AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Priority 1 Air Rescue for the delivery of helicopter rear crew training courses to AgustaWestland customers. The agreement was signed today at Heli Expo 2012 in Dallas by John Ponsonby, Senior VP Training, AgustaWestland and Brad Matheson, President of Priority 1 Air Rescue.

Priority 1 Air Rescue will deliver basic and advanced modular training courses for, amongst others, inland hoist rescue, over-water hoist rescue, high-rise rescue, external load lifting and roping/abseiling.  All courses will be approved by AgustaWestland and completed either using customer’s aircraft at the customer’s location or at an AgustaWestland Training Facility. Preparatory distance learning packages will be provided prior to delivery if required.

The increased training capability afforded through this agreement enhances AgustaWestland’s enviable track record in successfully training both commercial and military aircrew from all over the world. Training programmes are tailored to meet a customer’s individual needs and operational requirements using established analytical processes. Training solutions and services are designed, developed and delivered through the entire lifecycle of the product to meet the demands of long-term operational support.

Priority 1 Air Rescue provides training to the requirements of Transport Canada and FAA compliant Part 133 Class D Human External Cargo (HEC)  to customers around the globe. Satisfied customers include fire & rescue services, SAR teams, aviation industry personnel, co-responding or supporting helicopter emergency response agencies, Commercial Part 135 Operators, law enforcement agencies, military units, and energy producers including the oil & gas industry. They also provide customers with complete turn-key SAR solutions such as aircraft SAR configuration assessments and consulting, qualified SAR aircrew staffing for Part 135 Operators, and quality SAR equipment.

John Ponsonby, Senior VP Training, AgustaWestland, said ‘This Agreement consolidates our strong relationship with Priority 1 who have already supported AgustaWestland in successful operational training programmes for international customers. It marks another step in our drive towards providing all our customers with comprehensive operational and mission training’

Brad Matheson, President of Priority 1 Air Rescue. said “Priority 1 Air Rescue is very honoured to partner with AgustaWestland on this agreement. The demand for helicopter SAR and Special Operations mission support around the world is growing, and as well is the associated training requirements for both for the pilots and the rear crew to support these vital missions. AgustaWestland offers a broad range of helicopters that are particularly well suited to perform multi-mission roles, working together with AgustaWestland this unique and specialised capability will now be enhanced providing customers all the associated benefits of greater continuity and seamless integration on a global basis.”

He added “Through research & development, experience and innovation, Priority 1 Air Rescue strive to improve safety, efficiency and standardization of specialized helicopter rescue equipment, operations and training all while continuing to meet the unique demands of air rescue services and special air operations training around the world.”