Air101: Loft Dynamics VR Flight Simulator acquired by Blackcomb Helicopters to enhance operations

30 June, 2023

Loft Dynamics VR Flight Simulator acquired by Blackcomb Helicopters to enhance operations

Loft Dynamics Expands to Canada
Leading Helicopter Company in Pacific Northwest
Loft Dynamics' H125 Simulator to Advance Safety, Sustainability, and Growth Initiatives

Loft Dynamics AG - formerly VRM Switzerland, a market-leading company specializing in VR (virtual reality) training devices for helicopter pilots, today announced its expansion to 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 companies will work closely with Transport Canada to demonstrate the technology's national safety and training value.

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, 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. It is the world's first and only qualified VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), enabling pilots to complete proficiency checks, periodic H125 flight training, and operational check rides.

"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."

"We're thrilled to partner with a respected helicopter operator like Blackcomb," said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. "Our technology has significantly improved pilot safety and skills in 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."

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.

Jason Shaw.

Jason Shaw's love of the aviation industry started at a young age when he used to watch the whirlybirds of Bristow Helicopters coming and going from the garden of his Surrey childhood home. Since those days he's worked in a number of key areas within the aviation industry from airlines, travel agents, holiday companies and product selection to reporting on it for local radio and making video travel brochures.

Jason is also an experienced broadcaster, having presented on radio, television, corporate videos and video travel brochures.

He's an avid reader and has also written a number of books, articles, features and reports.

Jason loves to travel, eat cheesecake and his favourite destinations include Port Douglas, Singapore and Copenhagen.

Joshua Jordan.

Josh loves to travel and has a passionate interest in the airline industry. He's worked in both travel and the media for a number of years. His voice can often be heard on Internet-based radio stations as well and the odd commercial! The destination he calls his favourite is - New York.

Adam Shaw

Adam is the youngest member of the team, no relation to Jason and like the rest of the team, he has a keen interest in airlines, aircraft and aviation. His favourite destination is Prague and has just started taking flying lessons.