European Rotors Conference - Key Takeaways
Hive Underwriters reflect on the latest advancements in VTOL Safety and Training from the 2024 European Rotors Conference
Hive Underwriters’ Jay Wigmore, Class Underwriter – General Aviation, and Amy Birch, Assistant Underwriter – General Aviation, recently attended the 2024 European Rotors Conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Significantly, this year’s event featured the Rotorcraft Safety Zone – a practical safety hub co-organised by EASA and the European Safety Promotion Network Rotorcraft (ESPN-R).
At the Safety Zone, industry experts showcased cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionising safety practices across the rotorcraft sector. Among the standout innovations was the continued evolution of Simulation-as-a-Service (SimAAS), which leverages virtual reality (VR) to deliver immersive, hands-on training for pilots and crew in ways that were previously unattainable.
HIVE had the opportunity to observe a fascinating demonstration aimed at pilots and winch operators who were able to utilise VR goggles to train for complex winch operations in high-risk environments. This training immerses users in lifelike scenarios, enabling them to master mission-critical skills such as situational awareness, crew coordination, and problem-solving - all within a safe, controlled environment.
Why VR Training is a Game-Changer
Traditional simulators, while effective, also come with significant limitations. They are expensive, immobile, and often require operators to travel to centralised training centres, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for the customer. The introduction of VR training transforms this landscape by offering the following advantages:
Portability: Can be deployed at the operator’s base or a training provider’s facility, reducing logistical challenges.
Cost-Effectiveness: Cuts costs associated with live training, such as fuel and aircraft wear.
Enhanced Realism: The 360-degree immersive experience, combined with audio simulation, replicates high-pressure scenarios more authentically than static TV-based simulators.
Winch operations, a critical component of helicopter missions, demonstrated VR’s true potential. Training scenarios ranged from medical evacuations to cargo extractions, with VR systems replicating the exact conditions and equipment - down to the specific helicopter door layout including the specific handles on the aircraft. During the course the trainees practice communication, winch attachment, and cargo handling; preparing them thoroughly before transitioning to live operations.
This leap forward in training technology promises tangible benefits for all stakeholders including safer operations, which allows operators to gain experience in high-stakes scenarios without the risks of live training. In addition to reduced costs, VR eliminates many expenses associated with traditional simulators and live drills and finally improves risk profiles; better-trained crews mean fewer incidents, lowering potential insurance claims and creating safer, more insurable operations.
As the sector continues to adopt these critical innovations, it’s clear that enhanced training through VR and SimAAS represents a win-win for operators, underwriters, and the industry as a whole.
Many thanks to the organisers of the 2024 European Rotors Conference for delivering an outstanding event. The combination of insightful demonstrations, innovative technology, and industry collaboration made this year’s conference an unmissable experience. We look forward to seeing how these advancements continue to shape the future of rotorcraft safety and training.
