This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Beyond the Cockpit: Airbus and Loft Dynamics Revolutionize H125 Training with VR

On February 19, 2026, Airbus Helicopters officially highlighted the operational success and expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) pilot training program for the H125 helicopter. Developed in partnership with the Swiss technology firm Loft Dynamics, the system is now fully operational at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Marignane, France. According to the company, this simulator represents a significant shift in aviation instruction, functioning not merely as a training aid but as a regulatory-approved Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD).

The new system addresses long-standing industry challenges, including pilot shortages and the high costs associated with traditional training methods. By utilizing this technology, pilots can now log flight hours and perform proficiency checks (LPC/OPC) without ever leaving the ground, a capability previously reserved for massive, full-motion dome simulators.

Immersive Technology and Realistic Flight Physics

The core of the H125 training program is a high-fidelity system that combines a 3D stereoscopic headset with a dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DoF) motion platform. Airbus states that the headset provides a 360-degree view, allowing pilots to look down and around naturally, a critical requirement for vertical reference operations like sling loading.

Unlike generic VR setups, this device features a full-scale replica of the H125 cockpit, complete with authentic flight controls and avionics. Airbus engineers have verified the flight model to ensure it is indistinguishable from the actual aircraft. This integration allows the simulator to replicate the physical and visual sensations of flight with near-perfect accuracy.

Regulatory Milestones

A major aspect of this announcement involves the regulatory qualifications achieved by the device. According to Airbus and Loft Dynamics, the system has secured approval from major aviation authorities:

• EASA (Europe): Qualified as an FTD Level 3, enabling pilots to complete proficiency checks and type ratings.
• FAA (USA): Loft Dynamics achieved FAA FTD Level 7 qualification for the device in late 2025, marking a historic first for VR technology in the United States.

Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics, emphasized the significance of these approvals in the company’s statement:

“Level 7 [qualification] now extends that foundation… embedding FAA-approved VR at the university level as a new blueprint for training pilots. This milestone shows what’s possible when the entire aviation ecosystem… comes together.”

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

The primary operational benefit of the VR simulator is the ability to practice high-risk scenarios that are too dangerous to attempt in a real helicopter. Airbus notes that the system supports advanced recurrent training modules for conditions such as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), engine failures, and whiteout or brownout landings.

Yann Guérin, Head of Pilot Training at Airbus Helicopters, described the impact on instruction:

“The training is much more consistent and efficient. Instructors are able to demonstrate and assist their trainees… ultimately, the goal is enhanced professionalism and mission proficiency.”

In addition to safety, the system offers substantial efficiency gains. The simulator is approximately one-tenth the size of a traditional full-flight simulator, allowing it to be installed directly at customer bases or smaller flight schools. Furthermore, data provided by the partnership indicates the cost is approximately one-twentieth of a traditional Full Flight Simulator (FFS), drastically lowering the barrier to entry for operators.

AirPro News Analysis

The deployment of the H125 VR simulator signals a democratization of safety standards in the vertical lift industry. Historically, “airline-grade” simulation, where pilots can type-rate without touching the actual aircraft, was financially restricted to large transport category aircraft. Single-engine helicopter operators often relied on training in the actual aircraft, which carries inherent risks, particularly during emergency procedure practice.

By securing FAA Level 7 and EASA Level 3 qualifications, Airbus and Loft Dynamics are effectively ending the “real steel” era, where the industry believed that physical flight was the only valid method for developing muscle memory. This shift is likely to have profound implications for high-risk sectors such as air ambulance and law enforcement, where the ability to practice fatal scenarios like tail rotor failure in a zero-risk environment could save lives.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Airbus has confirmed that the partnership with Loft Dynamics will expand beyond the single-engine market. The companies are currently developing a similar VR training device for the twin-engine H145, which is expected to enter service later in 2026. This expansion suggests a broader strategy to integrate VR simulation across the manufacturer’s entire light and medium helicopter fleet.

Sources

• Airbus