In a potentially significant shift in pilot education methods, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has for the first time certified a mixed reality (MR) headset for use in civil aviation training.
The certified device, known as the XR-4 headset, was developed by Finnish startup Varjo. Brunner Elektronik, a Swiss simulation device manufacturer, has integrated the Varjo XR-4 headset into a new flight trainer designed to emulate the interior of a Diamond DA42 aircraft.
Unlike traditional flight simulators that rely entirely on screens, this MR system blends digital environments with the physical cockpit, allowing pilots to interact with real controls while experiencing a digitally rendered external view. This hybrid approach, utilizing a technique called “masking,” renders everything outside the cockpit digitally while the trainee engages with tangible instruments and controls within the simulated environment.
The setup is designed to enhance the realism of the training experience, creating a sense that the pilot is genuinely flying. The system also incorporates eye-tracking technology, providing instructors with valuable insights into where trainees are directing their gaze during critical situations. This feature can be particularly useful for observing student reactions during high-stress scenarios, such as low-visibility landings or engine failures.
EASA’s approval of this integrated system formally authorizes its use for logging civilian flight hours in Europe. This certification is a crucial step, allowing training institutions to incorporate the technology into their official curricula. Lufthansa’s flight academy in Munich has already begun utilizing the Varjo and Brunner Elektronik system for training its new recruits.
“This is much more than a one-off tech trial,” commented Tristan Cotter, Varjo’s global head of defence and aerospace. “It marks the debut of the first qualified mixed reality simulator that we believe is on a clear path toward broader regulatory approvals.”
Founded in 2016, Varjo has established itself as a prominent player in the extended reality (XR) space, having raised over $200 million and becoming one of Europe’s best-funded XR scaleups. While the company has a history of working with military and industrial clients, the EASA certification represents its first system approved specifically for civilian pilot training.
Cotter acknowledges the potential for MR to transform pilot training but also recognizes the current limitations of the technology. “Mixed reality isn’t positioned to replace full-flight simulators anytime soon,” he stated. “But it has enormous potential to impact earlier phases of pilot education.” This suggests that the MR technology is currently seen as a valuable tool for foundational and intermediate training stages, rather than the final, comprehensive simulation experienced in full-flight simulators.
EASA’s approval of this MR system aligns with a broader trend of integrating extended reality tools into various regulated industries. Examples of this adoption include the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) trialing VR headsets for training surgical students, Rolls-Royce utilizing MR for aircraft engine maintenance procedures, and EDF Energy deploying MR technology to train operators at its nuclear power plants.
Despite these promising applications, a recent report by research and advisory firm Forrester highlighted that widespread industrial adoption of XR has been slower than initially anticipated. According to James Mc a principal analyst at a principal analyst at Forrester, “high costs and a lack of compelling use cases” have contributed to the sluggish uptake. He advised organizations to “measure their expectations” regarding the rapid integration of XR technologies.
However, the Forrester report also identified training as a specific area where extended reality technology has already demonstrated a clear and tangible return on investment. This suggests that while broad industrial adoption faces hurdles, applications focused on training, such as the newly certified pilot simulator, are proving their value and are more likely to see continued implementation and regulatory approval.
The certification of Varjo’s XR-4 headset by EASA for civil aviation training marks a significant milestone in the adoption of advanced simulation technologies within regulated sectors, potentially paving the way for more widespread use of mixed reality in pilot education and other high-stakes training environments.
