Finnish helicopter training service provider Coptersafety has received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its Airbus H145 and two Leonardo AW139 full-flight simulators. According to CAAC's evaluation, Coptersafety's simulators comply with the Level D requirements of China Civil Aviation Regulations Part 60. Level D is the highest certification level.

The development means that civil and commercial helicopter pilots operating in China can now be trained at Coptersafety's training base in Helsinki.

“I look forward to cooperating with helicopter operators from China and want to wish their pilots a warm welcome," says COO Timo Honkavaara. "Our geographical position next to Helsinki airport, with excellent direct flight connections to several Chinese cities, will undoubtedly be a pleasant advantage."

According to Boeing's Pilot Outlook, it is estimated that from 2018 to 2037 the greatest demand for pilots worldwide, including helicopter pilots, will come from the Asia Pacific region. Half of this demand is expected to be from China, where economic growth continues, and wealth levels keep rising. These trends contribute to more people travelling and the business aviation sector, including helicopters, to expand.

“This certification marks an important milestone for our whole training base,” says Coptersafety CEO Mikko Dahlman. “Our vision is to improve the safety of helicopter operations worldwide. The CAAC certificates enable us to live up to our vision of improving the safety of helicopter operations, now also in the Chinese market where there is an increasing need to train rotary wing pilots. We have about 40 skilled professionals, including more than 20 excellent flight instructors. They all play a part in helping us exceed the industry standards worldwide.”

Operating from its 4,500 sqm facility, which opened in October 2017, Coptersafety now provides simulator training services for AW139 and H145 pilots worldwide. All Coptersafety's current simulators have previously received corresponding certificates from EASA.