As helicopter operations become increasingly complex, training requirements have also evolved. Modern Airbus H145 flight simulator environments allow pilots to prepare for these scenarios in a safe and controlled way, recreating operational situations that would be difficult, expensive, or unsafe to train during real flights.

As an H145 simulator manufacturer, entrol focuses on recreating these operational challenges as realistically as possible through advanced H145 simulation technologies.

The H145 in demanding helicopter operations

The H145 is commonly used in missions where operational flexibility and rapid response are essential. These operations often take place in constantly changing environments where pilots must combine precise aircraft handling with high levels of coordination and decision-making.

H145 in HEMS and SAR operations

HEMS and SAR crews frequently operate in complex conditions such as urban environments, mountainous terrain, offshore areas, or confined landing zones. In these scenarios, pilots must manage changing weather conditions, limited visual references, time pressure, and continuous communication with the rest of the crew.

These operations demand high levels of situational awareness and operational precision, especially during low-altitude maneuvers, approaches, or emergency response situations.

In addition, understanding how factors such as moon phases, clouds, rain, snow, or artificial lights affect night vision is essential for safe operations.

A helicopter designed for operational versatility

One of the reasons H145 has become such a common platform for HEMS and SAR operations is its ability to support multiple operational profiles within the same aircraft platform.

The helicopter can be configured for emergency medical services, rescue operations, offshore transport, law enforcement, firefighting, and public service activities while maintaining consistent cockpit procedures and operational workflows.

This flexibility allows operators to adapt the aircraft to different mission requirements while optimizing fleet availability, crew standardization, and operational efficiency.

Combined with modern cockpit technologies and multi-crew operational capabilities, the H145 has become a highly adaptable platform for operators requiring flexibility, rapid deployment, and efficient performance across different types of operations.

Why advanced H145 training matters

Operating an H145 in real-world scenarios requires more than basic flight training. Crews must learn how to manage procedures, workload, coordination, and operational decision-making in dynamic environments where factors such as low-altitude maneuvers, changing weather conditions, confined landing zones, or limited visibility can significantly increase operational complexity.

Advanced simulation environments allow operators to recreate these situations in a safe and controlled way while improving crew preparation and operational readiness.

Expanding operational training possibilities through simulation

One of the main advantages of advanced Airbus H145 flight simulator environments is the ability to recreate a wide variety of operational scenarios in a safe, flexible, and repeatable environment.

Unlike real aircraft training, simulation allows operators to increase training availability while reducing operational costs and avoiding the risks associated with reproducing complex situations during real flights.

Through advanced training environments, crews can practice:

• Emergency procedures
• MCC Multi-crew coordination
• Navigation and operational workflows
• Low-visibility operations
• Adverse weather conditions
• High-workload scenarios
• Mission-specific operations such as HEMS, SAR, offshore, firefighting, or law enforcement activities
  
  

This flexibility allows operators to adapt training programs to different operational requirements while improving crew preparation and operational readiness before facing real-world situations.

Entrol’s H145 simulation technologies

At entrol, our Airbus H145 flight simulator solutions are designed to recreate realistic operational environments through advanced cockpit replication, immersive visual systems, and mission-oriented training technologies.

Advanced H145 cockpit replication

Our simulators incorporate detailed cockpit environments, Helionix replica systems, actual Garmin avionics, and customizable cockpit layouts designed to recreate realistic operational workflows. The flight model is validated through real flight testing, helping operators train with highly accurate aircraft behavior and navigation performance.

Immersive visual and mission environments

Visual realism plays a key role in modern helicopter simulation, especially during HEMS, SAR, offshore, or low-altitude operations where pilots must constantly interact with the surrounding environment.

To recreate these scenarios, entrol integrates advanced visual technologies such as ENWALL, our LED-based visual system designed to improve immersion, depth perception, contrast, and operational realism during training.

Combined with spherical visual environments, NVIS capabilities, and vibration and motion systems, these technologies allow crews to train under realistic environmental conditions while improving situational awareness and operational coordination.

Advanced visual environments also help operators recreate:

• Urban operations
• Mountainous terrain
• Offshore environments
• Low-visibility conditions
• Night operations
• Complex landing zones
  
  

This level of realism helps crews prepare for the operational complexity of modern H145 helicopter missions.

Flexible and upgradeable training solutions

As an H145 simulator manufacturer, entrol develops flexible training platforms designed to evolve alongside operators’ operational, technical, and certification requirements.

entrol’s H145 simulator platforms can be adapted to different training levels, from FNPT and AATD devices to FFS configurations, depending on operator requirements.

