A new facility, more instructors and aircraft, and new AS350 training course are the first in a series of improvements and expanded offerings at Western Helicopters Inc., a helicopter service and specialty training provider.

In addition to its recent move from Rialto to the Riverside, Calif., Municipal Airport, Western Helicopters now has access to eight additional training helicopters, two more instructors, new management, and expanded course offerings, all key elements of the company’s planned transformation, said Director of Operations Wayne Richardson.

William Cowhey and Dan Catalano, both highly experienced airborne law enforcement pilots, have joined the company as instructors, and Western’s available fleet now includes one MD 500D, MD 500E, 300C and S58T, two MD 530Fs and seven AS350s.

“We are leveraging the best of the Western legacy and making improvements to better serve our customers,” Richardson said. “We all believe that no matter how good you are, you can always get better. We’re working hard to make that happen.”

Long considered the training company of choice for airborne law enforcers, Western Helicopters is renowned for its highly advanced specialty training designed to prepare pilots for everything from mountain flying and precision long line to complex utility work. Primary flight training for private and commercial pilots and flight instructors is also available. Operational services include environmental surveys, utility, charter, aerial photography, and more.

“Great training is the foundation of safe, expert operations,” Richardson said. “This is what has always distinguished Western Helicopters, and why we have sustained our reputation as the industry’s provider of choice.”

Western Helicopters was established 50 years ago and its client roster reads like a “Who’s Who” in airborne law enforcement, government, and commercial enterprise.

Customers and news media may meet the team and learn more during the ALEA Expo 2014, July 16-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. (Booth 944).