Thought Leadership: Preparing pilots of the future of fight

Words by Christian Theuermann, executive board member at AXIS Flight Simulation

Over the past ten years, the market for eVTOL aircraft has grown rapidly. With manufacturers such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation currently in the testing phase of their aircraft, the reality of these aircraft becoming part of our day-to-day lives may only be around the corner.

Extensive pilot training within the aviation industry – both commercial and business – has always been a crucial component of safe and scalable deployment, and eVTOLs will be no exception.

Training for eVTOLs brings a new set of challenges, from unfamiliar flight characteristics and evolving regulatory frameworks to the integration of advanced technologies. To stay ahead of the curve and ensure we’re ready for the arrival of eVTOLs, simulation-based training is now more valuable than ever.

How regulatory framework is driving change

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently introduced a new rule, which establishes a new category of “powered lift” aircraft within its regulatory framework – under which eVTOLs will fall. This creates a new set of requirements for eVTOL pilots and training instructors, as well as operational guidelines, such an minimum safe altitude and required visibility.

In parallel with these domestic efforts, the FAA has joined regulators from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK to release a joint certification roadmap aimed at harmonising global standards for air taxi operations. The framework outlines performance-based requirements and validation procedures designed to streamline certification across borders.

This is a critical step for ensuring consistent pilot training and operational practices in an international market. Similarly, the European Union Safety Agency (EASA) has been evolving its own regulatory framework on eVTOLs, outlining safety standards, air operation requirements, and design and manufacturing criteria. These guidelines are part of a broader effort to integrate urban air mobility (UAM) into European cities, for purposes such as air taxis.

With ambitions to enable revenue flights as early as 2026 and finalise the framework by 2027, these developments mark a significant move towards a coordinated, scalable rollout of eVTOL services. As the powered lift category and eVTOL technology are both new, a dedicated training process and curriculum must be developed to ensure pilots are thoroughly prepared before take-off.

Tailoring these new training programmes to meet the specific requirements set by the FAA and EASA means adopting new methods alongside the development of the aircraft themselves.

Furthermore, as urban operations remain largely uncharted within the aviation industry, scenario-based training is essential. It allows pilots to gain experience with low-altitude flight paths and vertical landing pads – both of which are central to eVTOL operations.

Flight simulators could play a crucial role in preparation for eVTOLs

Simulator training is a key component in preparing pilots for eVTOL operations. It ensures they are equipped to handle the unique flight dynamics and operational environments of these next-generation aircraft.

As regulations evolve, there’s potential for simulator manufacturers to work closely with OEMs to develop tailored training solutions, to not only meet compliance standards but prepare pilots for this new era of flight.

High-fidelity devices such as full flight simulators (FFS) allow pilots to build familiarity with unique flight characteristics, cockpit layouts and emergency procedures in a safe, controlled environment. This early exposure accelerates readiness once aircraft are certified and supports regulatory approval by demonstrating that comprehensive, scenario-based training programmes are in place from the outset.

How VR can support training without limits

Integrating virtual reality (VR) or extended reality (XR) based simulators into the early stages of training is a cost-effective solution.

These flight training devices combine virtual augmented reality (AR) with physical aircraft controls and motion platforms to create a realistic and immersive training experience, and can allow pilots to train for a wide range of scenarios. VR/XR devices can be used
alongside FFS or independently.

In 2024, AXIS Flight Simulation launched its own VR training system – the Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT) – in partnership with Propair. The headset uses state-of-the-art hand and eye tracking capabilities to offer a high level of immersion and when coupled with FFS training, introduces new features such as biometric tracking and cockpit interaction analytics.

VR platforms offer a valuable complement to traditional simulators, or can enable earlier pilot engagement, as well as providing broader scenario exposure. On their own, VR training systems offer remote and flexible learning environments at a lower cost than FFS, making eVTOL training more accessible.

As eVTOL aircraft introduce new flight dynamics and advanced human-machine interfaces, immersive technologies such as VR and AI-driven systems are set to play a critical role in shaping next-generation pilot training programmes. These tools can increase realism and efficiency while supporting more scalable, data-informed training approaches.

What comes next

With the emergence of entirely new aircraft such as eVTOLs, simulation training provides an effective way for pilots to get ahead of the curve while these vehicles are still being developed and certified.

Clear communication and direction from eVTOL manufacturers to simulation companies will be crucial to ensure training technologies accurately replicate aircraft behaviour, while also enabling pilots to safely experience critical scenarios that cannot be practiced in real aircraft.

The commercial rollout of eVTOLs in alleviating urban congestion is expected within the next five years, with companies such as Archer Aviation already targeting real-world deployment at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. As certification progresses for both eVTOL aircraft and their associated training systems, cross-industry alignment will be vital to bringing these visions to life.

By embracing simulation throughout every stage of development – from early familiarisation to full operational readiness – the industry can future-proof its approach to pilot training.