Norway's European Helicopter Center (EHC) has invested in an EC135T2+ helicopter with a glass cockpit.

“It was time to acquire a newer helicopter with updated instruments, rather than analogue,” says CEO Anette Kruhaug Haldorsen. “In addition, all academies who conduct instrument training need to provide training for PBN when flying under IMC. With an EC135, we have a bigger market and will reach more people or companies for training instruments with a more advanced but correct training helicopter. It is a great machine – the students love it.”

As one of Europe's largest helicopter schools, EHC has 23 approved training courses, from initial licenses, both modular and integrated courses, type ratings, instructor courses, MCC and instrument courses. It offers everything under the same roof: simulator, accommodation, classrooms, administration and helicopters.

“We have conducted IR(H)ME training for years, but this is the first time we are introducing the EC135T2+ into our family,” continues Haldorsen. “Hopefully, we get more of these in the near future. For those who knows the EC135, there is many future possibilities for training and with the right equipment and contracts, we will adapt into what ever the market needs. EHC has a lot of integrated and modular students for the IR(H)ME course. The EC135 will be a more attractive helicopter of choice for companies world wide. We are ready to sign contracts for long term relationships.

“Despite COVID, we have managed to keep all operations running, and are looking forward to start building relationships with international costumers once again. We are continuing to improve our fleet, with the EC135 mentioned, and also upgrading from R22 to R44 for school flying.

EHC is a leading North European helicopter flight academy. All its employees are highly educated and its experienced instructors offer students excellent training under challenging Norwegian conditions. EHC is among the main providers of pilots to the offshore helicopter operators. Since the beginning of the 1990s, it has trained approximately 800 helicopter pilots for the international market.