By Nick Mayhew
As the rotorcraft industry braces for a new era shaped by eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and urban air mobility, the way we train vertical aviation pilots is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Traditionally dominated by massive, multimillion-dollar Level D flight simulators, pilot training is now seeing a wave of innovation through immersive virtual reality (VR) solutions. (…and I include both augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR) under this VR banner) These developments promise to make vertical aviation training more accessible, cost effective, and scalable qualities that will be vital in supporting the rapidly expanding needs of the aviation industry.
Level D Simulators: The Gold Standard—With Limitations
For decades, Level D full-flight simulators (FFS) have set the benchmark for pilot training. These simulators replicate the cockpit environment with extraordinary fidelity, offering a high degree of realism in aircraft response, weather conditions, and emergency scenarios. A Level D certification, as defined by aviation regulators such as the FAA and EASA, means that a pilot can receive type rating credits without ever stepping into the real aircraft.
These simulators are incredibly sophisticated and expensive, often costing between $10 million and $20 million each. They require dedicated facilities with reinforced concrete floors, extensive maintenance, and skilled personnel to operate. While their realism is unmatched, the high operational costs and limited geographic availability have restricted access, especially for smaller operators and emerging markets.
According to CAE, a leading manufacturer of Level D simulators, demand for pilots will exceed 60,000 for helicopters alone by 2030, and this number is likely to balloon as eVTOL vehicles enter commercial service. With this surge, traditional simulators simply cannot scale quickly or cost-effectively enough to meet training demands.
Enter Virtual Reality: A Disruptive Force
Recent advances in VR technology are challenging the status quo. Today’s high-resolution headsets, motion tracking systems, and spatial audio provide a level of immersion that was unthinkable just a decade ago. Companies like Varjo, Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland) are creating VR-based flight simulation systems that combine certified flight physics engines with immersive 3D environments. In fact, Loft Dynamic’s Robinson R22 and Airbus H125 simulators are the first VR-based flight training devices to be certified by EASA for pilot licensing. (image credit Loft Dynamics)
Unlike traditional Level D simulators, VR-based systems are compact, portable, and significantly more affordable, often costing a fraction of a full-flight simulator. They are ideal for decentralized training centers, remote locations, and even in-office environments for recurrent training. The use of VR also allows for repeatable training in high-risk scenarios without endangering personnel or equipment, and without taking up valuable simulator or aircraft hours.
The potential for enhanced learning outcomes is also significant. Studies from the University of Maryland and other institutions suggest that VR-based learning can improve information retention and engagement. When applied to aviation training, this could mean faster skill acquisition, better emergency preparedness, and improved decision-making under stress.
Comparing Apples and Oranges?
It would be unfair to say that VR simulators can entirely replace Level D systems – at least not yet. Level D simulators still offer unmatched fidelity in full-motion response and aircraft system simulation. They remain crucial for initial type ratings, complex emergency procedures, and high-stakes assessments. But these g-forces, vestibular cues, and tactile feedback of a full-motion simulator are now being challenged by the latest technology in VR systems. So, watch this space!
VR is already carving out a valuable niche in the early and intermediate phases of training. Pilot familiarization, cockpit procedures, visual flight rules (VFR), instrument (IFR) training, and basic emergency drills are all well within the capabilities of current-generation VR devices. Modern VR goggles that run above 90Hz (so not to cause sim sickness) also have an advantage of a wider field of view than Level D visual systems. Moreover, VR training tools can be updated and customized much more rapidly than full-flight simulators, allowing for quick adaptation to new aircraft models or regulatory requirements.
One promising hybrid approach is integrating VR with physical cockpit mockups or partial motion platforms. This allows for more tactile feedback while maintaining the cost and spatial benefits of VR. Companies like Loft Dynamics have begun to deploy these hybrid solutions, bridging the gap between high-fidelity simulation and scalable training tools.
Regulatory Pathways and Industry Adoption
Regulatory bodies are beginning to embrace VR-based training, a sign that the technology is maturing. EASA’s certification of the Loft Dynamics/VRM Switzerland R22 and H125 simulators marked a significant milestone, demonstrating that immersive VR training can meet stringent regulatory standards. The FAA is also evaluating several VR training devices under its Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), which provides more flexibility in training curriculum design.
Airlines, military operators, and eVTOL developers are taking note. Vertical Aerospace and Joby Aviation, two leading eVTOL manufacturers, have both expressed interest in simulation-heavy pilot training programs that incorporate immersive technologies. The U.S. Air Force is also testing VR-based pilot training for rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms under initiatives like Pilot Training Next.
What’s Next?
As eVTOL operations scale and the demand for vertical lift pilots grows exponentially, training solutions must evolve accordingly. A decentralized, modular training ecosystem, leveraging VR for accessibility and traditional simulators for certification, may become the new norm.
Ultimately, the future of vertical aviation training lies not in choosing between Level D simulators and VR, but in integrating the best of both and allocating training credits where it makes the most sense. As costs fall and fidelity rises, VR may democratize access to high-quality flight training, empowering a new generation of pilots to take to the skies…real or simulated.
NM
6 May 2025
References:
• CAE (2023). Pilot Demand Forecast.
• EASA (2022). VRM Switzerland Simulator Certification Report.
• University of Maryland (2020). Immersive VR Learning Efficacy Study.
• FAA Advanced Qualification Program (AQP).
