FAA approves TRU Simulation VR sim

The Tampa, Florida, company, which is a unit of Textron Inc., recently announced the rare milestone, which means helicopter pilots can use the Veris for logging time toward certificate requirements. Last year Loft Dynamics received FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification for its Airbus H125 VR simulator, which the company called the first approval of its kind.

The Veris debuted in 2024 at the Heli-Expo trade show, known now as Verticon. The new VR simulator is a clean-sheet design that combines the features of a full flight simulator with VR technology aimed at helping helicopter and fixed-wing pilots train more efficiently and cost-effectively. The ability to log time toward certificates using a VR simulator can cut the cost of training significantly.

“At TRU Simulation, our mission is to empower pilots and training providers with the most advanced and accessible tools available,” said Jerry Messaris, the company’s vice president and general manager. “The Veris delivers cutting-edge, cost-effective flight training through a compact VR platform—revolutionizing how pilots train across business aviation, rotorcraft and military markets.”

The first Veris simulators are designed for training in the Bell 505 helicopter, a popular model for civilian and military missions around the world. Bell also is a Textron company, and the Bell Training Academy will be the launch customer for the new simulator.

“Being the launch customer for the Veris for the Bell 505 is an honor for the Bell Training Academy,” said Chad Sparks, the academy’s general manager. “We are dedicated to providing the most advanced and comprehensive training solutions, and the Veris will greatly enhance the realism and effectiveness of our programs. We celebrate this milestone with TRU Simulation and look forward to continuing our collaboration to keep our customers on their missions.”

The base of the Veris provides up to six degrees of motion to generate authentic vibrations and other flight cues. TRU’s REALFeel control loading system lets the pilot experience realistic flight control sensations while avionics and switches reproduce the tactile interactions that pilots will experience in the aircraft.