Netherlands – European Heli Center (EHC) and Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (REISER) are proud to announce a significant contract: REISER will deliver an H135/H145 Level D full-flight simulator to the brand new European Heli Center based at Lelystad Airport, near Amsterdam.

Signed on the opening day of the VERTICON Show in Dallas, this milestone represents a substantial advancement in helicopter pilot and crew training, considerably enhancing helicopter training capabilities in Central Europe.

EHC is establishing a brand-new world-class helicopter training center in Lelystad, featuring REISER’s proven H135/H145 Level D full-flight simulator. The next-generation training devicereplicates the latest aircraft standards. Its versatile roll-on/roll-off mothership allows seamless training of both H135 and H145 helicopter types in one simulator. Training is scheduled to start by the end of 2026.

The new training center will serve as EHC’s headquarters, offering comprehensive pilot and crew training programs for civilian, commercial, military, offshore, and emergency medical services (EMS) sectors. The facility will provide advanced training solutions, including mission-specific courses designed to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Strategically located near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the center offers exceptional accessibility with direct flights from almost every part of the world – a major advantage for pilots, crew, and operators worldwide.

Collaboration with Bristow Nigeria

As part of its expansion, EHC has partnered with Bristow Nigeria, a division of the Bristow Group, to provide pilot training solutions for the H135 helicopter. Under this collaboration, Bristow will be one of the main customers utilizing the H135 full-flight simulator at the new training center. This partnership ensures that Bristow’s pilots receive world-class training, further strengthening operational safety and efficiency in offshore operations.

“We are delighted to partner with EHC in their ambitious endeavor to create a world-class training center,” said Dr. Johannes Hain, REISER CEO. “The contract marks another milestone in our history as Europe’s renowned manufacturer of helicopter full-flight simulators. With this agreement, we further strengthen our market position, expand our market share, and consolidate our leadership in the aviation training industry.

Mr. Jeroen Peddemors, CEO of European Heli Center, added: “By combining our extensive training expertise with REISER’s cutting-edge simulation systems, we are creating the most modern and comprehensive helicopter training center in the world. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing the highest quality training to meet the evolving needs of the global helicopter industry.”

About Reiser Simulation and Training
REISER Simulation and Training GmbH has been leading the revolution in aviation training for over three decades. With a distinctive German engineering touch, REISER has been delivering innovations globally, enhancing the efficiency and safety of flight personnel training worldwide. Our simulators and training devices minimize the ecological footprint associated with traditional training methods but also conserve vital resources. REISER‘s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations.

About European Heli Center
With more than 45 years of experience, European Heli Center is a leading provider of helicopter pilot training and operational services. Currently operating training bases in the Netherlands and Norway, the center offers a full range of specialized training solutions. The new headquarters will expand its capacity to meet the growing demand for specialized training in the global helicopter industry, offering programs from foundational flight training to advanced mission-specific courses. Equipped with a fleet of 21 helicopters and a team of expert instructors, the European Heli Center is committed to delivering the highest standards in helicopter training, ensuring the safety and proficiency of pilots worldwide.EHC is also a proud member of the Leading Helicopter Academies (LHA), a global network of premier helicopter training organizations.

Source: European Heli Center and Reiser Simulation and Training
Photo Credit: European Heli Center and Reiser Simulation and Training