Several million euros have been invested in the construction project. The expansion of the facilities for practical aviation training and for training units of the German armed forces also offers room for a segment of an Airbus A310 airframe, an EC135, three BO105s and several aircraft parts.
The academy can currently provide training to up to 350 trainees at one time. "The aim is to strengthen this capacity in the coming years with the new building and offer additional attractive courses for the German armed forces and civil aviation customers," explained Detlef Ehrig, head of the Training Academy, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. "In connection with the expansion project, additional training areas have been created on site and in future it will be possible to provide instruction in aviation technology with a stronger trainee- and problem-oriented approach."
"In the new facilities created with the expansion of our Training Academy, we can now offer one of the most comprehensive training programs for the helicopter industry in Europe," stated Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. "The competitiveness of the German training center will also create additional potential for international training projects in the industry."
The expanded center of excellence for basic aviation training is fully aligned with Eurocopter's strategy. Stronger focus will be placed on international aspects of a customer-oriented and comprehensive service offering. As a leading helicopter manufacturer, the company will include the basic training of technical and flying personnel as a permanent component in the range of services it offers. Up to now Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH has mainly concentrated on the local market for its customer base, both in the airplane as well as in the helicopter sector, but from now efforts to strengthen the international dimension of its training activities will be stepped up. Initial talks about possible partnerships are already being conducted in the existing international network with China, Malaysia and the Middle East.
The spectrum of activities offered by the Eurocopter Training Academy
The integrated Training Academy of Eurocopter Training Services is unique in combining the technical expertise of all the specialized sectors of a world-leading aviation group. Since its early days in 1970, the Kassel Training Academy has developed into one of Germany's biggest providers of basic training in the aviation field and is approved by EASA.
Companies in the aviation industry along with their maintenance operations, in addition to airlines, military agencies, government institutions, federal and state police forces and a very wide range of small and medium-size companies, all draw on the broad spectrum of training covered by the academy's specialist portfolio. What's more, as a trusted partner, Eurocopter supports the German armed forces in the training of its technical personnel in civilian trades and occupations. This ranges from training aircraft mechanics and electronic technicians for aviation systems to training for the industrial foreman qualification in aviation technology. Special attention is given to the integration of EASA-certified training, such as the Certifying Staff CAT A or CAT B1 (EASA job titles).
Eurocopter training, the key to safety and efficiency
With 19 training centers throughout the world, Eurocopter is actively pursuing its strategy of deploying simulators worldwide to improve flight safety, reduce training costs and maximize training opportunities for the benefit of its customers. Flight simulators are capable of simulating the toughest and most complex missions in complete safety regardless of aircraft availability, thus making them an appropriate, cost-effective and attractive training solution. Training provided by Eurocopter is certified in accordance with the requirements of EASA, FAA and other national aviation authorities such as CAAS, CAAC, TCCA, ANAC, and CASA.