Highly Qualified Test Pilots Train with VR

EPNER (L'École du Personnel Navigant d'Essais et de Réception), a test pilot school in France, will acquire one of Loft Dynamics’ EASA-qualified simulators. EPNER will use Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training device (FSTD) to safely and efficiently train their students in executing and evaluating maneuvers uniquely required for their job function.

EPNER operates under the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), the French government agency responsible for acquiring and developing military equipment and technology. EPNER trains highly qualified test crews, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and parachutists, to conduct and manage ground and flight tests for military and civilian aircraft.

Now, with the incorporation of Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 FSTD, which it believes to be the first and only VR FSTD to achieve FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, EPNER can ensure the high levels of simulation quality for its students and their distinct requirements.

“The exact replication of flight behavior, including precise helicopter movements, and high-quality 3D visual depictions made it overwhelmingly clear that we needed to implement Loft Dynamics’ simulator into our test crew training programs,” said Patrice Gaillon, Deputy Director and Head of Training at EPNER. “We can demonstrate and train flight behaviors at the edge of the envelope and beyond so that students hone the most relevant techniques before stepping foot in the actual aircraft. This kind of simulator training is incredibly efficient; we can safely and regularly repeat maneuvers until the required performance level is reached all while never being beholden to aircraft availability, which is subject to weather conditions, airport hours of operation and maintenance slots. The skills and knowledge become so engrained – they know exactly what to apply and evaluate during test sessions.”

“We’re establishing an intimate feedback loop with an organization known for its academic rigor, excellence and history in training the world’s top test pilots — a role that requires extensive training and a highly specialized skill set,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Their diverse training and testing exposure and expert insights will allow us to continuously iterate and improve our technology to benefit our existing and prospective customers worldwide. This level of adaptive responsiveness is especially valuable as we expand to fixed-wing and electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft FSTDs.”