Helicentre Aviation Ltd. has become the second UK Flight Training Organisation to gain CAA approval to deliver the Guimbal Cabri G2 type rating as well as their full range of professional courses on the new type. The approval coincides with the arrival of the second Cabri G2 to be added to the UK register, collected last week by two of the company’s pilots from UK distributor Cotswold Helicopter Centre. The two companies are working closely to promote what they believe to be the way forward in next generation, safe, reliable and cost-effective professional helicopter training.

G-CHAG (serial number 1035), is based at Helicentre Aviation’s training facility at Leicester Airport and is available for PPL(H), CPL(H) and Flight Instructor training as well as type rating courses. Captain Sarah Bowen says the response to the arrival of the new training platform has been immense. “Operating the Cabri G2 means we can offer our student career pilots the most diverse range of training options. They now have a choice of three different two-seat piston helicopters including the Robinson R22 and Schweizer 300” she remarked. “As future instructors, gaining experience on the most widely operated helicopters types world-wide is going to prove invaluable to these pilots – it will open doors to greater work opportunities and provide a solid future in the helicopter industry”.

Helicentre Aviation is pleased to announce they will be extending their CPL(H) and FI(H) scholarship criteria to include pilots opting to train on the Cabri G2, so anybody completing their PPL(H) or CPL(H) course before 31st March 2013 can apply for the award. The company will be holding an open day on Saturday 8th September for a chance to speak to instructors and staff about training, scholarships and career opportunities. Cabri G2 training flights will also be available on the day, and weather permitting, Cotswold Helicopter Centre will be joining Helicentre Aviation at the open day with G-UIMB so that both UK registered Cabri G2 helicopters will be available to fly. Anybody wishing to attend the open day should register via the website at www.flyheli.co.uk