European Heli Center Begins Rotorbase Training Facility at Lelystad

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

• Vertical Mag