Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane firefighting simulator by Entrol - EASA Level 2 FTD

Entrol is a manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD and AATD flight simulators. The company was established in 2005 by the brothers Luis Olarte and Pedro Olarte, and today is one of the main global manufacturers with over 50 employees, 20 different simulators and customers in more than 30 countries. All the simulators are OEM, so everything is manufactured in-house with their own technology, allowing them to meet current and future regulatory requirements.

Entrol built an FTD based on the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane. This helicopter is being used worldwide for firefighting missions due to its high capacity and quick water-refilling ability, making it one of the best firefighting helicopters on the market. It can also be used in civil protection, heavy lift construction or timber harvesting. The simulator is primarily intended to be used by pilots for training purposes with maximum safe conditions.

Entrol develops proprietary software for all of their simulators. After doing some flight tests in the real aircraft, they process all the data and recreate the flight model, systems, procedures, etc. This in-house technology allows Entrol to provide long-term support and meet regulatory requirements.

The H64 flight simulator is based on the real aircraft cockpit, being the first EASA Level 2 FTD simulator based on the Sikorsky S-64 in the world.

The motion system gives a real sensation of the movements the real aircraft would make when flying, which is very helpful for training. Because the S-64 is used mainly for firefighting, trainees need to feel the load shift as water is scooped up and then released - and the motion platform conveys that shift as a motion cue. Adding motion clearly raises the overall realism and quality of the training.