From simulators to the skies: pilots begin H145 training 

Our pilots have now begun their specialist training to fly our new helicopters.  

This marks a huge step forward in the journey to replace our fleet by bringing three “new-to-us” Airbus H145 helicopters into service.  

Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we have now raised over £625,000, reaching 25% of the funds needed for the deposit on our third aircraft. It’s amazing to see so many people rallying behind the service that saves lives every day.  

We still need to raise a total of £2.5 million to secure the deposit for our third new helicopter by October 2026. 

But this isn’t just about buying helicopters. It’s about being able to fly them safely as well. 

What is a type rating and why does it matter? 

In aviation, a type rating is the specific certification that allows a pilot to fly a particular aircraft model. Currently, our pilots have type ratings to fly the Dauphin AS365 N3 and the Dauphin AS365 N3+ – the two helicopters that make up our current fleet. 

While our pilots are highly experienced, with backgrounds in military aviation and search and rescue operations, their active type ratings are limited to the aircraft they regularly fly.  

Introducing the H145 safely into our service means each of our pilots must now undergo specialist training and gain a new type rating for this aircraft. That involves learning everything from systems and controls to emergency procedures, ensuring every flight is as safe as possible. 

Helicopter simulator training 

The first two of our pilots, Mik and Mark, have now completed their initial H145 simulator training, with the remainder of the team soon to follow. 

The training took place at a specialist simulator facility in Kemble, Gloucestershire; one of only three locations currently approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for H145 simulator training – the other two being in Germany and Finland. 

To remain current with this aircraft type, the CAA requires each pilot to train in a simulator with an instructor every six months. 

The simulator can be tailored to almost any environment using mapping data and computer-generated imagery, including a virtual version of our base, complete with the helipad, surrounding buildings and key landmarks. This means that our pilots can practise everything – from routine flights to rare emergencies – in a safe, controlled setting. 

Why is this so important? Because there are some scenarios you just can’t safely recreate in real life. Engine failures, sudden loss of visibility, and other high-risk emergencies can be simulated, giving pilots the experience and confidence to handle them if they ever happen in the air. 

After training in the simulator, pilots must spend additional hours flying the real aircraft to demonstrate their ability to safely operate it. This combination of virtual and real-world practice ensures our team is ready for anything. 

Securing the future of our service 

Operation SOS is gathering real momentum. Our pilots have now begun their training on the H145, marking another major milestone in bringing our new fleet into service. 

Replacing our fleet isn’t just about the helicopters themselves – it’s about ensuring our crews are fully prepared to operate them safely and confidently, so we can continue delivering life-saving care when it matters most. 

But Operation SOS is about more than new aircraft; it’s about securing our service for the community for years to come. Every pound raised helps us maintain a life-saving air ambulance service across the North for the next 15 years. 

We couldn’t do this without you. Your support means we can train pilots, upgrade our fleet, and continue to save lives – day after day, year after year. 

Every donation, share, and message of support brings us closer to the finish line and ensures our service remains ready whenever it’s needed. 

To find out more about Operation SOS: Secure Our Service and support the appeal, visit gna.as/support_our_service