FAA Approves Leonardo Virtual Reality Simulator to Level 7 | Aviation International News

FAA Approves Leonardo VR Simulator to Level 7

More developers are fielding VR flight training devices

Leonardo VxR flight simulation training device — Leonardo’s VxR flight simulation training device includes a motion base but takes up much less room than a full-flight simulator. © Leonardo Helicopters

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

January 30, 2025

Leonardo’s virtual extended reality (VxR) helicopter flight simulation training device has achieved FAA Level 7 approval, “marking a historic milestone as the first-ever VR [virtual reality]-based training device to attain this level,” according to the Italian rotorcraft manufacturer. With a motion base and VR technology, the VxR can replicate single-engine and light twin-engine helicopters at a fraction of the cost of a full-flight simulator.

The simulator’s motion base is a six-degrees-of-freedom short-throw device, which is possible because it doesn’t need larger actuators to support a visual system dome. While wearing a VR headset, the trainee can interact with real controls, knobs, and buttons and see the outside view superimposed inside the headset.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Leonardo

Falcon Executive Cleared for Flights at Dubai Helipark

Facility at Al Maktoum International Airport will complement the group’s FBO

Dubai Helipark

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Sikorsky S-92 in flight

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter

Nepal Relief Efforts Need More Support and Coordination

Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

Nepal army helicopter

Boltoukhine Named Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Frederic Lemos departs after serving as CEO of ACH since 2017

Nicolas Boltoukhine

Avincis Orders Five McDermott 214ST Utility Helicopters

Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations

Artist's impression of Avincis' McDermott 214ST helicopters

One Bell Kenya Facility Serves Three East Africa Fleets

Facility offers maintenance, avionics, and shipping support

Bell helicopter flying in east Africa

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Heli Everest H125 helicopter