Additional technologies such as MR hoist operator stations, IOS remote control systems, long-term support services, certification assistance, simulator technician training, and FSTDO services allow operators to maintain flexible and scalable training environments over time.

This scalable approach helps operators expand their training capabilities while adapting simulator configurations to future operational and regulatory needs.

Madrid, May 21, 2026

entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, announces the official certification of an FTD Level 5 simulator by the ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil). This marks a major milestone as the first entrol device to be certified in the country, opening up new growth opportunities in one of the most prominent helicopter markets globally.

The certified device is a customized H145 FTD Level 5 operated by the prestigious Brazilian flight school Safety Flight. Installed in early 2024 and fully homologated after a process with the authorities, the simulator is specifically tailored for internal training, twin-engine transitions, and advanced IFR-H instruction.

Tailored engineering and fleet integration

To meet the school’s precise operational requirements, entrol developed a highly versatile configuration focused on maximizing training efficiency for twin-engine platforms.

A key highlight of this customized H145 unit is the incorporation of a dedicated tactile vibration system. This addition allows pilots to recognize critical aerodynamic states through physical sensation, providing an immersive and realistic environment crucial for high-complexity mission training and regulatory compliance. This addition allows pilots to recognize critical aerodynamic states through physical sensation, providing an immersive and realistic environment crucial for high-complexity mission training and regulatory compliance.

A relationship built on world-class after-sales service

This milestone strengthens a long-term partnership that began in 2020. After experiencing the reliability of their first entrol device (an EC135-based simulator) delivered in 2022, Safety Flight decided to expand their fleet with the H145, driven heavily by the manufacturer’s top-tier support.

Antonio Gallucci, CEO of Safety Flight, shared a deep perspective on their journey and why they trust entrol:

“We started our professional life in 1984, when we began the basic helicopter pilot course; back then, there were only 4 schools in Brazil. Throughout this journey, after executing numerous helicopter missions in the Amazon rainforest, offshore, and executive flights, we decided to undertake our biggest flight: the transmission of accumulated knowledge. In 2020, we saw entrol on the internet and envisioned the possibility of a great leap.

After establishing a partnership with entrol, which proved to have state-of-the-art equipment, we also verified something even more important: a first-class after-sales service. For this reason, we received our second simulator, the H145. After a long process with ANAC, we received the homologation of our FTD, which allowed for even more professional training. With this equipment, we can demonstrate something we have affirmed throughout our careers: it is possible to ‘humanize the methods and not robotize the pilots’.”

Consolidating presence in South America

Securing this first ANAC approval confirms that entrol’s technology adapts seamlessly to the strict regulatory and technical demands of the Brazilian market, paving the way for future projects in South America.

Juanjo Lechosa, Business Development Manager at entrol, highlights the commercial impact of this achievement: “The certification by ANAC is a cornerstone in our strategy for Brazil. It confirms that our technology not only meets the highest technical standards but also responds perfectly to the specific regulatory requirements of the Brazilian market. We are proud to support Safety Flight once again in their mission to provide top-tier training, backed by our commitment to long-term technical support and innovation.”

NVG operations require a specific adaptation to visual perception, environmental scanning, and reference interpretation during night flight. At entrol, our focus is to recreate these operational challenges as realistically as possible through advanced NVIS simulation technologies.

Flying with limited visual perception

Operating with NVGs completely changes the way pilots perceive their environment. Unlike natural vision, NVGs amplify visible light and part of the infrared spectrum, completely altering the pilot’s visual perception

The complexity of NVG operations is defined by several critical visual limitations:

• Reduced Field of View (FOV): while human vision naturally provides a wide panoramic perception, NVGs typically reduce the pilot’s field of view to approximately 40 degrees, creating a “tunnel vision” effect.
• Green effect and altered visual perception: traditional NVGs generate a monochromatic green image that changes how pilots perceive terrain, obstacles, and light sources. Artificial lights generate halo effects, shadows become deeper, and surfaces such as water may appear completely black under low ambient lighting conditions.
  
  

The need for specific NVG training

Because NVGs significantly alter visual perception, pilots require specific training before conducting real night operations.

Part of this training focuses on adapting to the weight and ergonomics of the goggles, as well as learning the so-called instrument scan, a technique that allows pilots to monitor cockpit instruments using peripheral vision outside the NVGs.

At entrol, we consider these operational habits a fundamental part of realistic NVG flight training, as they play a key role during complex night operations.

