Bristow reopens UK offshore pilot cadet program
Bristow Group has launched the third year of its UK offshore helicopter pilot cadet program in partnership with Helicentre Aviation, which aims to attract a new generation of aviators to the industry
Would-be pilots can now apply for Bristow’s latest fully funded program, which will see four cadets ultimately selected to undergo training with Helicentre at Leicester Airport.
Established in 2018, the program provides a pathway to enable cadets to graduate and transition from training straight into employment with Bristow, where they will gain type ratings and begin their career as First Officers. Graduates from previous courses, are already flying with Bristow from locations around the UK supporting commercial air transport and Search and Rescue operations.
During the program, cadets will progress from ab-initio to instrument-rated commercial pilot on an Integrated CPL(H) course, followed by the Multi-Engine IR course, spanning a total of 15 months.
Applications for the Bristow Cadet Program are now open, with selection expected to be confirmed in July, ahead of training commencing in September at Helicentre Aviation’s training centre at Leicester Airport.
Developing commercial helicopter pilots for the future
“Aviation is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the people and industries who rely on aircraft to safely travel to work and deliver vital resources in one of the harshest operating environments in aviation,” said Matt Rhodes, Director UK Oil & Gas at Bristow. “Our commitment to funding the next generation has continued for decades and our close working relationship with Helicentre has helped to not only develop commercial helicopter pilots for the future but also to make what is for many a dream job, a reality.”
Neil Ebberson, Director of UK Search and Rescue at Bristow, added: “By building on the skills learned through the cadetship, further enhanced by working in a multicrew environment, successful cadets from previous programs now play a key part in the successful operational delivery of the world-class Search and Rescue services we deliver in the UK and internationally.”
During training, the cadets will have access to Bristow’s flight simulator hall at Dyce, Aberdeen. The purpose-built center hosts three full-motion helicopter simulators which use advanced motion technology, combined with realistic visuals to replicate the experience of flying Leonardo AW189, Sikorsky S-92 and S-76 aircraft.
Clara Bullock
Clara Bullock is a writer for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue. Initially a freelance writer for publications ranging from gardening news to music magazines, she has made the transition to writing about the ins and outs of travel insurance and aeromedicine. In her spare time she reviews books on Instagram and eats pasta.