Blackcomb Helicopters Secures Loft Dynamics VR Flight Simulator To Enhance Its Operations
ZURICH and VANCOUVER, June 29, 2023 / Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland), creator of the world's first and only virtual reality (VR) simulator authorized by a major aviation regulator, today announced its expansion into Canada and a first-of-its-kind partnership with Blackcomb Helicopters LP. As the leading helicopter tour and utility company in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, Blackcomb Helicopters will leverage Loft Dynamics’ simulator to increase its flight training capabilities while also removing the inherent safety risks and the carbon emissions of in-flight training. Both Loft Dynamics and Blackcomb Helicopters will be working closely with Transport Canada (TC) to demonstrate the technology’s safety and training value across Canadian aviation.
Blackcomb Helicopters will operate Loft Dynamics' VR Airbus H125 training device at its Boundary Bay Airport location, in Metro Vancouver. The simulator, developed in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters’ leading engineers and test pilots, is an exact replica of the Airbus H125 helicopter—the most widely used aircraft by both Airbus Helicopters and Blackcomb Helicopters. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-replica cockpit featuring a unique pose tracking system, the simulator offers realistic and intuitive operation. Notably, it is the world's first and only VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), having achieved FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA (equivalent to FAA FTD7). This qualification allows pilots to complete proficiency checks, periodic H125 flight training, and operational check rides from the device.
“Our pilots regularly navigate challenging coastal and mountainous conditions, but adequately training for these scenarios is inherently dangerous,” said Chris Haslock, Blackcomb’s Director of Operations. “With Loft Dynamics simulators, we’re able to customize weather conditions, visual cues, and landscapes based on what is typically encountered, so it’s the exact in-flight experience without compromising safety and with zero carbon emissions. It’s a complete game-changer.”
Chris Haslock
Blackcomb’s Director of Operations
"We’re thrilled to partner with a highly respected helicopter operator like Blackcomb,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Our technology has significantly improved pilot safety and skills for companies operating in similarly complex conditions and scenarios, whether it’s search and rescue missions in the Swiss Alps or heli tours in the Colorado Rockies. We look forward to bringing these benefits to Blackcomb and working together to showcase a more sustainable, safe, and scalable future for aviation––in Canada and beyond.”
Fabi Riesen
Founder & CEO Loft Dynamics
About Blackcomb Helicopters
Founded in Whistler, British Columbia, and operating for over 30 years, Blackcomb Helicopters is the leading helicopter touring and heli-services company in Western Canada. 100% carbon neutral, Blackcomb provides heli-tourism, utility, and civil services and operates from bases at Boundary Bay Airport (Delta, BC), Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, Sechelt, Lillooet, Terrace, and Calgary, AB (Springbank Airport). Blackcomb is a member of the McLean Group of Companies, a diversified portfolio of privately held businesses.
About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) is a market-leading company specializing in VR training devices for helicopter pilots. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation with cutting-edge VR flight simulators. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our simulators provide an immersive, realistic, customizable, and risk-free training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and 20 times less expensive than traditional simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. As the world's first and only qualified VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), achieving FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, we serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.