New Bell 429 Simulator Installed in the USA in 2025 to Support Law Enforcement and Air Medical Training

Texas, USA – Helicopter Institute (HI) has reached a major milestone with the arrival of its new Bell 429 Flight Training Device (FTD) in Houston, marking the first installation of this advanced simulator in the United States. Manufactured by Entrol Simulators in Spain, the FTD represents a significant enhancement to the institute’s rotary-wing training capabilities and reinforces its leadership in Bell 429 pilot instruction.

• The new simulator complements Helicopter Institute’s in-fleet Bell 429 training aircraft, providing a fully integrated Beyond Factory Training environment that combines factory-level precision with real-world operational expertise.

• HI’s specialized programs support law enforcement, air medical, and utility flight operations, with mission-specific training profiles tailored to each operator’s requirements.

• Under its exclusive FAA Part 135 Contract Training authority (OpSpec A031), HI offers 135.293 training and checking and 135.299 line checks, enabling operators to meet regulatory training and checking requirements efficiently.

• The new FTD is expected to significantly expand simulator-based training access for Bell 429 operators, providing cost-effective, high-fidelity simulation with the same avionics and systems as the actual aircraft.

• Entrol Simulators, which designed and built the FTD in Spain, confirmed its successful delivery and will oversee the installation and certification phase in the coming weeks.

Statements

• “This advanced simulator, combined with HI’s in-fleet Bell 429 aircraft, represents a significant step forward in rotary-wing training. It reflects our continued commitment to Beyond Factory Training—where factory-level precision meets real-world operational experience,” said Randy Rowles, President of Helicopter Institute.
• “We are incredibly proud of this project and thrilled to see the simulator has been delivered! It has been a pleasure working with the Helicopter Institute team,” added Entrol Simulators.

Source: Helicopter Institute / Entrol Simulators