Flight training courses
Efficient operations are directly linked to the proficiency of pilots, flight crew and technicians, as well as their ability to safely operate and maintain rotorcraft in a full range of conditions and missions. Airbus Helicopters provides comprehensive flight training solutions, including both pre-entry level and mission-oriented modules, allowing pilots to complete standard type rating certification. Our instructors are continuously working hand-in-hand with customers to identify and implement the best training solutions.
AB Initio
Ab-Initio (VFR / IFR on request)
Ab-Initio courses available upon request: EASA, non EASA, and tailored solutions
Available from Private Pilot License (PPL H) to Commercial Pilot License (CPL (H)IR (in flight qualification) - Theoretical Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL H)
The team will support and set, through a partnership, the best solution suited to their needs and will accompany them throughout the process.
- Qualification: from dedicated non-certifying training (military) to certified (i.e. EASA) PPL (H), CPL (H) - IR (Instrument Rating).
- Duration: from 6 to 18 months (exact duration to be defined according to pilot's needs
- Delivered at Airbus Helicopters' partners' facilities
Bridge courses
Pre-Entry Level Turbine Engine
This introductory module is a prerequisite for pilots qualified on helicopters with piston engines who seek qualification on turbine engine-powered rotorcraft. As an addition to the initial type rating course, it provides the required knowledge on normal/emergency turbine operations and governing.
Type Rating
Initial Type Rating
Approved by many national authorities, the Initial Type Rating course provides the knowledge and proficiency necessary to acquire a first type rating on a new helicopter family.
This course is available on a turbine engine, single engine turbine, multi-engine turbine, single pilot or multi-pilot helicopter.
Reduced Type Rating (H160 only)
This is an optimised Part-FCL course dedicated to H175 type rated pilots.
With pilot knowledge pertaining to the H175 and H160 commonaliies (autopilot, FMS, and Helionix sytem), the trainee can access an optmised training experience focusing only on H160 specifications.
Type Rating Instructor (TRI) / Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) / Flight Instructor (FI)
1) The approved Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) course provides the necessary skills for a helicopter license holder to deliver, revalidate or renew a type rating on an aircraft.
2) This approved course is designed for helicopter pilots already qualified as type rating instructor on a specific helicopter type, who would like to extend their TRI(H) privileges on the same helicopter type or to extend their TRI(H) privileges to another type of helicopter.
Blended Learning
Blended learning available for some type rate courses.
Blended learning combines both virtual and in-person learning. Theoretical classes that can be either fully or partially virtual, and are completed with on-site practical sessions combining the advantages of a physical class and that of a virtual classroom environment.
Additional Training
VFR pilot to IFR pilot
The VFR pilot to IFR pilot course is intended for non-IR qualified pilots who would like to acquire the basic knowledge
and skills needed to safely conduct a complete flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) using their own
operating procedures. At the end of the course, the pilot will be able to prepare and safely conduct a complete flight in IMC.
Garmin Familiarisation
This course is designed to familiarise pilots with the Ecureuil range of avionics, Garmin G500H and G500H TXi suites, who are already type rated on Ecureuil helicopters. The practical part of this course is carried out on the helicopter or on the Garmin emulator system application.
Role Training
External Load
Initial and conversion to type (CTT) training courses for sling external load operation are available for pilots, ground staff (GS) and rear crew members (RCM).
The aim of the initial training course is to deliver mission capability when trainees are already mission capable on another type of helicopter and need to be trained on a new helicopter for the external load mission.
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) - 3 levels
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) preparation is divided into three levels.
1. NVG Pre-Entry is a day-long theory-based course that provides pilots with the foundations needed to safely pilot an aircraft with NVG.
2. NVG Level 1 is intended for pilots who would like to become proficient with NVG in familiar terrain.
3. NVG Level 2 is focused on proficiency in unfamilar terrain.
Maintenance Check Flight (Section 8)
This course is designed to give proficiency on maintenance check flights as required by Section 8 of the flight manual, focusing on normal/emergency situations, parameter check performances and piloting techniques. It includes one day of theory, and a flight or simulator session.
Refresher Training
Recurrent Emergency (classroom ground refresher & FSTD refresher)
A tailored programme that brings the customer’s operational expertise up to date and checks and renews their type rating in accordance with the licence proficiency check (LPC). The level of skills to be acquired is defined with the customer.
Safety Boost Module
Safety Boost Module
The aim of the Safety Boost Module course is to enhance flight safety by reducing accident rates caused by poor visual conditions during flight. The course combines a refresher of the IIMC initial training part of the course, which is usually covered in a PPL or CPL(H) course, and an understanding of the causes of vortex.
