Making simulation training more accessible

What got you interested in providing simulation training?

I always wanted to start a business of something that you could get your hands on, something tangible and adaptable to each client’s needs. My brother Pedro was working on designing fixed-wing flight simulators, so I convinced him to join me in this adventure. Together, we decided to create our own flight simulator company. We envisioned developing state-of-the-art simulators to support professional training programs. By integrating the latest technology and customizable features, we aimed to deliver realism and flexibility. Our goal was to create a product that not only meets industry standards but also exceeds customer expectations.

How did the founding of Entrol develop?

It all came from the idea of selling physical products plus the knowledge of flight simulation that my brother had. When we first started (19 years ago), it was hard to get people to trust us in the development of flight simulators. Thankfully, with time we got to be known and continued to extend our portfolio, exploring new technologies to improve the customers’ experience. We started in a small office, working together and learning as we went. The early days were tough, but our passion kept us going. Over the years, we’ve expanded our team, delivered simulators worldwide, and even ventured into new disruptive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) to make our simulators more immersive. We’ve also built strong relationships with flight schools and aviation professionals who rely on our simulators for training. It’s been a wild ride, but seeing our products make a real impact has been incredibly rewarding.

Why are simulators so important for training and currency?

Simulators are one of the basic tools for training and keeping pilots sharp. Currently, the level of immersion in a simulator is very high. You can put the pilots in realistic situations, where they can practice, develop and learn the procedures that will help them out there. You cannot practice every situation that might occur in the air, but you train the pilot so they have the best knowledge of the aircraft they are flying and a proper mindset that will help them reduce risks and fly safer. It is also essential that more experienced pilots can pass their knowledge to new pilots and teach them what they might have learnt the ‘hard’ way. You cannot do that in flight, and it is difficult to transfer those skills in a classroom, but you can transfer this knowledge in a simulator, practicing it properly and checking the pilot has learnt and is proficient. This helps pilots build confidence and stay current with their skills.

Entrol will have full-flight simulators and already has flight training devices and flight navigation procedures trainers for a vast range of aircraft. How do these devices help with the training for special missions?

Our simulators allow crews to practice highly specialized scenarios that are too risky or rare to train for in real life. For instance, pilots can simulate dropping water on wildfires or performing tricky rescues in tough weather conditions. It’s all about getting as close to the real thing as possible without the danger. Plus, they can train as a team, coordinating efforts and communication, which is crucial for these high-stakes missions. Simulators also let trainees experience a variety of emergencies and unexpected situations that they might encounter in real missions (aircraft failures, bad weather conditions, etc). They can practice over and over until they get it right, which builds confidence and improves reaction times. All this specialized training makes a real difference when they’re out there doing the job for real.

Entrol has just opened a maintenance center in Monterrey, Mexico. How does this better serve its customers in the Americas?

We wanted to extend our support hours in the American continent and Oceania. With part of our team based there, we can help them in that time zone and offer a much faster response. Plus, being local means we can handle on-site visits more easily if needed, which cuts down on travel hassles and gets issues sorted quicker. This setup makes everything run smoother and more efficiently for everyone using our simulators. We’re excited about how this will improve support and ensure our customers get a great service, no matter where they are. It’s all about making things as convenient and responsive as possible for our clients.

If people are interested in finding out more about Entrol, where can they go and what events will you be attending?

To know more about Entrol, the best way is to visit our showroom in Madrid to see the latest technologies and current developments in simulators. That way we can advise you depending on your training needs. There is also plenty of information about our products and developments on our website, for people to have a first approach. Our LinkedIn account also contains all our latest news such as new developments, installations, certifications, company updates, and the trade shows we are attending, etc.

This year, we’ve been presenting at major events like HAI Heli-Expo (now Verticon) in the USA, FIDAE in Chile, Rotortech in Australia, and APATS in Singapore. We’re also at European Rotors in the Netherlands in November (booth #5089), and I/ITSEC in the USA in December (booth #473). We like to attend both fixed-wing and helicopter shows across different continents. It’s a great way for us to connect with operators around the world and have those face-to-face project conversations.