European Heli Center (EHC) has started construction of its new helicopter training centre at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. The facility will serve as EHC’s new European headquarters and is set to open by the end of 2026. It will house a Reiser-built H135/H145 Level D full flight simulator using a roll-on/roll-off platform for seamless aircraft type switching.

The simulator will support training for EMS, offshore, police, military and commercial operators and will be based on the latest aircraft standards. Its location near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers direct global access for pilots and crews.

The facility will also offer tailored training programmes, including mission-specific courses designed to improve operational safety and efficiency. EHC already operates training centres in the Netherlands and Norway and is a member of the Leading Helicopter Academies global network.

The simulator agreement was signed at the Verticon Show in Dallas in March, followed by a kick-off meeting at Reiser’s Berg, Bavaria headquarters in June.

“We are proud to see this project advancing exactly as planned,” says Dr Johannes Hain, CEO of Reiser Simulation and Training. “This is an exciting milestone for European Heli Center,” adds Jeroen Peddemors, CEO of EHC.

EHC, a member of the Leading Helicopter Academies network, has also partnered with Bristow Nigeria, which will be a key simulator customer.