Midlands, UK-based ATO Helicentre Aviation Academy has launched a two-day EASA Helicopter Flight Instructor refresher seminar, the first of which is due to take place on 23 and 24 May 2018.

The seminars will cover industry-relevant topics, regulatory developments and best practices to improve safety awareness and standardisation in the helicopter training environment.

Helicentre has also opened its 2019 UK EASA Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarship Programme and is now accepting applications for the CPL and Flight Instructor certificate.

The programme, now in its seventh year, was created to meet growing demand for suitably qualified helicopter pilots. Previous scholarship winners have been fully or part-funded through their training and have been given career opportunities leading to full-time employment in utility and HEMS roles as well as other sectors.

"We are constantly recruiting flight instructors because pilots gain experience and move up so quickly," says MD Sarah Bowen. "Becoming a pilot is not just about flying skill though. Our programme has allowed us to identify and invest in stand-out individuals, fast-tracking them through training and into their first job. Through our scholarship selection process we have discovered some seriously talented and motivated individuals who have grown from newly qualified pilots into industry professionals. We couldn't be more delighted knowing they are out there living the dream they once only imagined possible."