Eurocopter is expanding training services for its North Sea oil and gas clients in Scotland. The company intends to operate its first U.K.-based EC225 Flight Training Device (FTD) in Aberdeen through its fully-owned subsidiary, Eurocopter U.K. Ltd, starting in 2010.

"This initiative forms part of a more general widening of Eurocopter U.K.'s footprint and capabilities," says ceo Lutz Bertling. "Having so far operated in England, Wales and Ireland, Eurocopter U.K. is now also reinforcing its policy of service proximity to customers in Scotland."

The FTD will be qualified to JAR FSTD level 3 standards but will also include OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) data pack and flight loop. "Our customers have been telling us they need easier access to training, notably to FTDs," Bertling says. "Eurocopter wants to provide low-cost alternatives to real flight in locations that are currently far from existing simulators. FTDs must be in the right place at the right price and this is just the first step in Scotland."

Separately an EC135 FTD in Donauworth, Germany, becomes operational later this year.