Airbus H125 Flight Training Device
Key facts:
- Virtual Reality flight training device for the Airbus H125 helicopter
- Flight training solution for HESLO with MPVK
- World’s only VR H125 simulator qualified by FAA and EASA
- True-to-scale cockpit with original/replica H125 controls and instrument panel (incl. Garmin G500H TXi and GTN650)
- Premium VR headset with 360° 3D view and photorealistic training sceneries
- Human pose-tracking with virtual avatar for intuitive operation of all cockpit controls
- Advanced control-loading system (CLS) providing simulated control forces on cyclic, collective and pedals
- Instructor station with scenario setup, assistance modes and multiple analysis views
Overview
The Loft Dynamics Airbus H125 Virtual Reality Flight Training Device is a professional helicopter training solution that combines a full-scale replica cockpit with state-of-the-art VR technology, motion and control loading. It is offered specifically in the H125 configuration and allows pilots to experience genuine helicopter handling in a virtual environment.
The cockpit reproduces the dimensions and layout of the real aircraft and uses original components or exact replicas for cyclic, collective, pedals, panels and switches. A traditional instrument panel is complemented by Garmin G500H TXi and GTN650 avionics, as well as a virtual tablet for checklists and navigation charts.
A lightweight premium VR headset provides a natural 360° 3D view. Head-tracking and a human pose-recognition system render a realistic avatar of the pilot, so all relevant controls can be reached and operated intuitively. High-resolution, photorealistic sceneries support precise maneuvering, including vertical-reference operations.
Dynamic 6-DoF motion, a dedicated vibration actuator and an immersive sound system with helicopter-specific audio create full-body immersion. Together with modern flight-dynamics simulation, this enables demanding training such as hover, approaches, autorotations, slope and confined-area operations, instrument flying and a wide range of emergency procedures, including tail-rotor transmission failures.
An Instructor Operating Station offers scenario configuration, environmental settings (weather, wind, turbulence) and assistance functions. Instructors can stabilize the helicopter, hand over individual controls and switch between multiple camera views for analysis, allowing training that is “like real – or better” for both basic and advanced competencies.
The Airbus H125 Virtual Reality Flight Training Device is the only VR-based H125 simulator qualified by the FAA and EASA.
Under EASA, training organisations can log simulator time for:
- AS350 type rating
- License and operator proficiency checks
- Refresher training
- Night rating
- Private and commercial pilot licence training
- Instrument rating training
The device is designed as a modern, certifiable flight-simulation training solution that allows credited flight time to be logged, depending on the applicable authority and operator’s approval.
The H125 VR Flight Training Device is built as a compact, electrically powered system with a small footprint. Its lightweight structure, integrated 6-DoF motion platform and cockpit module are designed to maximise availability and minimise maintenance effort.
The complete system includes:
- Full-scale H125 replica cockpit with seat and 4-point harness
- Flight controls with advanced control-loading system
- High-dynamic motion platform and vibration system
- Visual system with VR headset and tracking
- Intercom and sound system
- Instructor Operating Station with multiple displays
Because the device operates purely electrically and is intended for indoor use, it can be integrated into existing training centres without emissions, fuel handling or external noise. This allows intensive, repeated training without the logistical effort of preparing and ferrying an aircraft to a training area.
Can external load (HESLO) operations be trained in the simulator?
Yes. The device supports realistic HESLO training, including vertical-reference flying, precision load handling and demanding external-load scenarios. The VR environment, motion cues and refined flight dynamics allow pilots to practice these operations safely and repetitively.
Can pilots train using the MPVK configuration?
Yes. The simulator supports training with the Maximum Pilot View Kit (MPVK), allowing pilots to practice vertical-reference and precision maneuvers exactly as flown in the real aircraft. This includes improved downward visibility and realistic control interaction for HESLO and specialized missions.
What kind of training can be performed on the H125 VR FTD?
The device supports basic maneuver training (hovering, approaches, autorotations, slope and confined-area operations, instrument flying and standard emergency procedures) as well as advanced commercial training, including HESLO and complex emergency scenarios.
Is the simulator realistic enough for high-level training?
Yes. Realistic flight-dynamics modelling, advanced control-loading, 6-DoF motion, vibration and an immersive 360° VR environment combine to replicate helicopter behavior and cockpit workload very closely. Original or replica controls and full-scale cockpit geometry further enhance realism.
Which credits can be logged on the device?
According to the EASA approval, simulator time can be credited towards AS350 type ratings, license and operator proficiency checks, refresher training, night ratings, private and commercial pilot licences and instrument ratings, subject to the training organisation’s approvals.
How does the system improve safety compared to training only in the real helicopter?
High-risk maneuvers and malfunctions that would be too dangerous or impractical in the real aircraft (for example certain tail-rotor failures or severe weather scenarios) can be repeated safely in the simulator. This repetitive practice promotes deep learning and safer handling of critical situations.
What are the environmental and cost benefits?
Training sessions are conducted on the ground with an electrically powered system. There are no fuel burn, emissions, or noise and no need for cross-country repositioning flights. This reduces environmental impact and lowers overall training costs while keeping the focus on actual flight exercises.
How does the instructor interact with the trainee during sessions?
The instructor and pilot communicate via an intercom system, just as in the real helicopter. The Instructor Operating Station provides multiple displays for simulator control, viewing the pilot’s perspective and analyze flight data, and includes assistance functions to support step-by-step instruction.
