Story ID: 
Helicopter Training Network Launches in Europe
By: Mark Huber
Caption: European helicopter schools join forces to offer more diverse, specialized training. 
Word Count: 182
Ten European flight schools have combined to launch the first European network of independent helicopter academies. Founding members of the Leading Helicopter Academies of Europe (LHA) are European Helicopter Center (Norway), Heli Austria Flight Academy, Helibravo (Portugal), HeliCentre (Netherlands), Heli-flight (Germany), Helicopter Groundschool (Belgium), LION Helicopters (Czech Republic), Mountainflyers (Switzerland), Pole-Air (France), and Superior Air (Greece).

LHA’s combined resources include a fleet of 150 helicopters, 80 flight instructors, and 22 bases throughout Europe providing more than 16,000 hours of training annually. More than 3,000 helicopter pilots already have been trained by LHA members, who offer training in all types of terrain and weather conditions, for diverse ratings, roles, and missions. All LHA members are EASA Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) or recognized providers of advanced and specialized training services.

“Working together, we can now across the board offer training for all aspects of helicopter flight. It is first and foremost our students and customers who benefit from this, thanks to our joint experience, exchange, and safety practices,” said Anette Haldorsen, the LHA spokesperson and CEO of European Helicopter Center in Norway.