The shortage of pilots, something that, like Christmas, is always coming, is finally here. Some operators are finding it not only hard to expand to meet demand but even fulfil their existing commitments. Bristow’s UK operation has, for the last five years, confronted the problem head-on with its Cadet Training programme. It has just opened applications for the 2023 intake. This year the programme, run in association with Helicentre Aviation, invites candidates with minimal flying experience to apply for one of the four Integrated CPL(H)/ME/IR scholarships. On successful completion of the course, cadets will join the company for further type and operational training before joining the company’s S-92 fleet flying as first officers (FO) on North Sea Operations.
In addition to the four ab initio scholarships, the company is also offering two Instrument Rating (IR) scholarships to pilots who already hold a CPL(H) and have 70 hours of pilot in command time (PIC) and have passed the theory exams for the ATPL(H). Like the ab initio cadets, the IR students will be offered further type and operational training before joining the S-92 fleet at Aberdeen as FOs.
Selection for the Cadet sponsorship is expected to be confirmed in April ahead of training commencing in May at Helicentre Aviation’s training centre at Leicester Airport.
