Eurocopter Chile and Eurocopter Cono Sur, subsidiaries of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, announced during FIDAE 2010 the contract signatures for the purchase of 7 helicopters and the delivery of 5 aircraft to several para public and private operators from Argentina and Chile. In addition, Eurocopter’s training centre for pilots and technical representatives from the South Cone was officially certified by the Aviation Authority of Chile (DGAC). This centre is the only Eurocopter approved training centre in the South Cone of Latin America.

During FIDAE air show, Eurocopter Chile and Eurocopter Cono Sur signed contracts with several para public and private operators from Argentina : the Provincia de Córdoba for one EC135 for passengers transport and rescue missions and one AS350 B3, the Provincia de la Rioja for one AS350 B3 for rescue and fire fighting missions, the Policía Federal de Argentina (PFA) for 1 EC135 for law enforcement missions, the Provincia de Misiones for one EC130 B4 for rescue missions and passengers transport and one EC120 for a private customer. Eurocopter Chile signed a contract with Ecocopter for an additional AS350 B3 for commercial operations. Moreover, 4 AS350 B3 for border patrol and traffic control missions were delivered to the Gendarmería Nacional Argentina (GNA) and one EC135 for law enforcement missions to the PFA.

The official certification of by the Aviation Authority of Chile (DGAC) of Eurocopter’s training centre for pilots and technical representatives from the South Cone was also announced.

Henri Pesquidous, CEO of Eurocopter Chile and Eurocopter Cono Sur, declared on that occasion: “We are particularly proud to receive the official certification from the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil of Chile for our training centre. It demonstrates the trust placed by the DGAC in Eurocopter’s ability to meet the needs of its customers in terms of training”.

Among the courses that are available for pilots at the training centre, there is initial and recurrent training on EC120, AS350 B3, AS355 NP, EC130 B4 helicopters as well as courses on emergency procedures. Technical representatives receive initial and recurrent training on EC120, AS350 B3, AS355 NP, EC130 B4, EC135, BK117 and BO105 helicopters. In 2009, 26 pilots and 58 technical representatives were trained in our centre.

The training centre is equipped with the latest available instruction tools such as the Interactive Software CAI and benefits from the expertise of our well-qualified instructors for pilots and technical representatives. Our customers are given the possibility to take classes in our facilities in Chile our in any Eurocopter training centre around the world, by a system of course credit.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.