In addition, understanding how factors such as moon phases, clouds, rain, snow, or artificial lights affect night vision is essential for safe operations.

Night operations: high-risk, high-complexity environments

NVG operations are commonly performed in high-complexity helicopter operations such as SAR, HEMS, offshore operations, law enforcement missions, or tactical deployments, where crews must operate with minimal visual references and constantly changing environments.

These helicopter operations may take place over open sea, mountainous terrain, confined areas, or environments without artificial lighting, where factors such as weather conditions, rain, snow, fog, or changing lighting conditions directly affect visual perception.

For this reason, preparation and training in realistic scenarios are essential for safe night operations.

Why simulation is essential for NVG training

Simulation has become one of the most effective tools for NVG flight training, helping operators complement FAA and EASA night operation training requirements while recreating conditions that are difficult, expensive, or unsafe to reproduce during real flights.

Training beyond the limitations of real flight

Simulation allows NVG operations to be trained in a more flexible, safe, and efficient way.

• On-demand recreation of different night and environmental conditions
• Safe training for emergencies and high-risk operational scenarios
• Reduced operational costs and increased training availability
  

Progressive learning: from adaptation to mission readiness

NVG training programs aligned with FAA and EASA operational standards must follow a progressive process

Pilots first learn how to operate with a reduced field of view, properly adjust the NVGs, and use techniques such as the instrument scan. Training then evolves into advanced scenarios such as SAR, offshore, HEMS, or tactical missions, recreating visual conditions such as fog, rain, halo lights, or different lighting environments.

This approach helps crews prepare for the visual and operational complexity of real night flight scenarios.

Entrol’s NVIS technology

At entrol, our NVIS solutions are designed to recreate realistic night environments by combining dedicated NVIS databases, advanced visual technologies, and real GEN III NVG goggles.

The goal is to allow crews to train under the same visual limitations, operational references, and flight conditions they will encounter during real SAR, HEMS, offshore, or deployment operations.

High-fidelity mission-oriented NVIS environments

entrol’s NVIS databases are specifically developed to recreate complex night flight environments with a high level of visual and operational realism.

Scenarios include advanced effects such as:

• Halo lights in cities, runways, and helipads
• Rain, snow, and fog
• Water and surface reflectivity
• Lighting variations depending on moon phases and time of day
• Dynamic shadows and unlit areas
• IR and environmental effects specific to night operations
  

The system also reproduces characteristic effects of real NVGs, such as light halo effects, the behavior of dark surfaces without ambient illumination, vegetation reflectivity caused by chlorophyll interaction, or increased visibility under certain fog conditions.

Envision and advanced Image Generator technology

To enhance visual realism during NVG training, entrol integrates its Envision visual system together with advanced Image Generator technology based on Unreal Engine 5.

These systems allow the replication of multiple NVG-specific visual effects and mission-oriented night environments, including halo lights, fog conditions, rain effects, water reflectivity, and different ambient illumination conditions.

Combined with dedicated NVIS databases and real GEN III goggles, these technologies help recreate realistic night flight simulation scenarios for SAR, HEMS, offshore, or deployment operations.

Advanced NVG simulation in LED environments

Unlike traditional projection systems, LED technology offers higher resolution, contrast, and visual quality during night operations.

However, integrating real NVG training into LED environments represents a technological challenge, since current LED displays do not emit infrared light natively.

To overcome this limitation, entrol has developed a specific system capable of dynamically recreating NVG visual effects within the pilot’s field of view. Thanks to head tracking integration, the system generates a visual area synchronized with the pilot’s head movements, realistically reproducing the characteristic effects of night vision while the peripheral environment remains darkened.

This solution makes it possible to maintain the visual advantages of LED systems while replicating the operational behavior of real NVGs.

• Both simulators feature cutting-edge enwall led visual systems and the ENVISION mission engine. strengthening its Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue (SAR) programs with FTD Level 5 and 6 technology.
  
  

Madrid, May 6, 2026

entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, continues to expand its presence in Australia following the simultaneous sale of two advanced mission simulators to Toll Aviation, a premier operator in the region. This double-unit agreement includes a Bell 429 FTD Level 6 and an AW139 FTD Level 5, both equipped with the manufacturer’s latest technological innovations.

Specialized law enforcement training: the Bell 429 FTD Level 6

The Bell 429 FTD Level 6 simulator has been specifically configured to meet the rigorous demands of Law Enforcement missions. The high-fidelity cockpit features real Garmin GTN 750 equipment and a state-of-the-art E2M control loading system.

