Training & Certification
European Heli Center Begins Rotorbase Training Facility at Lelystad
European Heli Center launches Rotorbase training hub at Lelystad Airport with Level D simulators for Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters.
European Heli Center Breaks Ground on “Rotorbase” Training Facility
The landscape of European aviation training is set for a significant expansion as the European Heli Center (EHC) officially begins construction on a new headquarters and training complex. Located at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, this new facility, branded as “Rotorbase,” represents a strategic effort to centralize helicopters operations, maintenance, and advanced simulation under one roof. The project marks a collaborative milestone involving EHC, simulator manufacturer Reiser Simulation and Training, and the simulator operator Vertisim.
Construction on the facility commenced in November 2025, signaling the start of a development timeline that aims to deliver a fully operational training ecosystem by early 2027. The initiative is designed to address the evolving needs of the helicopter industry by moving away from the traditional flight school model. Instead, the project aims to create a multi-disciplinary hub capable of supporting diverse sectors, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), police forces, offshore operations, and commercial aviation.
The decision to situate this hub at Lelystad Airport aligns with the location’s growing reputation as a center for general aviation and aerospace innovation. By integrating high-fidelity simulation with practical flight training and technical maintenance, the facility aims to streamline the logistical challenges often faced by operators. We observe that this development comes at a time when the industry is seeking more efficient, cost-effective ways to maintain pilot proficiency across complex mission profiles.
A New Ecosystem for Helicopter Operations
The “Rotorbase” concept distinguishes itself by functioning as a comprehensive ecosystem rather than a standalone training center. According to project details, the facility will serve as the new European headquarters for EHC, an entity formed through the merger of Helicentre in the Netherlands and the European Helicopter Center in Norway. With a combined fleet of 21 helicopters and over 45 years of operational experience, the organization is positioning this new base to support “Harvard-level” training standards, ranging from private licensing to advanced mission-specific instruction.
The infrastructure at Lelystad Airport is being developed to house not only classrooms and briefing rooms but also maintenance hangars and technical support services. This integration allows for a seamless flow between theoretical instruction, simulator sessions, and actual flight time. For operators, the ability to conduct heavy maintenance and pilot recurrent training in a single location offers potential operational efficiencies, reducing the downtime associated with sending crews and aircraft to separate locations.
The timeline for the project is ambitious yet structured. Following the start of construction in late 2025, the physical building is projected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026. The installation and calibration of the training equipment are scheduled to follow immediately, with the facility expected to be fully operational for pilot training by the first quarter of 2027. This schedule reflects the complexity of installing certified aviation training devices, which require rigorous testing before regulatory approval.
“Together with REISER, we are creating a facility that will define the future of helicopter training in Europe.”, Jeroen Peddemors, CEO of European Heli Center.
Advanced Simulation Technology
At the core of the Rotorbase facility is the acquisition of a Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS), manufactured by Reiser Simulation and Training. In the aviation industry, Level D qualification represents the highest standard of flight simulation. It provides such high fidelity in motion, visuals, and systems integration that regulatory bodies allow pilots to log flight hours in the device that count directly toward their license and mission ratings. This capability is critical for training dangerous procedures, such as engine failures or severe weather operations, which cannot be safely practiced in a real aircraft.
The simulator selected for the facility features advanced roll-on/roll-off technology, a system that allows for the physical reconfiguration of the cockpit. This design enables the simulator to switch between the Airbus H135 and Airbus H145 helicopter types. These two airframes are among the most widely used twin-engine helicopters globally, particularly in the EMS and law enforcement sectors. The ability to train on both types within the same facility addresses a common logistical hurdle for operators who maintain mixed fleets.
Vertisim, a partner entity within the Rotorbase complex, will house and operate the simulator. This arrangement allows EHC to focus on curriculum delivery while ensuring the technical operation of the device is managed by specialists. The simulator is expected to support the latest avionics suites, including the H145 D3 standard, ensuring that pilots are training on systems that match the modern aircraft currently entering service.
“The start of construction brings us one step closer to delivering a modern and efficient training capability for operators worldwide.”, Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO of Reiser Simulation and Training.
Strategic Implications for the Industry
The establishment of this facility addresses a broader context within the global aviation market: a persistent demand for highly skilled helicopter pilots. As sectors such as offshore wind energy and air ambulance services expand, the requirement for pilots proficient in twin-engine operations continues to grow. By providing a centralized location for H135 and H145 training, the facility aims to support the workforce development necessary to sustain these critical services.
Furthermore, the project highlights the continued evolution of Lelystad Airport. While the airport has faced political complexities regarding commercial airline traffic, it has successfully attracted investments in general aviation and high-tech aerospace sectors. The Rotorbase project reinforces this trajectory, establishing a high-value training hub that operates independently of commercial runway slots, thereby utilizing the airport’s infrastructure to its full potential without relying on holiday traffic.
