Canada-based charter airline Nolinor Aviation has contracted VRpilot to deliver its interactive cockpit procedure training platform, VRflow, to support its Boeing 737 training operations. Operating both the Original, Classic and NG versions of the 737, Nolinor will receive customised training solutions for all its variants.

Nolinor has modelled the cockpit of its Boeing 737-200 in an interactive virtual environment, significantly enhancing the efficiency of preliminary pilot training before accessing the conventional flight simulator. Virtual reality offers a realistic reproduction of the cockpit, essential for developing pilots' reflexes and muscle memory, and aims to facilitate the practice of normal and emergency procedures. Training sessions can be conducted solo or in duo, with a virtual co-pilot or another VR pilot, strengthening communication and teamwork skills. The software also offers training and exam modes, providing immediate and precise feedback.

To facilitate access to this training, Nolinor Aviation has equipped a special room, allowing pilots to train in virtual reality at any time, offering flexibility for continuous improvement outside regular training hours.

Vice president of operations Yves Bergeron explains the importance of this programme: “VR training optimally prepares our pilots for the conventional flight simulator, maximising the efficiency of each session. This allows us to focus on complex flight scenarios and advanced skills rather than basic reviews.”

Training manager Rudy Egeileh adds: “Our airline operates the largest fleet of 737-200s in the world. While these aircraft are vital to our operations, we want to ensure that our crew receive top-tier training in line with industry standards. With VRpilot's solution, we're bridging the past and the future by using cutting edge experience that breathes new life into our airframes, ensuring their continued and safe operation in the skies.”

Thor Paulli Andersen, partner at VRpilot, adds: “Taking full advantage of the flexibility of our VRflow platform, we're excited to deliver a procedure training solution to Nolinor that will match its actual aircraft one-to-one. This partnership epitomises the value of our customised solutions, helping operators of ageing, unique or specialised aircraft to continue their operation well into the future.”

Nolinor has selected the Pico 4 Enterprise headsets to run VRpilot's software.

In addition, Nolinor has undertaken a major upgrade of the visual system of its Level C flight simulator located in Miami, Florida. Thanks to the joint efforts of RSi Visuals and the Pan Am Academy team, this enhancement has increased the realism of the external environment visible from the cockpit.