Brisbane, Australia-based CASA and EASA approved Part 147 rotary maintenance type training provider HeliTSA is launching a combined Bell 212 and 412 series type course in May in response to renewed demand for this aircraft for firefighting, emergency medical services and search and rescue operations.

“We had so many people enquiring about this training that we saw a clear need for this course in-country,” says director and training manager Pep Sayabath. “Once we had developed the training materials, the first course sold out instantly to those who had previously enquired without any promotion."

The combined course is the only Bell 212 and 412 series type training course in Australia. It's also one of just a few courses worldwide offering the two type ratings.

“Our analysis of the aircraft revealed a number of similarities across the systems in the Bell 212 and 412 series, so it made sense to combine the training into a single course,” adds Sayabath. “The course allows participants to understand the evolution of the aircraft and the similarities and differences between the serial numbers in the fleet. It is also far more time and cost effective compared with doing two separate courses or a bridging course.”

Those who sit the course will learn how to maintain the entire series, an advantage for operators building a skilled workforce and also for engineers seeking to maximise their employment opportunities. The course is approved by CASA and EASA, with participants attaining Bell 212 and Bell 412 series type ratings, including the latest EPI type rating.

Bell 212 and 412 series training is the latest in HeliTSA's growing suite of courses, which includes AW139 and S-92 type training, and T53 and RR250 series engine training.