The developer updated the answer in the FAQ channel on his Discord server:
I got my first VR headset with the sole intention of using it to play flight sims. The very first time I tried it, I was immediately frustrated by having to feel around for my keyboard and peek through the nose hole to make sure I was pressing the right keys or buttons to access the different cockpit functions. This was not the level of immersion I was looking for, so I got to work on VTOL VR. The game was designed from the beginning to be entirely virtual, allowing you to directly interact with the various controls as if you were sitting there in the cockpit.
I donât think that thereâs a way to provide the level of interaction that Iâm aiming for while using a HOTAS, especially with all of the cockpit systems like the MFDs and touch screens. Although it may be technically possible with a mouse, head pointing, or some combination of HOTAS and touch controls, it wonât be without the clumsiness that I intended to move away from in the first place.
Call me stupid, but in my opinion, looking for HOTAS support here is like looking for mouse/keyboard support in Onward, H3VR, HL:A, etc.
I am just going to go ahead and clean up this a little. Please donât take offence if I have removed you post but here are the facts:
The developer can do what they want for their product. They are the creator and set the goals for what they want to do with their time. We can disagree, sure. But there is no point in starting a thing over it.
Developer decided, some time ago, that they would not put HOTAS controls in VTOL VR. It has been hashed out and they are sticking with there decision.
There is nothing that you can do about it.
I want 'em in there. I ainât gonna get what I want. I donât play VTOL VR even though it seems so darn promising.
I am seriously thinking of taking that plunge as well. The only thing I just pause with is how will I react to those handles you use instead of a proper throttle and joystick HOTAS system. It just seems to alien to me to use those hand-held virtual control methods.
I wish I could bring every doubter into my home and help them past the learning curve so they may experience first-hand how enjoyable it is to fly this way.
It is one of the most natural interactions with a cockpit environment that I have experienced. Because letâs face itâŠmost of our jobs is pushing buttons and twisting knobs these days. And it nails that. And even the controllers for maneuvering are very precise and natural feeling.
Once you grab the virtual joystick, the game uses the tilt of the motion controller as input for the joystick, so it allows you to move your hand to a more comfortable position even if it is longer aligned with the virtual stick. You can easily rest the bottom of the controller on your thigh or knee for support, and to serve as a pivot. Combined with subtle haptic feedback as you tilt, the feeling of a joystick is surprisingly good.
And the controller represents your hands, giving you the freedom to decouple yourself from the flight controls and reach out to interact with switches, buttons, and instruments in a very satisfying immersive manner.
Technically, multiplayer has been available if you update to the latest public beta build. VTOL VRâs page on Steam still shows single player only. MP has worked great in my experience so far- very smooth close formation flying.
With the release of AH-94, I think multiplayer will be official so that 2 players can join in on the helicopter.
