AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the “Alessandro Marchetti” Training Academy headquartered in Sesto Calende (Italy) has been awarded Flight Training Organisation (FTO) certification by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority). Becoming a FTO in accordance with JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) standards will enable AgustaWestland to further expand its range of training solutions, to now include basic training courses for pilots.

As a FTO the Training Academy will be able to supply Private Pilot Licence (PPL(H)/Night Qualification) courses and instrument ratings on multi-engine helicopters (MEIR(H)) through to commercial pilot licences with instrument ratings (CPL(H)/IR – ATP(H)).

Trainees will be offered comprehensive packages consisting of classroom led instruction, use of advanced training devices such as a flight navigation procedural trainer and flight simulators. Flying will be conducted on single engine AB206 helicopters and twin engine AW109 Power helicopters. Courses will be delivered in Sesto Calende while flight activities will take place at AgustaWestland’s nearby Vergiate plant.

Achieving this certification will allow AgustaWestland to further enhance its level of training services to serve its growing customer base worldwide, particularly to support new markets and help operators start new services and business opportunities. AgustaWestland provides the widest range of helicopter training services utilising the most advanced training aids at its training academies located in Italy and the UK and full flight simulator training through its Rotorsim joint venture facilities located in Italy and USA.

The company enjoys an enviable track record in successfully training both commercial and military pilots and maintainers from all over the world. Training programmes are tailored to meet a customer’s individual needs and operational requirements using established analytical processes.