HeliOps expands pilot and hoist-operator training capabilities with customer-specific REISER solutions
Michael Weissenboeck, Head of Sales Northern and Western Europe at REISER,
and Steve Gladston, CEO of HeliOperations at Farnborough Intl. Airshow 2026.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 23 July 2026 – HeliOperations (HeliOps) and Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (REISER) yesterday signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow for the delivery of an AW139 Flight Training Device (FTD) and a stationary REISER hoistAR® training system.
The FTD will be built on REISER’s newly developed Next Generation-FTD (NG-FTD) platform and will simulate the Leonardo AW139 in its Phase 8 configuration. Based on a modular and scalable architecture, the NG-FTD platform allows the device and its capabilities to be tailored to specific aircraft, mission, and training requirements.
The stationary hoistAR® will provide an immersive extended-reality environment for helicopter hoist-operator training. Both FTD and hoistAR® can be used separately and, when required, connected for coordinated pilot and hoist-operator mission training.
The REISER systems will support HeliOps’ seven-year Basic Flight Training programme for German Navy pilots preparing to operate the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger helicopters. Within the programme, they will complement theoretical instruction and practical day-and-night flying on HeliOps’ AW139 fleet.
“The investment forms part of HeliOperations’ wider strategy to create one of Europe’s leading independent military rotary-wing training centres. Operating from Portland, Dorset, the company combines military-qualified instructors, CAA and UK Military Aviation Authority approvals, a growing fleet of Leonardo AW139 helicopters and expanding synthetic training capability to deliver advanced pilot, aircrew and mission training for defence customers. The addition of the REISER systems further enhances HeliOperations’ ability to provide integrated live and synthetic training within a modern, operationally focused training environment.,” said Steve Gladston, CEO of HeliOperations.
At the core of the FTD is a high-fidelity simulation model provided by Leonardo Helicopters through its cooperation with REISER. Fully integrated into the REISER Modular Simulation Framework, the model provides a highly realistic representation of the AW139 and its systems.
The NG-FTD will also feature full NVG capability, a high-resolution six-channel projected visual system, and motion and vibration cueing to enhance immersion and maximise training effectiveness.
Depending on customer requirements and the applicable qualification basis, the NG-FTD platform is designed to support qualification up to EASA FTD Level 3 and FAA FTD Level 7. It has also been developed with EASA’s new FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) framework in mind, supporting a capability-based approach that more closely aligns training needs with the capabilities of the device.
“Understanding the customer’s mission is the starting point for every REISER training system. This project shows how we translate complex operational requirements into customer-specific, future-ready solutions. We are proud to support HeliOps and to expand our presence in the UK rotary-wing training market,”
said Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO of REISER.
About HeliOperations:
HeliOperations (HeliOps) has a demonstrable track-record of aircrew and groundcrew training, both live flying-training from its own heliport at Portland and overseas; and through synthetic-training at its world-class simulator facility at Culdrose. The Company is proud of its exemplary record of safe and regulatory compliant operations in numerous locations globally, under EASA Part NCC and EASA Part NCO. The Company also provides equipment, regulatory support and operational management services to governments, major aviation operators and private individuals.
For more information, visit www.helioperations.co
