FAA To Test Virtual Reality Headsets for Helicopter Pilot Training

US aviation regulators are turning to a small Swiss technology startup to rethink how helicopter pilots are trained. From a report: The Federal Aviation Administration will evaluate virtual reality technology in flight simulators for the first time, taking delivery of systems from Zurich-based Loft Dynamics, the company said Monday. The technology combines VR headsets with a frame replicating the control panel and cockpit of a helicopter, but at a scale significantly smaller than traditional full-motion setups. Two simulators -- one to train pilots on Airbus SE's H125 helicopter and another for the Robinson R22 -- have been installed at the FAA's R&D facility in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The FAA often explores the use of new technologies in aviation and has extensive development programs, many of which don't result in commercial deployments. While this is the first time the regulator will review VR headsets as a training tool, it's for the narrow helicopter market and wouldn't apply to commercial planes. Additionally, the agreement with Loft Dynamics does not equate to certification of its tech in the US.

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