8 March 2016
Leicester-based flight training company Helicentre is expanding into the US. It is opening a new facility in central Florida this summer to offer hour-building initially on Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters.
At last week’s HAI Heli-Expo, Helicentre Aviation Chairman Chris Line agreed plans to partner with Precision Helicopters, the US Guimbal distributor. Precision will support Helicentre’s operation with parts and maintenance.
“This has been a very successful trip and we now have all of the logistics agreed to begin operating very soon,” said Line. “I am very much looking forward to working with David and his team at Precision. They have very quickly become the centre of excellence and expertise for the Guimbal product in the US. Their support will be crucial for us to expand our UK success in operating the Cabri G2 into the States.”
Helicengre’s first US based Cabri G2, painted in the company’s colours, is scheduled for delivery in late April.
“Initially the facility will be used to accommodate students on modular professional courses, including our BSc (Hons) degree,” said Line. “The primary activity will be hour building, which will will alleviate the pressure on our UK facility. Students will have the opportunity to broaden their experience with better continuity in the hour-building stages of their programme, especially during the UK winter.”
Plans to expand the Florida operation include EASA flight training as part of the Academy’s existing ATO approval, as well as becoming an FAA Part 141 training facility. The fleet will consist mainly of Cabri G2s.
