Aquarius Aerial Firefighting opens new simulation and training facility
The facility includes a new Entrol flight simulator for the AT-802 Fire Boss, and will support Aquarius’ ambitions of becoming a leading aerial firefighting training provider
Aquarius Aerial Firefighting has unveiled a new simulation and training facility, to support its operations.
The facility includes an Entrol-developed AT-802 Fire Boss simulator, featuring “motion and vibration cues, formation-flying capabilities, a glass cockpit, heads-up display (HUD), and a selection of highly detailed terrain areas”.
The company added that the simulator was already actively in use and undergoing the certification process for FTD-2 level.
Aquarius stated that it, with the support of parent company Cargolux Airlines, planned to use the facility to “establish itself as a leading reference for aerial firefighting training in Europe”, as well as bolster its own expertise in fighting fires.
“With this simulator, we are strengthening our ability to train pilots effectively and consistently while enhancing the overall safety of our operations,” said Wieger Ketellapper, CEO of Aquarius Aerial Firefighting. “We also offer these capabilities to external operators to support the wider community and help strengthen mission readiness in aerial firefighting for all partners who share our purpose.”
Entrol also recently secured a contract with New Zealand’s Northern Rescue Helicopter to supply two AW169 FNPT II MCC flight simulators.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.