US university expands rotor-wing training with Cabri G2 simulator

The University of Dubuque in Iowa, USA, is to add an Entrol Cabri G2 advanced aviation training device (AATD) to its rotor-wing training program, with installation scheduled for 2027.

The agreement, formalized in May 2026, will provide students with a simulator replicating the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters operated by the university. The device will support training from Private Pilot and Instrument through Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) courses.

The simulator will feature a cylindrical visual system using three projectors, with a database covering 10 US airports. An integrated vibration system will provide tactile feedback, while a remote instructor operator station will allow instructors to alter weather, introduce system failures, pause scenarios, and repeat exercises.

“We wanted a simulator that closely matched the aircraft our students actually fly,” said Evan Lawler, Helicopter Chief Pilot at the University of Dubuque. “It will allow our students to practice procedures and challenging scenarios in a controlled environment before encountering them in the aircraft, giving them more repetition while improving safety, confidence, and decision-making.”

Training applications will include instrument procedures, emergency scenarios, and adverse-weather exercises that can be difficult to conduct in the helicopter. The simulator will also support scenario-based training and crew resource management, as well as instructor standardization.

The AATD is intended to provide additional training capacity when weather or aircraft availability limits flight operations, while giving students opportunities for repeated practice before applying procedures in the aircraft.

Entrol was recently contracted to develop a customized Bell 214ST flight training device (FTD) for Australian operator McDermott Aviation.