News
Eurocopter Canada delivers AS350 training aid to BCIT
December 9, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
Dec. 9, 2011, Fort Erie, Ont. - Eurocopter Canada (ECL) will continue to support the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) AME program and AME Type Course with a recent delivery of one Eurocopter AS350 training aid aircraft.
A Memorandum of Understanding between ECL and BCIT was officially signed in September 2009 at BCIT’s Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond – the facility where instructors and students have been given the opportunity to take part in Eurocopter’s intensive training program in airframe and engine maintenance.
The Eurocopter and Transport Canada-approved courses will leverage Eurocopter’s recognized technology to teach the next generation of aerospace technicians.
“With the continued support of Eurocopter Canada, including the recent delivery of the AS350, we are able to offer our students the best resources and training for future careers in the aerospace industry,” said British Colombia Institute of Technology (BCIT) president Don Wright. “Partnering with the leading helicopter manufacturer in Canada allows us to strengthen and enhance our program to benefit both our current and prospective students.”
With over 40% of Canada’s helicopters located in British Columbia, the agreement has enhanced BCIT’s specialized training by allowing students to practice maintenance tasks on the AS350 helicopter. Eurocopter provides training opportunities for BCIT instructors as well as provides course materials to BCIT’s instructors.
“At Eurocopter, we strive to engage future experts in our field by teaching best practices gained from our many years of experience in flight safety,” said Guy Joannes, president/CEO, ECL. “The AS350 is an ideal training tool to help strengthen the BCIT course curriculum and expand the growing interest in our industry amongst the students and throughout British Columbia.”
Eurocopter’s AS350 is the most commonly used aircraft for ECL training and is the most popular aircraft for utility missions in Canada. Particularly in Western Canada, the AS350 makes up for 60 per cent of ECL’s fleet.
