Press Release

Issued by Aviation Australia.

June 25, 2017

Making its mark in the aviation industry, AgustaWestland 139 helicopter training has officially commenced in Brisbane, Australia. The first B1.3 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approved course began on 5 June, conducted by active industry engineers from HeliTSA and in partnership with Aviation Australia.

“The training has been developed to meet the increasing demand for the courses nationally and internationally, creating a cost-effective and innovative means to train AW139 engineers,” said Paul Jones, Aviation Australia business development manager.

Founders of HeliTSA and active industry engineers, Troy Johnson and Pep Sayabath chose to deliver the training after noticing areas for improvement on their own pursuit to undertake AW139 maintenance training.

“We started the company because we saw a hole in the market – no one was delivering helicopter training in Australia or the Asia-Pacific region and we saw a gap to be filled,” said Troy Johnson, HeliTSA co-founder and engine/airframe instructor.

“The AW139 is a new generation of helicopter and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular medium-lift helicopters in the industry. We believe if you study the AW139, it will help your future employment.”

The courses involve outstanding practical knowledge and highly innovative training methods, including the use of LifeFlight's CASA and EASA approved Thales AW139 CAT D simulator. Use of the simulator has already proven to be a highlight for current students.

“Conducting practical training in the simulator has allowed us to put what we have learnt in the classroom into action. Seeing how it all came together was like flicking a switch,” shared Simon Faulkner, current AW139 B1.3 student. “I'm about to start work in the Middle East, so I'll be able to work on the aircraft and apply my knowledge over there.”

Opening up a world of opportunities for students across the globe, the AW139 courses allow international students to receive high quality training within an innovative environment, whilst also experiencing the fantastic Australian lifestyle.

Upcoming courses are accepting enrolments now:

- B1.3 Mechanical TBA Brisbane

- B2 Avionics 04 September 2017 Brisbane (Enrol now – early bird special still available!)

- B1.3 Exclusion Removal (E1, E4, E5) TBA Brisbane

In line with the CASA CASR framework and in addition to the theory and practical on course offerings; Aviation Australia and HeliTSA will be offering CASR Part 147 approved on-the-job training (OJT) pathways for engineers seeking their initial rating, or for removing exclusions from an already granted AW139 rating.