Max talks with Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics, about virtual reality helicopter simulator training and why VR may be a practical way to improve safety, proficiency, and standardization in rotorcraft operations. Fabi explains why helicopter flying is uniquely hard to simulate: much of it happens low and slow, close to the ground, where depth perception and subtle visual cues matter. Traditional dome-style simulators can look impressive but may not deliver the same stereoscopic, head-tracked 3D cues pilots rely on. In virtual reality (VR), the pilot gets true 3D vision with head tracking, which can make hovering, approaches, and precision landings feel more realistic and trainable.
They discuss evidence of training transfer, including an experiment in which new helicopter students practiced private-pilot maneuvers in a VR simulator modeled on a Robinson R22 and then flew those same maneuvers in a real helicopter. Max also shares that he has flown one of Loft’s simulators and discusses what felt realistic and what surprised him.
The episode explores Loft Twin, which records an instructor’s full lesson—voice coaching, control inputs, and pilot movement—so pilots can replay standardized sessions to build muscle memory and consistency. Finally, Fabi introduces Loft Home for procedural practice using Apple Vision Pro and discusses Loft’s helicopter simulator platforms and where virtual reality training may fit into the future of helicopter safety.
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