Gaming Simulators Could Support eVTOL Pilot Training and Vertiport Design

Vertiport Simulations adds electric charging cubes and other detailed scenery to flight simulator software

Vertiport Simulations is adding its design for vertiports to flight simulation software to provide realistic scenery for eVTOL aircraft operations.

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By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 29, 2024

Flight simulators developed by the gaming industry are set to play a role in training the large numbers of pilots needed to fly new eVTOL aircraft. What’s more, software like the latest versions of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator and Laminar Research’s X-Plane are also now being deployed by companies developing the broader advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem, including vertiports.

Florida-based Vertiport Simulations was established earlier this year to design heliports and vertiports. It soon found it could expedite changes and client approval by giving clients the opportunity to preview designs through virtual reality.

This capability prompted the company to offer imagery of eVTOL aircraft ground infrastructure to serve as scenery in the newly released 2024 edition of Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12. Its designers are adding key details, such as the electric charging units developed by eVTOL aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies and Electro.Aero.

Electric chargers for eVTOL aircraft are among the details that Vertiport Simulations is adding to its flight simulator software.

One of Vertiport Simulations’ first clients is Helo Holdings, Inc. (HHI), which is redeveloping its New Jersey heliport at Kearny, close to Manhattan, for use by eVTOL companies, including Joby Aviation. HHI has plans to develop another vertiport at an undisclosed U.S. location. Vertiport Simulations, founded by AAM entrepreneur Joe Mattern, is also working with a heliport operator in Dubai.

Common Infrastructure Standards Needed

Mattern told AIN that regulators still have plenty of work ahead of them to finalize standards for AAM infrastructure such as vertiports. “[Regulation of] aircraft is ahead of infrastructure, and the industry needs common standards,” he commented.

Meanwhile, the professional edition of X-Plane is set to be among the options for an eVTOL industry facing the challenge of needing to recruit and train thousands of new pilots. Though originally developed for hobbyists, X-Plane 12 is already FAA-certified for some use in flight training. Mattern said he hopes this will be extended to cover eVTOL aircraft, too.

Beta Technologies confirmed that its engineers had used X-Plane to conduct some initial physics validations for its Alia aircraft, which was the first eVTOL aircraft to be featured on the platform. Founder and CEO Kyle Clark also used it to learn how to fly the aircraft.

The new version of Microsoft Flight Simulator already features the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft being developed by Joby and its competitor Archer Aviation. X-Plane 12 includes Beta’s Alia aircraft and Cirrus used the software to develop its SR20, SR22, and Vision Jet aircraft.