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Rotary Wing Show Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot StoriesHelicopter News, Pilot Stories, Rotorcraft Careers, Helicopter Safety, Flight Training, and Aviation Podcast for Aircrew Author: Max Trescott Aviation News Talk Network
Stay current on the world of helicopters with The Rotary Wing Showyour go-to podcast for helicopter news, pilot stories, and aircrew insights. Each episode brings you the latest helicopter industry news, real-world experiences from pilots and crew, and practical advice for those flyingor aspiring to flyrotorcraft professionally or recreationally. From air medical and firefighting to military, utility, and offshore operations, we cover the full spectrum of helicopter missions and career paths. You'll hear firsthand accounts from experienced aviators around the globe, plus in-depth coverage of new technologies, safety issues, and aircraft developments. Whether you're in flight school, flying EMS, running sling ops, or just passionate about helicopters, The Rotary Wing Show delivers valuable insight from those who live and breathe rotary aviation. Hosted by aviation author and helicopter pilot Max Trescott, the show is part of the Aviation News Talk Network. Visit https://rotarywingshow.com for show notes, photos, and more. Follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes extras, and links to the latest helicopter news stories. Keywords: Helicopter podcast, helicopter news, helicopter pilot stories, rotary aviation, helicopter aircrew, rotorcraft careers, aviation podcast, helicopter safety Language: en Genres: Aviation, Leisure, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Helicopter VR Flight Simulator Training: Loft Dynamics with Fabi Riesen
Episode 124
Thursday, 26 February, 2026
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.Mentioned on the Show:Please take our Listener survey now!Sign up for our book giveaway of Keep Your RPM in the Green