Looking ahead, the integration of simulation and live flying at this scale may set a new benchmark for European training centers. As regulatory requirements for mission training become more stringent, the availability of Level D simulators accessible to third-party operators becomes increasingly vital. The collaboration between EHC, Reiser, and Vertisim suggests a model where hardware manufacturers and training providers work in closer proximity to deliver tailored solutions to the market.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking of the Rotorbase facility at Lelystad Airport marks a pivotal moment for the European Heli Center and its partners. By combining a large-scale training fleet with state-of-the-art Level D simulation for Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters, the project is poised to become a central node in the European helicopter industry. The anticipated opening in early 2027 will likely offer operators a streamlined solution for their training and maintenance requirements.
As the aviation industry continues to demand higher standards of safety and efficiency, facilities that integrate multiple aspects of operations, from ab initio training to advanced mission simulation, will play a crucial role. We will continue to monitor the progress of the construction and the subsequent operational rollout of the simulator technology as the project moves toward its completion date.
FAQ
What is the “Rotorbase”?
Rotorbase is the name of the new training facility and headquarters being built by the European Heli Center at Lelystad Airport. It is designed as an ecosystem combining flight training, simulation, and maintenance.
When will the new facility be operational?
Construction began in November 2025. The building is expected to be ready by Q4 2026, with the simulator and full training operations scheduled to launch in Q1 2027.
Which helicopters does the simulator support?
The facility will feature a Reiser Level D Full Flight Simulator capable of supporting both the Airbus H135 and Airbus H145 via a roll-on/roll-off interchangeable cockpit system.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reiser Simulation and Training
Training & Certification
Merlin Inc Earns New Zealand Part 146 Design Organization Certificate
Merlin, Inc. receives a Part 146 certificate from CAANZ, gaining internal design approval authority for its autonomous flight systems.
Merlin, Inc. has secured a Part 146 Aircraft Design Organization certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ), granting the company internal delegation authority to approve specific aircraft design changes.
Announced in a press release on August 24, 2026, the certification allows the Boston-based aerospace technology company to bypass external design organizations for certain regulatory approvals. This milestone is designed to reduce external cost and schedule risks as Merlin advances the commercialization of its autonomous flight systems across multiple aircraft platforms.
Streamlining the certification pathway
The Part 146 certificate is not restricted to a single aircraft type or program. It establishes a foundational regulatory framework that Merlin can apply across various certification projects. By bringing design approval capabilities in-house, the company aims to accelerate the deployment of its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system.
Merlin Chief Executive Officer Matt George emphasized the economic and operational importance of the certification for the company’s long-term production strategy.
“We’re building one autonomy stack that goes on many aircraft, which means the cost of certifying the next one matters more than the cost of certifying the first,” George stated. “Owning the capability to deliver design approval is how that curve bends. It’s a meaningful capability, not a side benefit.”
Regulatory progress and defense applications
The Part 146 designation follows a series of recent regulatory advancements for Merlin in New Zealand. On August 6, 2026, the company announced it had achieved Stage of Involvement (SOI) 3 with CAANZ for its autonomous flight technology. Merlin also recently concluded a key issue paper with the regulator regarding the certification approach for its artificial intelligence and machine learning-based natural language processing capabilities.
Merlin Chief Technology Officer Tim Burns noted that the certification reflects a rigorous evaluation by the national aviation authority.
“CAANZ assessed how we qualify our engineers, how our processes work, and how we hold ourselves accountable, then concluded we could carry that responsibility,” Burns said. “That’s a durable statement about the quality and maturity of our engineering organization and process.”
Beyond its commercial regulatory efforts, Merlin is concurrently developing autonomous capabilities for military applications. The company holds an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with a ceiling value of $105 million to integrate its autonomy program into the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.
AirPro News analysis
Securing a Part 146 certificate from a recognized civil aviation authority like CAANZ represents a critical maturation step for an aerospace startup. For companies developing novel technologies such as autonomous flight systems, reliance on third-party design organizations often introduces significant bottlenecks. By obtaining internal delegation authority, we view Merlin as positioning itself to iterate and certify its systems more rapidly. CAANZ is known for its forward-leaning approach to novel aviation technologies, making New Zealand a strategic testing and certification ground that often paves the way for subsequent approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Sources: Merlin, Inc.
Photo Credit: Merlin, Inc.
Training & Certification
RCAF Integrates First CT-153 Juno Under FAcT Program
Canada’s RCAF activates its first CT-153 Juno helicopter at Southport, launching the 11.2B CAD Future Aircrew Training program.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has officially integrated its first Airbus H135 helicopter, designated the CT-153 Juno, into its training fleet at Southport, Manitoba. The milestone marks the operational launch of Canada’s 11.2 billion CAD Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a 25-year initiative to consolidate and modernize military pilot instruction.
In an update published on August 17, 2026, Airbus Helicopters confirmed the aircraft’s readiness for advanced rotary-wing training. The initial Delivery occurred on June 17, 2026, following test flights and livery reveals at the Airbus facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. The CT-153 Juno will replace the RCAF’s legacy CH-139 and CT-146 Helicopters, serving as the primary platform for Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing operations.
