Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Security

CHC Helicopter invests in SAR VR training

CHC Helicopter today announced it has successfully completed a trial collaboration with Priority 1 Air Rescue to deliver Virtual Reality (VR) training for its Search and Rescue (SAR) technical crew members.

Image courtesy CHC

The trial involved winch operators from CHC’s operations in Ireland.
 
With the trial successfully completed, CHC will roll out Priority 1’s VR training for all new Winch Operators – starting in Ireland, with a view to it being adopted in other markets worldwide. The investment demonstrates CHC’s aim to deliver industry leading safety standards.
 
Adopting next generation VR simulations for training enables CHC’s technical crew members to prepare and practice emergency procedures for a variety of challenging SAR events in a safe, controlled and realistic environment; including procedures that couldn’t be practiced in a live aircraft. This innovative method is the first of its kind to be accepted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), representing a unique development in the provision of safe, effective and reliable helicopter services globally.

Advertisement
ODU RT


 
Guided by third party experts at Priority 1’s training facility, CHC’s technical crews can perform and redo winch operation procedures in mock cabins and a range of weather conditions until perfected. They can also practice for emerging sectors in a realistic way, such as supporting Offshore Wind platforms.


 
Dennis Groeneveld, Director Flight Standards, CHC, said: “Safety is at the heart of CHC’s global operations. Our mission is to keep our people and passengers safe as we travel to remote and challenging destinations. We are delighted with how the trial performed and are excited to roll the programme out more widely.

“Our technical crews must be properly prepared to perform emergency procedures and deal with challenging circumstances. This ground-breaking partnership with Priority 1 allows our crew members to repeatedly practice managing complex situations in a realistic but safe environment, ensuring they are fully equipped to act quickly and effectively in real world SAR events.”
 
Steve Barreau, Chief Operating Officer Priority 1 Air Rescue France, added: “Our SAR training courses have been developed and designed with industry partners to equip them with the skills and abilities to perform optimally in any circumstances. Our Advanced Aircrew Mission Simulators (AAMS) are perfect for this type of realistic Search and Rescue training and particularly for events that can't be practised in reality. It has been fantastic to see CHC Ireland crews making full use of our facilities to further their skills and practice complex procedures.”
 
Implementing this new form of VR training also supports CHC’s sustainability commitments by allowing training to be completed in a reduced time period of just eight weeks, compared to the industry standard of nine months.  
 

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Stansted reports record-breaking February

Aerospace

Stansted reports record-breaking February

11 March 2025

The half-term school holidays helped London Stansted report its busiest ever February as families and holidaymakers took to the skies in record numbers.

Heathrow sees continued demand growth

Aerospace

Heathrow sees continued demand growth

11 March 2025

A surge in transatlantic passengers has led to Heathrow serving more than 5.7 million passengers in February, including a 7% increase in traffic to the USA and Canada.

Manchester Airport has its best February on record

Aerospace

Manchester Airport has its best February on record

11 March 2025

Manchester Airport recorded more than two million passengers in February for the first time in its history.

Muirhead debuts seat cover designs for blind and visually impaired passengers

Aerospace Events

Muirhead debuts seat cover designs for blind and visually impaired passengers

11 March 2025

Scottish Leather Group business Muirhead, today unveiled its newest people-first design concept, which seeks to improve accessibility for blind and visually impaired travellers.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson Aero Seating launches VantageNOVA First

Aerospace Events

Thompson Aero Seating launches VantageNOVA First

11 March 2025

Thompson Aero Seating will be officially launching its new VantageNOVA First at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025, 8th-10th April, Hamburg Messe.

AMD partners with Huntsman on carbon nanotube enhanced composites

Aerospace Defence

AMD partners with Huntsman on carbon nanotube enhanced composites

10 March 2025

Huntsman Corporation and Advanced Material Development Ltd (AMD), are to collaborate through a strategic relationship aimed at developing carbon nanotube-integrated functional composite materials in the US.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT