Eurocopter Southern Africa – Training School

Further to the goal of Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (ESAL) to be recognised as the industry reference in customer support, the decision was taken to expand our services to include technician training on Eurocopter range of light helicopters. In doing so ESAL will ensure that maintenance personnel are continuously trained and thus empower the aviation industry to render maintenance capabilities to all Eurocopter operators and helicopter owners.

During the beginning of 2007, ESAL extended its training capabilities to include technician type courses on EC120, AS350 and EC130 helicopters. This was made possible by means of qualifying two engineers as mechanical instructors at the Eurocopter (EC) training centre in Marignane – France. Subsequently, ESAL was approved by the SA Civil Aviation Authority to conduct type training under ATTC 0025.

The training syllabus and all related material is developed and provided by EC. In adopting this approach ESAL is in a position to ensure that the training meets international aviation standards and no compromise on quality or level of service can exist.

To date, ESAL presented courses both locally and internationally. As such two AS350 B3 + mechanical training courses were presented at the ESAL Training Centre located at LanseriaAirport. In addition, three courses were presented abroad, two in Botswana and one in Kenya. Additional courses in both SA and Kenya are anticipated for the remainder of 2008. The overall success rate of technicians enrolled on the course is above average which is considered acceptable in view of different levels of experience on these types of helicopters.

ESAL intends to present additional courses in the future and anticipates extending the training further to include bi-annual refresher training on these types of helicopters.

EUROCOPTER 2007 - Training School