CHC Group has launched a helicopter hoist training facility at its Den Helder, Netherlands base that is certified to train offshore workers, SAR hoist operators, and technical crewmembers in on- and offshore hoist operations. The facility has been designed to resemble a Leonardo Helicopters AW139 cabin and can also be used to simulate helicopter hoist operations (HHO) conditions from an AW169.

The one-day HHO course, with an optional second day on the aircraft, is designed to offer theory and practice to between four to six candidates. Feedback from launch customers, including a major global oil-and-gas operator, has been positive, according to CHC.

CHC recently won its first dedicated hoist contract with Eneco, one of the largest producers and suppliers of natural gas, electricity, and heat in the Netherlands. The contract will be supported by Leonardo AW139s from CHS's Den Helder base. CHC crews will hoist Eneco’s staff, who are already trained and experienced in being hoisted, on to platforms to maintain and service the masts within the Princess Amalia and Luchterduinen wind farms, located off the Dutch coastline in the Southern North Sea. Den Helder base manager Jan Lalkens said the contract is part of the company’s long-term strategy to “broaden our range of services to the energy market and continue to expand our renewables service.“