- The simulator features the “enwall” Complete LED visual system, including floor panels for maximum vertical realism.
- Equipped with Mixed Reality hoist station and a vibration system, it is one of the most mission-ready configurations delivered by Entrol.
- The device is scheduled for installation at GCH Aviation’s facilities in Christchurch during the first quarter of 2026.
Madrid, February 2nd, 2026
Entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, announces the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for an H145 FTD Level 5 simulator for the New Zealand operator GCH Aviation. The project is set for installation in 1Q 2026.
This project represents a significant technological leap for the region. By integrating this advanced device, GCH Aviation will enhance its pilot training capabilities, focusing on operational safety, IFR proficiency, and specialized Air Ambulance mission readiness.
High-Fidelity visual and tactical immersion
The simulator is an FTD Level 5 based on the H145, featuring a cockpit equipped with Dual GTN 750 Xi. One of its most distinctive features is the Enwall Complete LED visual system, which provides a seamless immersive experience, including LED panels on the floor. This allows pilots to maintain visual contact with the ground or the hoist area, a critical factor for helicopter operations.
The visual environment is powered by Entrol’s Envision (powered by Unreal Engine). The database includes nine generic airports and heliports with 3D buildings and a realistic environment, alongside one specific heliport designed with high-precision 3D objects to simulate real-world operational challenges.
A comprehensive solution for mission training
To bridge the gap between simulation and reality, the device is equipped with advanced mission-specific options:
- Mixed Reality Hoist Operator Station: for coordinated pilot and crew member training.
- Vibration system: to replicate the tactile sensations of flight, from rotor dynamics to ground contact.
- Enclosed instructor station: featuring two 24” touch screens and an additional TFT for mission monitoring, complemented by an iPad for mobile control.
- Debriefing and mission mirroring: allowing for real-time monitoring and in-depth post-flight analysis of the training session.
GCH Aviation is a premier operator in New Zealand, and this installation ensures their pilots have access to world-class technology. The versatility of the H145 simulator allows for a wide range of training, from initial instrument ratings to the most complex mission rehearsals.
Claudia Calleja, entrol’s Business Manager, comments: “We are delighted that GCH Aviation has trusted our H145 technology. This project showcases the evolution of our simulators; by integrating Mixed Reality and our latest LED visual systems, we provide a tool that is not only a trainer but a true mission rehearsal environment. GCH Aviation is a forward-thinking operator, and this simulator will be a benchmark in the region.”
About GCH Aviation
GCH Aviation is a New Zealand owned and operated aviation group with over four decades of continuous, safe operational experience across helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft services.
GCH Aviation is a significant provider of helicopter air rescue and fixed-wing air ambulance services, operating emergency missions across multiple regions in the mid to upper South Island of New Zealand. The group operates helicopter rescue and EMS services, supporting primary emergency response and inter-facility patient transfers in Christchurch and Canterbury, West Coast, and the Nelson and Marlborough regions.
For more information, visit www.gchaviation.com
