UK-based Helicentre Aviation Academy has signed a purchase order for an H19/AW109 SP FNPT II MCC simulator and has become entrol's first UK customer.

Early last year, following 20 successful years specialising in ab-initio to professional pilot training, the company obtained CAA approval for the multi-engine instrument rating alongside the purchase of its first Leonardo AW109 Grand. Less than a year later, demand is growing as graduates of the academy's IR courses are successfully gaining employment in multi-crew roles. This provides newly qualified pilots with career pathways straight out of training, predominantly into the offshore sector.

The addition of this H19/AW109 simulator enhances Helicentre's training capabilities, providing students with a more seamless transition to the aircraft and allowing the ATO to expand into the delivery of additional courses such as MCC.

“We are committed to investing in innovation and technology so we can continue to offer the best and most up to date simulation experience to our trainee helicopter pilots,” says head of training and director of business development Sarah Bowen.

To further enhance the training experience, the simulator has been ordered with additional features including a vibration system, instructor debriefing station, cylindrical visual system with an extended vertical field of view and IOS remote control. The purchase represents a key milestone for entrol as its first simulator to be installed and certified in the UK.