Two past Helicentre cadets with an Agusta AW109
Four fully-funded places on a cadet training programme for Bristow Helicopters are now open for applications for the rest of June.
The four cadets will be selected after a ‘rigorous’ selection process involving both Bristow Helicopters and Helicentre Aviation who will be training the pilots from ab-initio to commercial pilot on an Integrated CPL(H) course, ultimately obtaining a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.
At the end of the training programme, the graduates will go straight into employment with Bristow Helicopters where they will gain type ratings and begin as First Officers flying offshore over the North Sea.
Bristow is the only North Sea helicopter operator in the UK that continues to sponsor the future helicopter pilot workforce through its sponsored cadet programme.
Little and large: Helicentre’s Cabri G2 training helicopter with one of Bristow’s giant Sikorsky S-92s
Matt Rhodes, director UK Oil & Gas at Bristow, said, “Bristow has a long history of training our own pilots, and many of these cadets have progressed through the business to become management and senior training staff in the company today.
“We recognise the significant benefits of investing in new talent and this sponsorship allows many who could not traditionally afford to self-fund training, an opportunity to be trained to the highest standards.
“We have worked in close partnership with Helicentre for many years and we share the same philosophies when it comes to ensuring tomorrow’s pilots are offered the very best, operator-focused training. I look forward to seeing the high quality of applicants and watching them progress to fully qualified commercial helicopter pilots.”
Cadets training in one of the dedicated simulators at Bristow’s Aberdeen base
During training, the cadets will also have access to Bristow’s flight simulator hall at Dyce, Aberdeen. The purpose-built centre is the only facility of its kind in the UK and hosts three full-size helicopter simulators which use advanced, motion-compensation technology, combined with realistic visuals to replicate the experience of flying Leonardo AW189, Sikorsky S-92 and S-76 aircraft.
Applications for the Bristow Cadet Programme remain open throughout June 2021, with selection expected to be confirmed in August, ahead of training commencing in September at Helicentre Aviation’s training centre at Leicester Airport.
Helicentre Aviation Academy will host a series of open days and virtual seminars with Bristow to provide an opportunity for those interested to find out more about the cadet programme, visit the training centre, and speak to members of the team about the career opportunities available to aspiring pilots.
