Transforming Aviation Training Through Innovation

In aviation, expert training isn't just important—it’s the foundation of every safe take-off, smooth flight, and secure landing.

Thales’ comprehensive suite of training and simulation solutions extends far beyond hardware provision. Through tailored 24/7 services encompassing engineering, maintenance, supply, facility IT, and logistics support, Thales helps ensure that training systems remain operational throughout mission-critical moments. This holistic approach recognises that training effectiveness depends not just on simulator quality, but on consistent availability and optimal performance.

The foundation of Thales’ simulation excellence lies in deep understanding of operational requirements across diverse aviation sectors. From emergency medical services and search and rescue operations to commercial airline training and offshore helicopter support, different aviation missions demand specific training approaches that address unique challenges and operational environments.

Pioneering Partnerships in Australian Aviation – LifeFlight

Thales Australia’s collaboration with LifeFlight exemplifies how strategic partnerships can transform training capabilities across the aviation industry. Located within the LifeFlight Training Academy at Brisbane International Airport, the Thales LifeFlight Simulation Centre represents a breakthrough in accessible, cost-effective helicopter simulation training.

This partnership addresses a critical need in the Australian aviation market, where helicopter operators—particularly those involved in emergency medical services, search and rescue, and offshore operations—require training solutions that combine exceptional fidelity with operational practicality. This collaboration in capability ensures that operators can maintain sustainable and safe helicopter operations without the complexity and cost traditionally associated with high-end simulation training.

The Thales LifeFlight Simulation Centre features the first Thales-built Reality H AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator, specifically developed to meet the demanding needs of pilots involved in search and rescue, emergency response, and specialized aviation missions. This focus ensures that every training scenario, system configuration, and operational procedure closely mirrors the real challenges faced by pilots in their day-to-day operations.

LifeFlight Revolutionary Technology Setting Global Standards

The Reality H AW139 simulator represents a leap in helicopter simulation technology, incorporating innovations that fundamentally change how pilots experience training. At the heart of this advancement lies Thales’ patented Hexaline motion system, which creates higher response rates to pilot control inputs, smoother movements, and unprecedented accuracy in feel and fidelity.

Traditional simulation systems often struggle to replicate the subtle sensations that pilots rely on to maintain situational awareness and make critical decisions. Thales’ separate vibration platform, with three degrees of freedom in all directions, works in combination with the Hexaline motion system to create nuances in feel that no other simulator on the market can match. 

The simulator’s visual display system provides a 235° by 80° field of view, creating immersive training environments that encompass the peripheral vision critical for helicopter operations. Combined with highly realistic vibration and environment simulation, plus realistic high-resolution databases, pilots experience training scenarios that closely mirror real-world operational conditions.

Compliance with both European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Level D regulation requirements ensures that training completed on our simulators meets the highest international standards for pilot certification and ongoing proficiency requirements.

Course Offerings

We have a large variety of courses available including:

• AW139 Pilot Initial Type Rating
• AW139 Pilot Recurrent
• AW139 Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
• AW139 FFS dry lease hourly rate
• AW139 Flight Instructor
• AW139 LOFT training: HEMS, SAR, POL
• AW139 NVISPC
• Non-technical Skills (CRM)