, display, and motion systems to ensure an equivalent safety level compliant with the FSTD certification specifications. Its evaluation confirmed the suitability of VR for helicopter flight train-ing particularly for autorotations, hovers,and slope landings where exact height perceptionandwidefieldofviewarerequired.