To ensure maximum skill transfer for police operations, the device integrates the ENVISION mission package. This includes a high-detail database of airports, specific 3D objects, and dedicated mission areas. Additional tactical features include a vibration system, a debriefing station, Forward Looking Infrared Camera based on FLIR simulation, and specialized  lighting.

Next-generation SAR capabilities: the AW139 FTD Level 5

In parallel, the AW139 FTD Level 5 simulator is configured for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training. The unit includes a hoist control station and a SAR mission scenario within the ENVISION database, featuring geo-specific Australian terrain.

Visual Excellence with enwall led and ENVISION

This technology provides superior image quality and contrast, which are vital for missions where visual references are critical. The simulators are powered by the ENVISION mission engine, using advanced rendering technology to faithfully recreate Toll Aviation’s operational environments.

The simultaneous acquisition of these two units underscores the trust that critical mission operators place in entrol’s technical expertise. This dual-device implementation will allow Toll Aviation to optimize crew training, reduce operational costs, and increase safety during complex real-world missions.

Effective maintenance ensures that the device remains a reliable asset throughout its entire simulator hardware life-cycle. Below, we outline the best practices to maintain high uptime and operational excellence.

Integrated support across the simulator life cycle

A common mistake is thinking maintenance begins only after the simulator is operational. In reality, the foundation for reliability is laid during the installation phase.

Technical autonomy and initial training

At entrol, our support begins with a comprehensive handover process. We involve the operator’s technical team from the start, providing specialized training for the Installation Manager and technicians. This training focuses on:

• Daily startup/shutdown protocols to prevent system fatigue.
• Initial calibration and sensor adjustment.
• Total autonomy:  we empower our clients to handle common maintenance tasks independently, reducing dependency on the manufacturer and minimizing wait times. 
  
  

Regulatory compliance and systematic testing (QTG)

A simulator that is not certified is a simulator that cannot be used. Maintenance is inextricably linked to regulatory status (EASA/FAA).

• Qualification Test Guide (QTG): regular testing is mandatory to prove the flight model still matches real aircraft performance.
• Preventive Checklists: we implement systematic reviews every 3, 6, and 12 months. These checks go beyond surface-level cleaning, involving deep diagnostics of the visual projection alignment and motion platform integrity.

Efficient FSTD tech support and remote diagnosis

Modern simulation requires agile technical solutions. Empowering operators with efficient diagnostic capabilities, supported by our remote tools and a smart hardware philosophy, is what ensures a center remains operational 24/7.

Secure remote support for software and NavDB updates

When an issue arises, time is of the essence. Through secure FSTD tech support channels, entrol engineers can access the simulator’s software remotely. This allows for:

• Real-time software corrections: immediate troubleshooting and bug fixing.
• Navigation Database (NavDB) updates: ensuring the training environment reflects current AIP charts.
  
  

The strategic advantage of COTS components in after-sales 

A significant part of our entrol after-sales success is based on the use of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) components. Unlike proprietary hardware that can become obsolete, COTS parts offer:

• Lower long-term costs: Standardized parts are more affordable to replace.
• Local availability: If a standard PC component fails, it can often be sourced locally, avoiding international shipping delays.
• Sustainability: Extending the hardware life-cycle through easily swappable, modern components.

To explore how our technical team supports these systems, visit our support section.

Future-proofing: preventive maintenance and long-term evolution

A simulator should not just stay operational; it should stay current. Long-term maintenance also means adapting to a changing industry.

Reducing downtime through specialized technician training

We don’t just fix machines; we train people. Continuous training for maintenance staff ensures they stay updated on new software versions and hardware refinements. This “human-centered” maintenance ensures that every flight control feels exactly as it should, maintaining high-fidelity training standards.

Scalable maintenance solutions for diverse operators

We understand that every operator has different needs. Our maintenance model is flexible:

• Full Autonomy: For operators with large technical departments, entrol provides high-level support and specialized spare parts.
• Optional Maintenance Services: For those who prefer to focus purely on training, we offer comprehensive service packages where we take full responsibility for the device’s health.

Ultimately, a well-maintained FSTD is more than just a piece of technology; it is a guarantee of safety and training quality. By focusing on preventive care, flight schools can ensure their investment remains profitable for decades.

At entrol, we see the key not as choosing one over the other, but as understanding which technology best supports each specific training objective—and applying it where it truly adds value within the training process.

