Fabian Riesen

Fabian "Fabi" Riesen is the founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics, the maker of the only virtual reality (VR) pilot training devices with regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Before Loft Dynamics, Fabi spent over two decades as an engineering technical leader at Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), earning the company’s prestigious Pioneer Award for his innovations. During that time, Fabi constructed simulators as a hobby outside of work. With a background in electrical engineering and a lifelong passion for flying, Fabi recognized the need to enhance the safety, realism, and accessibility of pilot training globally and built a simulator to achieve that goal. 

In 2014, Fabi combined virtual reality and motion platforms to create a cutting-edge VR simulator from the ground up, in his living room. By 2016, Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland) was born, debuting a qualified VR Robinson R22 FNPT II simulator before releasing its EASA-qualified FTD Level 3 VR simulator, the Airbus H125. Today, leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations around the world use the company's VR simulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Los Angeles Police Department, Airbus Helicopters, Air Zermatt, Helitrans Norway, Heli Austria, and many others. 

In addition to receiving his Electrical and Software Engineering and Transmission Technology degree from Zurich University, Fabi obtained an executive MBA in Business Administration from Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences. 

Fabi enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the Swiss mountains in his spare time. He recently climbed the 48 summits of the Swiss Alps, all exceeding 4000 meters. Fabi also holds a private pilot license for fixed wing (PPL(A)) and is in the process of obtaining the helicopter equivalent (PPL(H)).