One of the most challenging aspects of operating a flying business is keeping track of the paperwork. Business owners have to document the aircrew’s training, qualifications, and certifications, and make sure that the business complies with FAA requirements.
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is partnering with the Helicopter Institute of Fort Worth, Texas, to make these tasks easier with the new HAI Flight Training and Checking Program. Members can choose to have the Helicopter Institute manage all aspects or one part of the business as needed.
“We make it as easy as possible,” says Randy Rowles, owner of Helicopter Institute and member of the HAI Board of Directors. “The program is customizable across multiple pilots, aircraft types, and missions. One contract covers everything.”
According to Rowles, because the program is approved and accepted by insurance underwriters, it can streamline flight training, checking, and an annual insurance review into one event, dramatically reducing the time operators spend on compliance.
The Helicopter Association International is a professional trade association for the global helicopter industry representing more than 1,100 companies and over 16,000 industry professionals in more than 65 countries. The HAI member-exclusive program includes a special member discount and meets FAA OpSpec A031 requirements for third-party contract training and checking.
Helicopter Institute experts are able to oversee all training and evaluations, as well as scheduling, tracking, and verifying pilot proficiency and competency.
Helicopter Institute also offers training and testing services at the member’s location or at Helicopter Institute’s training center in Texas. HAI members also have access to Helicopter Institute’s rotorcraft fleet, which includes aircraft from Bell 206 family, such as the JetRanger and LongRanger; Bell 407 GX, GXP, GXi, GT, and HP versions, Bell 505 Jet Ranger X; Airbus AS350/H125; MD Helicopters MD500 series; and the Robinson R44. The aircraft are available for training and check rides, and Helicopter Institute can provide ground and flight instruction and make available traveling designated pilot examiners (DPEs) for check rides under both Part 61 and Part 141.
“With the new HAI Flight Training and Checking Program, members can keep their aircrews flying. They will not be grounded waiting for a check ride or because a pilot does not have the proper type rating or missed recurrent training,” says James Viola, president and CEO of HAI. “It really is a fast pass through all things training and checking.”
