UK-based helicopter training academy Helicentre Aviation has received approval from the UK CAA to deliver integrated training for the Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter). The first integrated course will commence later this month at the academy's Leicester airport training centre and will enable ab-initio cadets to attend full-time training for 12 months to obtain a professional licence.

The academy's track record in the delivery of modular commercial pilot training and the provision of professional helicopter pilots to industry spans almost two decades, and integrated training is a natural step. With Helicentre recently joining forces with Bristow in the implementation of a fully-sponsored Cadet Training Programme, the addition of the integrated CPL(H) provides an alternative route into careers like offshore oil and gas which is cost and time-efficient.

Helicentre Aviation trains ab-initio pilots using a large owned and operated fleet of single-engine piston Cabri G2 and Robinson R44 helicopters. The addition of the integrated approval has created additional employment opportunities for ground and flight instructors and expansion plans are already underway to enhance the academy's training facilities.

The start date and selection process for the 2020 integrated CPL(H) course will be announced at Pilot Careers Live which will take place at the Sofitel, Heathrow T5 on 1 and 2 November 2019. The Helicentre Aviation team will be joined there by global operator Bristow Helicopters to speak to future pilots about helicopter training and employment opportunities.