Horizon International Flight Academy: A decade of innovation in helicopter pilot training

Welcome to another edition of the Entrol Newsletter “Unlocking the sky” where we spotlight our valued clients and their impactful stories. This month, we are honored to feature Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon International Flight Academy.

As a retired Brigadier and experienced pilot with over 35 years in the aviation and education sectors, Al Dhaheri has been at the helm of Horizon since 2011, driving its growth and establishing it as a premier helicopter pilot training institution in the UAE. 

About Horizon International Flight Academy

HORIZON International Flight Academy, located in Al Ain, UAE, is a leading institution in helicopter pilot training for both military and civilian students. Founded in 2003, Horizon has been a valued client of Entrol for over a decade, utilizing its advanced flight simulators to elevate the quality of its training programs. This enduring relationship underscores Horizon's commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation education.

With Entrol’s technology integrated into their curriculum, Horizon has set a benchmark for pilot training in the region. Offering comprehensive programs such as Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and specialized mission training, the academy blends cutting-edge technology, certified instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities to deliver world-class aviation education.

Under the leadership of Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Horizon has continually expanded its capabilities to meet the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals, firmly establishing itself as a trailblazer in helicopter pilot training.

Exclusive interview with Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri

What were the main challenges or pain points Horizon faced before integrating Entrol’s flight simulators into your training programs?

As a leading training provider in the aviation sector, Horizon faced significant challenges before integrating Entrol' s flight simulators. The primary pain points included limited training capacity, high operational costs, and a lack of realistic scenarios that hampered the preparedness of cadets and pilots. 

How has the inclusion of Entrol’s Bell 429, Bell 206, and Bell 505 simulators improved the training experience for your cadets and pilots?

Since the integration of Entrol's Bell 429, Bell 206, and Bell 505 simulators, the training experience has vastly improved. These simulators provide a realistic and immersive environment, allowing cadets and pilots to practice complex maneuvers and emergency procedures safely. The ability to replicate a wide range of flight conditions enhances skill development and confidence. 

Which key features of Entrol’s simulators stand out as most beneficial to Horizon’s specific training requirements?

Key features that stand out include high-fidelity graphics, realistic flight dynamics, and customizable training scenarios. These elements are particularly beneficial for Horizon's tailored training requirements. enabling instructors to simulate real-world challenges pilots may face. 

How has the collaboration with Entrol over the past decade impacted your training operations and overall growth?

The decade-long collaboration with Entrol has significantly impacted Horizon's training operations, resulting in streamlined processes and enhanced training outcomes. This partnership has also supported Horizon's overall growth, allowing us to expand our offerings and attract more students. 

Could you elaborate on the role Entrol’s customer support has played in optimizing your training operations and maintaining simulator efficiency?

Entrol's customer support has been instrumental in optimizing our training operations. Their responsive service and expertise ensure that our simulators remain efficient and up-to-date, minimizing downtime and maximizing training effectiveness. 

How did Entrol tailor its simulators to meet Horizon’s unique operational and training needs?

Entrol tailored its simulators to meet Horizon's unique operational needs by incorporating specific flight dynamics and scenarios that reflect the challenges our pilots encounter. This customization ensures our training programs are both relevant and effective. 

What specific advantages did Horizon gain after upgrading the Bell 429 FNPT II to an FTD Level 2 simulator?

Upgrading the Bell 429 FNPT II to an FTD Level 2 simulator provided Horizon with substantial advantages, including enhanced fidelity in training scenarios, improved assessment capabilities, and increased regulatory compliance, all of which contribute to better-prepared pilots. 

Could you share a success story or a specific testimonial from one of your instructors or students regarding the effectiveness of Entrol’s simulators?

One of our instructors shared how incorporating simulator training significantly improved cadet performance. Students reported greater confidence and competence, leading to higher success rates in flight tests. A notable success story involves one of our instructors who reported significant improvements in cadet performance after incorporating simulator training into the curriculum.

How do you foresee Horizon using Entrol’s simulators to meet future challenges in helicopter pilot training?

Looking ahead, Horizon anticipates leveraging Entrol 's simulators to tackle future challenges in helicopter pilot training, such as integrating new technologies, adapting to evolving regulatory standards, and addressing the increasing demand for skilled pilots. The adaptability and advanced features of Entrol's simulators position us well for the future of aviation training.

A decade of excellence and innovation

Horizon International Flight Academy’s success story reflects the transformative impact of advanced flight simulation technology on modern pilot training. With cutting-edge simulators designed to meet the academy’s unique operational needs, Entrol has played a pivotal role in enabling Horizon to maintain its position as a global leader in aviation education.

Under the exemplary leadership of Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Horizon continues to elevate standards in the aviation sector, leveraging innovative tools to ensure that its pilots are among the best-trained professionals worldwide. Entrol’s unwavering commitment to excellence and tailored solutions underscores its dedication to supporting the future of aviation training.

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