Mercy Flight Central Pilots to Train on FAA-Certified Leonardo VxR Simulator

Canandaigua, NY  — Mercy Flight Central is elevating its commitment to safety and excellence in air medical transport yet again with a new training initiative that will send all 14 of its pilots through advanced flight instruction on the Leonardo AW119MKII VxR simulator—the first FAA Level 7–certified simulator of its kind for single-engine helicopters. 

The VxR is a breakthrough in aviation training technology, designed specifically to replicate the AW119MKII aircraft flown by Mercy Flight Central crews. This immersive simulator allows pilots to sharpen their skills in a highly realistic environment while reducing wear and tear on operational aircraft. 

For the first time, pilots can safely train on high-risk and complex emergency maneuvers that would be too dangerous to attempt in the air. These include full autorotations, engine failures, low-visibility approaches, and other mission-critical scenarios that can arise during lifesaving flights. This training will become a portion of the pilot's already extensive recurrent training program.  

“This technology is a game-changer for our training program,” said Scott Armstrong, Director of Operations at Mercy Flight Central. “Our pilots will be better prepared than ever to handle the most challenging situations in the safest way possible. That translates directly to safer operations and more lives saved.” 

By integrating this cutting-edge platform into its training program, Mercy Flight Central is once again setting a standard for safety and innovation in air medical operations. The initiative underscores the nonprofit’s unwavering focus on readiness—ensuring pilots are equipped to respond and deliver expert care to patients across Upstate New York.