VR & MR: How to Choose the Right Technology in Professional Simulation

To deliver effective training, it’s essential to understand how each visual solution contributes to the overall training program. High-fidelity visual systems such as LED environments provide a strong foundation for immersive training, while technologies like VR and MR offer additional capabilities tailored to specific training needs. Rather than comparing them, the key is to apply each solution where it brings the most value to the pilot at a given moment:

• ENWALL (LED Visual System): this system is based on state-of-the-art LED technology, providing a highly immersive and high-fidelity visual environment. It integrates both wall and floor visuals, enhancing vertical visibility and improving situational awareness. The use of LED technology ensures excellent color contrast and visual clarity, while eliminating the need for warping and blending, resulting in a seamless and distortion-free experience. This makes it especially relevant for advanced training environments where visual fidelity and realism are critical.
• Virtual Reality (VR): this technology provides a fully synthetic digital environment. It is an effective tool for spatial orientation and mission-based training, allowing pilots to work through operational scenarios where situational awareness is key. As a portable and flexible solution, it is well suited for mission preparation and tactical familiarization, offering a high level of visual immersion across different stages of training.
• Mixed Reality (MR): a visual solution that allows the pilot to interact with a physical cockpit while the external environment is digitally rendered. At entrol, we see MR as a strong fit for specific mission profiles such as search and rescue or tactical operations. It enables the use of real systems and controls during these missions, reinforcing procedural accuracy and realism. It is designed for environments where coordination under pressure and precise physical interaction are critical.

The importance of sensory integration in a pilot training

While Virtual Reality is a solid tool for working on the “what” and “where” of the cockpit—focused on procedures and familiarization—the transition to advanced mission training often requires broader sensory input. In immersive pilot training, the focus shifts from cognitive understanding to haptic adaptation.

In a realistic flight simulator, providing the brain with the same physical cues it will encounter in the actual aircraft—such as the mechanical resistance of a switch or the specific friction of a collective—helps anchor the visual experience. This integration of tactile feedback enhances realism and supports a more effective transfer of skills to real-world operations, particularly in high-demand scenarios.

The role of tactile feedback in training

At entrol, mission design is based on the principle of sensory synergy. In professional simulation, spatial accuracy is the baseline: every control is mapped 1:1, ensuring that the pilot’s spatial awareness remains consistent whether operating in a digital environment or a physical cockpit.

Integrating Mixed Reality (MR) builds on this foundation by enabling physical interaction with real controls while maintaining a fully immersive virtual environment. This creates a training setup where tactile feedback and visual immersion work together in a coherent and natural way.

This combination enhances realism and supports the effective transfer of skills from simulation to real-world operations.

The “Muscle Memory” factor – the physical cockpit

In our MR simulators, the cockpit is real. When you reach for the collective, you feel friction. When you flip a switch, you hear the mechanical click. This physical feedback is what anchors the training. MR-based training ensures that the muscle memory developed in the simulator transfers effectively to the real cockpit.

Spatial awareness & depth perception

Advanced mission tasks such as hovering or precision landings rely heavily on accurate depth perception. Stereoscopic visual systems—used in both VR and MR—can provide 3D depth cues that, in some cases, offer advantages over traditional 2D displays.

The value of Mixed Reality at entrol lies in the ability to introduce real physical references. In an MR environment, the pilot can see the actual aircraft structure and cockpit alongside the digital environment. In missions like helicopter hoist simulation, these reference points help maintain situational awareness and support more consistent distance judgment.

The multi-crew ecosystem: simulating the full mission

The strength of entrol’s technology lies in its ability to synchronize different roles.

• In the cockpit: the pilot uses a physical FTD to maintain flight stability.
• In the cabin: the hoist operator uses MR goggles to lean out of the “virtual door,” seeing the terrain and the cable while interacting with a physical control. This creates a shared mission environment where coordination and visual references closely mirror real operational conditions.

Helicopter hoist simulation in MR

To understand the approach to mission readiness, it’s important to distinguish between the objectives of each role. While Mixed Reality (MR) is used in pilot training to provide in-flight references, the hoist station addresses a different need.

The hoist station is a dedicated environment designed to develop communication and standard procedures between the cockpit and the cabin. Its purpose is to strengthen verbal coordination and information exchange—both critical in search and rescue operations. By focusing on these skills, the goal is to ensure that the crew operates as a coordinated unit, where clarity and precision in communication are essential.

This level of realism is what defines a modern Flight Training Device (FTD). It’s not just about representing a mission—it’s about recreating the conditions in which it is carried out.

The aviation industry is evolving rapidly, but safety standards must remain constant. Mixed Reality allows tactile elements to be integrated into training, combining them with immersive visual environments when the training objective calls for it.