Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) has unveiled a high-tech flight simulator which will be used by its pilots to train in the use of Bell 429 aircraft as part of its contract with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

The Entrol H14 Flight Training Device (FTD) was manufactured at Entrol’s base in Spain, and it is the first of its kind to be installed anywhere in Australia.

SLSQ won a tender to supply QPS with Airborne Law Enforcement from 2024 until 2034, with a key element being the supply of aircraft and pilots. The contract is in addition to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s operation of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.

The Bell 429 aircraft is a new piece of equipment for SLSQ Aviation, and along with it comes the need for the Entrol H14 FTD which will be used to train SLSQ pilots along with QPS Tactical Flight Officers, as well as keeping their skills current without the need to fly the aircraft.

“Like all areas of Surf Life Saving, technology enables us to provide the best possible service to the community and bringing this simulator online embodies exactly that,” said Ken Clark OAM, SLSQ Aviation Chief Executive Officer.

“The Bell 429 aircraft we will be using to execute our missions for the Queensland Police Service are a state of the art piece of equipment and the Entrol H14 simulator will enable both our pilots and the Tactical Flight Officers from QPS to receive the highest levels of training without the need to leave the ground.
“We’re proud to be the first organisation in the country to bring an Entrol FTD online in Australia and I know our pilots can’t wait to get training.”

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd from Queensland Police service said: “The flight simulator will ensure pilots from SLSQ and QPS Tactical Flight Officers receive the most advanced level of training and certification available on our new Bell 429 aircraft which will commence service with us next year.

“The simulation training will provide the Queensland community with extra assurance in the fight against crime.

“POLAIR provides excellent service to Queenslanders with our highly trained officers operating in our police helicopters.”

This simulator is equipped with Entrol’s cylindrical visual system with a 200º x 40º field of view, Entrol’s high-end vibration system to replicate in-flight scenarios and a forward-looking infrared camera.

“We are proud of the trust Surf Life Saving Queensland has deposited in us,” said Nacho Navacerrada, Entrol Head of Sales. “Installing our first simulator in the continent will be a great achievement for us.

“We are happy to have reached our goal with Surf Life Saving Queensland.”

Click here for images from today’s media event.

Media enquiries
Brett Moore 0424 059 973 | brett.moore@btbconsulting.com.au
Keilee Perren 0466 838 119 | keilee.perren@btbconsulting.com.au