Consolidating Canada’s training ecosystem
The FAcT program represents a structural overhaul of Canadian military aviation training. Managed by SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, the Contracts brings previously disparate RCAF and contracted training pipelines under a single umbrella. SkyAlyne has ordered 19 CT-153 Juno helicopters as part of a broader 71-aircraft fleet renewal.
Deliveries of the remaining 18 helicopters are scheduled to continue through 2028. Maintenance and in-service support for the rotary-wing segment will be handled by Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL).
SkyAlyne General Manager Kevin Lemke described the initiative as a generational shift for the government.
“The Future Aircrew Training programme is basically a reset of everything to do with RCAF aircrews training. It’s the largest services contract in the history of the Canadian government,” Lemke stated.
Technical specifications and historical homage
The CT-153 Juno is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines and features the Airbus Helionix Avionics suite. The platform is designed to transition student pilots to advanced operational aircraft.
Colonel Lauri Denis of the RCAF emphasized the operational relevance of the new fleet, noting that the aircraft provides exactly what modern aircrews need to train on before moving to advanced platforms and operational units.
The aircraft’s visual design and nomenclature carry specific historical weight. The name “Juno” commemorates Canada’s role in the D-Day landings at Juno Beach. The helicopter features a “Reflect Forward” livery that combines dark blue with high-visibility “training yellow.” This paint scheme honors the Second World War-era British Commonwealth Air Training Program while providing necessary contrast for training flights over diverse Canadian terrain.
AirPro News analysis
We view the activation of the CT-153 Juno as a critical de-risking milestone for the FAcT program. Transitioning from legacy platforms like the CH-139 to a glass-cockpit, Helionix-equipped H135 bridges a significant technological gap for RCAF student pilots. By aligning the training environment more closely with frontline operational assets, the RCAF can likely reduce the time and cost associated with type-conversion training at operational squadrons. The selection of domestic partners like Pratt & Whitney Canada and the final assembly in Fort Erie underscores the Canadian government’s strategy of leveraging defense procurement to sustain the domestic aerospace industrial base.
Sources: Airbus Newsroom
Photo Credit: Airbus
Training & Certification
US Army Awards $10B Flight School Next Contract to Team M1
The U.S. Army awarded a $10B, 26-year contract to Team M1 to train up to 1,500 helicopter pilots annually using the Robinson R66.
The U.S. Army has awarded a $10 billion, 26-year contract to a consortium led by M1 Support Services to overhaul its initial Helicopters pilot training program at Fort Novosel, Alabama. The August 13, 2026, award transitions the military branch to a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model utilizing the single-engine Robinson R66.
Announced in a press release by M1 Support Services, the single-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract falls under the Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program. The initiative will replace the current twin-engine Airbus UH-72A Lakota fleet with the Robinson R66, which will carry the military designation TH-66 Sage. The shift aims to reduce costs and refocus student pilots on fundamental aviation skills before they transition to advanced operational aircraft.
The Team M1 consortium and contract scope
Team M1 includes prime contractor M1 Support Services, Robinson Helicopter Company, Quantum Helicopters, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), and the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF). Under the contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) framework, the consortium will provide the aircraft, maintenance, flight simulators, and flight instruction.
This consolidation allows the U.S. Army to scale training based on annual throughput requirements. The program is projected to train between 800 and 1,500 new pilots each year. The Contracts period of performance runs through August 12, 2052. George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1 Support Services, stated the company will deliver an integrated training solution to develop proficient aviators on time and on budget.
Transitioning from the Lakota to the TH-66 Sage
The Airbus UH-72A Lakota has served as the primary Training aircraft at the installation historically known as Fort Rucker since 2015. Military officials eventually determined the twin-engine Lakota was too advanced and expensive for initial entry rotary-wing training. The Army Contracting Command received 11 bids for the FSN program. In the final evaluation phases, Team M1 competed against proposals from Lockheed Martin and Bell Textron Inc., which pitched the Bell 505.
The selection of the Robinson R66 marks a return to a single-engine trainer for the Army.
“This decision gives the Army a proven training platform that truly prepares Army aviators, made in America, and ready to fly today. Reliable and cost effective, it is built to deliver readiness at a fraction of the cost of current platforms,” said David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the U.S. Army’s decision to adopt a COCO model for Flight School Next mirrors a broader military trend of outsourcing non-combat training infrastructure to commercial providers. By shifting the capital expenditure of aircraft procurement and the logistical burden of maintenance to Team M1, the Army can insulate its training pipeline from the procurement bottlenecks that often affect organic military acquisition programs. The selection of the Robinson R66 over the Bell 505 represents a significant victory for Robinson Helicopter Company in the military training sector. This Strategy establishes a long-term revenue stream and validates the R66 platform for high-volume institutional training.
Sources: M1 Support Services
Photo Credit: M1 Support Services
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