Loft Dynamics raises $20M to address shortage of VR-trained pilots

Along with the financing, the company also formally announces its name change from VRM Switzerland.

Loft Dynamics, founded in Zurich in 2016, has developed a large number of simulators for some of the most common helicopters, including the single turbine. Through this, budding pilots can engage in realistic training scenarios, including night flying and performing proficiency checks, with forced feedback to simulate system failures and other issues.

Besides that, pilots can now also receive training credits for time spent in a simulator, after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) cleared Loft Dynamics' Airbus H125 flight training device.

The company says that its platform contributes in some way to addressing the global shortage of pilots, a problem exacerbated by the pandemic as pilots have chosen to take early retirement or change careers, as it opens up more training opportunities and reduces many of the costs involved in traveling in an actual helicopter.

Additionally, Loft Dynamics says that because its simulators are about a tenth the size of traditional simulators, they are easier to deploy at scale without the need for purpose-built facilities.

Other companies are using virtual reality simulation to address similar labor shortage issues or improve existing training programs. VRAI, for example, is developing technology to support training for the offshore wind industry, while FundamentalVR recently raised $20 million to help train surgeons through virtual reality.

With another $20 million in the bank and a new name, Loft Dynamics is now well positioned to expand outside of Europe and into the lucrative US market.

“After many years in development, we are ready to expand Loft Dynamics to become a global company and bring our technology and training solutions to the world”said Loft Dynamics co-founder and CEO Fabi Riesen in a press release. “This funding comes at exactly the right time as we will be able to meet the growing demand for flight schools and accelerate the range of aircraft types we support.”