Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

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To help prepare pilots for expensive training events and reduce time spent in flight training devices and simulators, Loft Dynamics and Trifork have developed LoftHome, a pilot training kit that runs on the Apple Vision Pro virtual reality (VR) headset platform.&nbsp;Loft Dynamics’ VR flight simulators cost far less than full-flight simulators and require much less space as the large visual display is replaced by a VR headset that gives trainees a 360-degree view of the aircraft environment and outside world.
LoftHome uses Loft’s FAA- and EASA-approved VR simulator and training technology to deliver instruction in a simpler but accessible format. “Loft managed to get the simulator into a smaller footprint, at a lower price, and now we step in by using VR goggles,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics.
Pilots learning to fly business jets and airliners typically use multiple devices to access training material and to practice using avionics and aircraft systems. These often begin with training documents and modules on iPads, then avionics training devices and procedures trainers, followed by a flight training device, and finally the full-motion flight simulator.
“Loft makes a completely different approach,” Riesen explained. “We get rid of that complex world, with so many devices.” All a trainee needs is an Apple Vision Pro VR headset, an iPad, and an internet connection to Loft. “Simplying from seven to two training devices is great,” he said. “We’re totally covering from A to Z of training needs.”
Trifork helped develop the Apple Vision Pro LoftSuite app that runs LoftHome. Trainees with the required equipment can use LoftSuite to practice procedures, learn how to use the avionics, and other aircraft-specific tasks. When an instructor records a maneuver in the Loft simulator using the LoftWin feature, students can replay the maneuver in LoftHome (or in a Loft simulator). Instructors can also join a training session to coach a student or conduct postflight debriefings.
To actuate buttons and knobs inside the VR world, the trainee uses gestures that are as natural as possible and that enhance muscle memory, according to Karan Yadav, CEO of Trifork North America and global lead for spatial computing. “This is where we belive the Vision Pro is ahead of the competition, because of the natural use of gestures on the device. It’s not a controller, but you’re using the same gestures as in the simulator. It’s better for familiarization and training.”
“Our vision has always been to make the highest-quality pilot training safe and universally accessible,” said Riesen. “With Trifork, we’re bringing incredibly realistic, regulator-backed training into pilots’ everyday environments via Apple Vision Pro, from their living rooms to the airport gate. The goal isn’t just convenience; it’s continuity: a connected training ecosystem that links remote rehearsal with qualified simulator instruction, empowering pilots, instructors, and operators to train more often and more effectively. Trifork is the ideal partner to help scale this vision and deliver lasting impact across the aviation ecosystem.”
LoftHome will available for the same aircraft as its simulators, which include the Airbus H125 and H145 helicopters. Loft is also working with airline customers to make LoftHome work with some airliners. The release date for LoftHome hasn't been announced yet, not has pricing. “This is something we’re [testing] with early customers first,” Riesen said.
Loft Dynamics and Trifork will launch pilot programs for LoftHOME with select airlines and&nbsp;training centers before expanding to additional use cases, including aircraft transition,&nbsp;multi-crew cooperation, and operational and emergency procedures. Each is designed to&nbsp;connect at-home rehearsal with in-center, regulator-credited training.

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