Helicopter training service provider Coptersafety has received certificates issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its current Airbus H145 and two Leonardo AW139 full-flight simulators (FFS).
According to CAAC’s evaluation, Coptersafety’s simulators comply with level D requirements of CCAR-60 (China Civil Aviation Regulations Part 60). Level D is the highest certification level.
In practice, this means civil and commercial helicopter pilots operating in China can now be trained at Coptersafety’s training base in Finland.
“I look forward to cooperating with helicopter operators from China and want to wish their pilots [a] warm welcome,” said Timo Honkavaara, chief operating officer, Coptersafety. “Our geographical position next to Helsinki Airport, with excellent direct flight connections to several Chinese cities, will undoubtedly be a pleasant advantage.”
Responding to fast-growing demand in the Chinese helicopter market
The Chinese civil and commercial helicopter market is growing fast. It is estimated that from 2018 to 2037 the greatest demand of pilots worldwide, including helicopter pilots, will be in the Asia-Pacific region. Half of the demand is expected to come from China, where economic growth continues, and wealth levels keep rising. These trends contribute to more people traveling and the business aviation sector, including helicopters, to expand.
“This certification marks an important milestone for our whole training base,” said Mikko Dahlman, CEO, Coptersafety. “Our vision is to improve the safety of helicopter operations worldwide. The CAAC certificates enable us to live up to our vision to improve the safety of helicopter operations, now also in the Chinese market where there is an increasing demand to train rotary-wing pilots.
“We have about 40 skilled professionals, including more than 20 excellent flight instructors. They all play a part in helping us exceed the industry standards worldwide.”
Operating from its new 4,500-square-meter facility, taken into use in October 2017, Coptersafety now provides simulator training services for AW139 and H145 pilots worldwide. All Coptersafety’s current simulators have previously received corresponding certificates also by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
