Varjo and VRM Switzerland Make History with the First VR Flight Simulator Officially Qualified by European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA
Pilots can now have VR flight simulation time credited to their training and benefit from the flexibility and high training value of the virtual solution.
First officially qualified flight simulation in VR
Helsinki, Finland / Dübendorf, Switzerland – April 26, 2021 – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has for the first time 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 XR-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 of the world’s first EASA authorized pilot simulator with our highest-fidelity virtual reality device, the Varjo XR-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 directly creditable training. Our VR concept, which includes the Varjo XR-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.”
Realistic simulator training with the highest-fidelity VR
Varjo XR-3 features the industry’s highest resolution across the widest field of view (115 degrees). With a resolution of over 70 pixels per degree in the center of the field of view, pilots can see and read the smallest of details in virtual reality with perfect clarity.
The suitability of the VR solution was verified through a training evaluation program together with EASA involving pilots of various nationalities from industry and aviation authorities, including helicopter flight instructors and test pilots.
“Virtual Reality Simulation has been identified as a real enabler and potential game-changer for helicopter training. I’d like to congratulate VRM Switzerland Team for the outstanding work as well as the EASA teams for their commitment to support this qualification, which so far as I’m aware is a first in the world. Well done to all!” said David Solar, Head of General Aviation (GA) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Department at EASA.
About VRM Switzerland
VRM Switzerland is an innovative team of 30 passionate engineers, highly specialized developers, and dedicated aviation experts. All mechanical designs and electronic circuits are designed and coordinated in-house. Another strength of the team is its proximity to flight schools and operators. The Swiss launching customers Mountainflyers, the Heli Academy, the development partner Air Zermatt, the helicopter manufacturer Kopter, and other specialists enable the development of sophisticated training solutions with optimal benefits. www.vrm-switzerland.ch
About Varjo
Varjo (pronounced var-yo) makes revolutionary VR/XR hardware and software that together allow you to see virtual and augmented content just as clearly as you see the real world. Varjo’s virtual and mixed reality headsets take you to another level of performance and emotional immersion – recreating the exact feeling and conditions of real life, allowing you to perform better and learn faster. Varjo is profoundly changing the way professionals work, train, design, and collaborate across industries. Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 are now available at www.varjo.com
About EASA
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centerpiece of the European Union’s strategy for aviation safety. Its mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency employs experts and administrators from all over Europe.
