Will Offer Everything From Basic Pilot Training To Advanced
Operations
AgustaWestland cut the ribbon on its Operational Flying
Training Center (OFTC) located at Newquay Cornwall Airport in South
West England Wednesday. The opening ceremony was attended by
representatives from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund)
Convergence Program, South West Regional Development Agency,
Cornwall Council, Newquay Council and Newquay Cornwall Airport.
The opening of the OFTC enhances AgustaWestland's helicopter
training capabilities and allows it to offer a complete range of
training services to its customers, from basic helicopter pilot
training through to advanced operational helicopter flying
training. The OFTC will also deliver a range of training courses
for rear crew including rescue winch, medical and mission
training.
Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland said at the
opening "We are already seeing strong interest from military and
public service helicopter operators around the world for the
operational flying training services this new facility can deliver.
The AgustaWestland Operational Flying Training Center, here at
Newquay Cornwall Airport, is not only bringing new highly skilled
jobs to Cornwall but it will also benefit local businesses and
become known around the world as a center of training
excellence."
In support of its objectives to promote employment and economic
growth the ERDF Convergence Program has provided $461,000 of
investment towards the establishment of the OFTC at Newquay
Cornwall Airport. The South West of England Regional Development
Agency and Cornwall Council have also supported the project.
Newquay Town Mayor John Fitter Cuts
Ribbon At OFTC
The OFTC will initially employ approximately 30 highly skilled
staff including 13 aircrew instructors, all of which have recent
military operational flying experience, and 12 aircraft
technicians. The OFTC will utilize modern twin engine AW109 Power
and AW139 helicopters to provide training as well as customer's
aircraft for advanced and conversion to type training.
The facility at Newquay Cornwall airport includes a 30,000 sq.
ft. hangar, capable of accommodating six large helicopters, as well
as briefing rooms, computer based training classrooms, operations
room, engineering support facilities, spares stores and
administration offices. The OFTC will initially be capable of
training up to 50 personnel while plans to expand this capability
are already underway to meet potential future demand from
AgustaWestland's customers.