Aviation technology and services group Cobham (Booth 5124) has launched a new rotorcraft training academy in the UK. The Cobham Helicopter Academy will provide multiple levels of training from ab initio level upwards and will include specialist skills for search and rescue missions, as well as tactical and commercial operations. It expects to serve operators in the following sectors: government agencies, military, emergency services, coast guard, manufacturers and oil and gas companies.

“Cobham has been providing ab initio training, specialist flight training and engineer and support training to helicopter pilots, crew and engineers since 1997,” explained Duncan Milne, Cobham Helicopter Services vice president. “Our instructors are among the best in the world—they are all British ex-military—with considerable operational experience gained from the same demanding conditions that students may one day find themselves operating in. So whether they’re effecting a rescue in an urban conflict zone, or delivering essential maintenance equipment and crew to a remote wind turbine site, our training makes sure they have the outstanding airmanship, captaincy, judgment and risk analysis they need to get the job done safely.”

Cobham is approved by both the UK Royal Air Force Central Flying School and the European Aviation Safety Agency. The new academy will give it scope to provide training for a wider variety of operators.