Loft Dynamics, a leading virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training device (FSTD) manufacturer, announced that EPNER, the world-renowned and highly selective test pilot school in France, will acquire one of the company’s EASA-qualified simulators. EPNER will use Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 VR FSTD to safely and efficiently train their students in executing and evaluating maneuvers uniquely required for their job function. The school is the latest organization to harness the power of virtual reality to make pilot training safer, more affordable, accessible and sustainable.

EASA-qualified VR FSTD to Train Test Pilots at EPNER

EPNER (L’École du Personnel Navigant d’Essais et de Réception), the prestigious test pilot school in France 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, the first and only VR FSTD to achieve FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, EPNER can ensure the highest level 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.”

Future Training Concepts for Pilot Training and Checking

“The partnership we’re launching with EPNER is an incredibly exciting and valuable one,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “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. 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.”