Underscoring the importance of teaching pilots how to improve decision-making in challenging conditions, Ryan Aerospace and Precision Flight Controls are demonstrated Ryan’s Helimod Mark III and III+ virtual reality simulators at the VAI Rotor Safety Zone at Heli-Expo 2024 recently.

The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has created detailed scenarios as part of its “Recommended Practice—Simulation Training for Aviation Decision Making” efforts. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Fort Worth, Texas-based Helicopter Institute are adapting these scenarios to the Helimod VR simulators so pilots can practice scenarios this summer involving aeronautical decision-making related to loss of control-inflight, unintended flight in instrument meteorological conditions, and low-altitude operations.

A key element of the training is informed by the USHST’s award-winning “56 Seconds To Live” video. “The USHST is placing a strong emphasis on the fatal topic of unintentional instrument meteorological conditions involving helicopter operations,” according to Ryan Aerospace.

The Helimod devices are used by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as many helicopter operators and training providers. The VR capability includes the ability to “see” sling loads for sling training, and the Helimod Mark III+ adds full electronic control load for cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals.